Study Mixed On Zyprexa Use

- May 09, 2006

A recent study showed no clear evidence that Zyprexa treatment prevents or delays the onset of schizophrenia in high-risk patients. After two years of research, experts have identified both potential benefits and drawbacks to prophylactic Zyprexa use in patients who show risk factors for schizophrenia.

This study has been controversial from the outset. Critics question the idea of identifying people with risk factors for conditions like schizophrenia and treating them before they develop the condition. Researchers found it difficult to find appropriate subjects for this trial. They stopped recruiting when they found 60 patients with "prodromal" symptoms of schizophrenia.

"Prodromal" symptoms of schizophrenia were defined by this study's authors as "displaying symptoms similar to psychosis but less severe and restrain by intact insight."

This classification was supported in part by the outcome of these subjects' conditions. One year after being classified as "prodromal" 27 percent of the subjects were diagnosed with schizophrenia. After the second year, 35 percent of those subjects developed psychosis.

Another major problem with this study was its high rate of drop out. Of those 60 patients who began the study, only 17 completed the first year of the study and only 12 completed the trial. Some argue that Zyprexa side effects may have contributed to this high rate of drop out.

Weight gain was a significant issue for those subjects taking Zyprexa during this study. On average, Zyprexa users gained 19.3 pounds during the first year of treatment, compared to an average weight gain of .5 pounds in subjects taking a placebo.

Researchers did find that subjects in the Zyprexa group were at a slightly lower risk for schizophrenia than those taking a placebo. Those taking the placebo were about 2.5 times more likely to develop schizophrenia during the first treatment year, compared to those taking Zyprexa. However, researchers report that this finding is not statistically significant.

According to the trial researchers, more research is necessary to determine whether Zyprexa use should be recommended for high-risk patients. Any patient considering the use of Zyprexa should carefully weigh the drug's risk and benefits with their doctor before deciding what treatment is right.

In addition to weight gain, Zyprexa is associated with a significant risk of diabetes, suicidal thoughts, and even death in certain patient populations.

For more information on Zyprexa laws, please contact us to confer with a Zyprexa attorney.

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