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Olanzapine-Induced Respiratory Failure

Received June 2, 2000; accepted October 10, 2000. From the Department of Medicine E, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Hashomer, ISRAEL. Address correspondence to Dr. Mouallem, Department of Medicine E, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer 52621, ISRAEL. e-mail: mouallem{at}post.tau.ac.il

Olanzapine is considered a safe drug. However, somnolence appears in up to 39% of the patients treated with 15 mg./day of this drug. The authors describe an elderly patient with chronic lung disease who developed CO₂ narcosis and respiratory failure after treatment with olanzapine. The sedative effect of this drug was probably the cause of this life-threatening complication. The authors suggest that elderly patients with chronic lung disease who are treated with olanzapine should be carefully observed, especially during the first weeks of treatment.

Key Words: Antipsychotics • Olanzapine • Side Effects