Olanzapine Augmentation of Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors in Obsessive—Compulsive Disorder: An Open Study

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Abstract
Objective: This study evaluates the clinical response to olanzapine used in association with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or clomipramine in treatment-resistant obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Methods: We describe the cases of 9 patients with serotonin uptake inhibitor-resistant OCD who were given an open-label adjunctive treatment of olanzapine for a minimum of 6 weeks. The response was assessed by using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI). Results: Six patients showed improvement of symptoms after the augmentation with olanzapine. One patient (treated with clomipramine) discontinued olanzapine due to side effects, and another 2 did not respond. Conclusion: Olanzapine augmentation of SSRIs in treating OCD showed a good (two-thirds) response rate, and it could therefore be considered as a treatment option when conventional therapies have failed.