Speaker: Chris Dougherty
Candidate for Bachelor of Science in Biology
Time: 4:40 PM
Place: Trustee Hall 116
Supervisor: Dr. Allan HookTitle: Evaluation of Olanzapine Versus Clozapine in the Treatment of Dopaminergic Drug-Induced Psychosis in Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract: One third of Parkinson’s disease patients treated chronically with dopaminergic drugs suffer from hallucinations. Hallucinations are the number one risk factor for nursing home admittance in this population and once admitted the prognosis is bleak. The pathophysiology of hallucinations in PD patients is not well understood, however it is clear that dopaminergic drugs are involved. Clozapine is accepted as an effective antipsychotic agent that does not result in the worsening of Parkinsonism, but its use requires regular blood assessments to monitor for leucopenia and agranulocytosis. Another atypical antipsychotic, Olanzapine, is not associated with these risks and would be the preferred treatment choice if equally effective as Clozapine. Only randomized double-blind controlled studies were used to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of each drug. The conclusion reached was that in contrast to Clozapine, Olanzapine resulted in severe worsening of Parkinsonism and did not significantly improve psychosis.