Publication:

Study to compare the blood sugar profile of the patients on risperidone and olanzapine with divalproex sodium as the common base

Background Bipolar Affective Disorder which previously was called as manic depressive disorder represents the sixth leading cause of disability. Several preliminary studies suggest that antipsychotic monotherapy or in combination with mood stabiliser have a better prognosis. This study was conducted to compare the blood sugar profile of the patients who are on risperidone and olanzapine with divalproex sodium as the common base.

Methods It was a prospective, comparative, observational, hospital-based clinical study conducted between November 2013 to March 2015. 41 BPAD patients on Risperidone and 38 BPAD patients on Olanzapine were included. A brief history and examination were carried out and the data was entered in a proforma sheet. The investigations carried out were noted. Patients were followed up for a period of 12 weeks i.e. 2,4,8 and 12th = week and the data analysed using SPSS software. Adverse drug events if any were recorded.

Results Our study included 79 treatment-naive patients among whom 17 (21.5%) were women and 62 (78.5%) were men. The polarity of the disease of the majority of the patients was mania at the time of diagnosis. The mean blood sugar levels in risperidone and olanzapine group at the time of diagnosis were 137mg% and 111mg% respectively and weights 62kg and 63.5kg respectively. There was a gradual increase in blood sugar levels and weight from 4th week. At the end of the 12th week, the mean blood sugar levels were 152mg% and 164mg%, weights 65.5kg and 69.5kg in risperidone and olanzapine group respectively.

Conclusions Olanzapine was found to have higher incidence and rapid increase in blood sugar levels which can easily be treated by switching over to another drug. It has been suggested that at least a baseline survey should be undertaken on the prevalence of diabetes in Indian population among patients exposed to antipsychotic drugs.