Olanzapine-induced Pancytopenia: Case Report

Abstract

In the field of antipsychotic medicines, clozapine and olanzapine are both structurally and functionally similar. This case study describes a 35-year-old man with paranoid schizophrenia who experienced a rare case of olanzapine-induced pancytopenia. The patient required blood transfusions due to severe pancytopenia while receiving olanzapine treatment. The study emphasizes how crucial it is to acknowledge pancytopenia caused by olanzapine as a rare but significant medication-induced risk. It is recommended that clinicians exercise caution, perform routine hematologic assessments, and participate in ongoing investigations into this rare adverse event. However, sporadic reports of olanzapine-induced pancytopenia in schizophrenia patients have surfaced. This hematologic effect’s precise mechanism is still unknown.

Keywords

• antipsychotic
• clozapine
• olanzapine
• pancytopenia
• schizophrenia