NICE states that:¹

• Patient groups prioritise medications for mania that have a rapid onset of action with few accompanying side effects
• When possible, choice of medication in acute mania should be jointly made following an informed discussion between patient and clinician regarding the relative benefits and side effect profiles of each drug
• Current local guidelines for bipolar disorder should be reviewed in line with the new guidance

• Zyprexa 15mg helps you rapidly stabilise the symptoms of mania²
• At 3 weeks, Zyprexa helps you achieve significantly higher remission rates in mania vs valproate semisodium³
• Zyprexa exerts a minimal effect on prolactin levels, unlike haloperidol⁴
• With a therapeutic dose from day 1⁵, Zyprexa is easy to use, generally well tolerated⁶ and helps encourage an early therapeutic relationship

The first evidence-based guidelines for treating bipolar disorder have recently been published by The British Association of Psychopharmacology. To receive a copy, simply complete and return the enclosed card.

1. National Institute for Clinical Excellence Final Appraisal Determination (2003). Olanzapine and valproate semi-sodium in the treatment of acute mania associated with bipolar I disorder. [Full text]
2. Tohen M et al (2003) Olanzapine Versus Divalproex Sodium for the Treatment of Acute Mania and Maintenance of Remission: A 47-Week Study Am J Psych 160: 1263-1271 [Full text]
3. Tohen M et al (2002) Olanzapine Versus Divalproex in the Treatment of Acute Mania. Am J Psych 159:1011-1017 [Full text]
4. David SR et al (2000) The effects of olanzapine, risperidone, and haloperidol on plasma prolactin levels in patients with schizophrenia. Clin Ther 22:1085-1096 [Abstract]
5. Zypyrexa summary of product characteristics
6. Bhana N & Perry CM (2001) Olanzapine: a review of its use in the treatment of bipolar I disorder. CNS Drugs 15: 871-904 [Abstract]