Randomized Comparison of Olanzapine Versus Risperidone for the Treatment of First-Episode Schizophrenia: 4-Month Outcomes

A recent article published by the American Journal of Psychiatry:

The authors compared 4-month treatment outcomes for olanzapine versus risperidone in patients with first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Clinical outcomes with risperidone were equal to those with olanzapine, and response may be more stable. Olanzapine may have an advantage for motor side effects. Both medications caused substantial rapid weight gain, but weight gain was greater with olanzapine.