Olanzapine-Induced Manic-Like Syndrome

Sir: Olanzapine is a new atypical antipsychotic with antidopaminergic and antiserotonergic blocking activity that results in antipsychotic efficacy with an extrapyramidal side effect profile superior to that of conventional neuroleptics. This beneficial side effect profile may make olanzapine particularly suitable for schizophrenic patients who have developed HIV infection. We report 2 HIV-positive chronic schizophrenic patients in whom olanzapine was used and who developed a manic-like psychomotor activation syndrome.