Olanzapine in the prevention of postpartum psychosis and mood episodes in bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVES: The use of olanzapine (OLZ) in the prevention of postpartum psychosis (PP) and mood episodes in women with bipolar disorder was investigated in a naturalistic, prospective study. METHODS: Eleven women received OLZ alone or in combination with an antidepressant or mood stabilizer, and 14 women received either antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or no medication for a minimum of 4 weeks after delivery. RESULTS: Two (18.2%) of the women in the OLZ group experienced a postpartum mood episode, whereas eight (57.1%) of the women in the No-OLZ group did. CONCLUSIONS: The role of OLZ in the prophylaxis of PP and mood episodes, particularly in women at high risk, clearly warrants further investigation.