Hypothermia from Olanzapine: A Case Report
Author Information
Author(s): Rasnayake Lalith RMR, Wimalarathne Harith, Jayapala Runkman KTDP, Gamage Chaminda DM, Dassanayake Dinesh LB, Ratnayake Shiroma L, Colombage Anuradha, Nandadeva Damith, Nelumdeniya Amitha NPK
Primary Institution: Medical Unit, Teaching Hospital, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Hypothesis
Can olanzapine cause hypothermia in patients without recent dose adjustments?
Conclusion
Hypothermia can occur in patients on stable doses of olanzapine, even without dose adjustments.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient had a core temperature of 32°C and was bradycardic.
- His clinical condition improved after discontinuing olanzapine and gradual rewarming.
- Previous cases of olanzapine-induced hypothermia were associated with dose adjustments.
Takeaway
A man taking olanzapine for schizophrenia got very cold and unresponsive, but he got better after stopping the medicine and warming up.
Methodology
Case report detailing the clinical presentation and treatment of a patient with hypothermia due to olanzapine.
Limitations
Only one case is reported, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
42-year-old Sri Lankan man with paranoid schizophrenia.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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