A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF OLANZAPINE VERSUS RISPERIDONE AS AN ADJUNCT TO LITHIUM CARBONATE IN PATIENTS WITH BIPOLAR AFFECTIVE DISORDER AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

The objective of the research was to compare the efficacy and safety of Olanzapine versus Risperidone as an add-on to Lithium carbonate in patients with bipolar affective disorder. Methods: Prospective, randomized, comparative study conducted in psychiatric Department from Nov 2018 to May 2020. 80 BPAD patients who fulfilled eligibility criteria were randomized (1:1) into two groups of 40 each receiving Olanzapine with Lithium (Group A) or Risperidone with Lithium (Group B) for 12 weeks. Efficacy was measured by reduction in Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) score and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) score at 6^th and 12^th week. Safety was assessed by monitoring treatment emergent adverse effect. Data analysed using repeated measure ANOVA, Mixed ANOVA, chi-square and descriptive statistics. Results: Olanzapine and Risperidone treated BPAD patients showed significant reduction in YMRS score from baseline to 12^th week (p<0.001) but there was no statistically significant interaction between time and groups (p=0.71). Significant reduction in HAM-D score from baseline to 12^th week was observed in both Olanzapine and Risperidone group (p<0.001) but no statistically significant interaction between time and groups was observed (p=0.50). > 50% reduction of YMRS score (responder rate) was observed in 97.5% and 95% of patients in Olanzapine group and Risperidone group respectively. Both the groups completed study with 100% medication adherence. Conclusion: Olanzapine and Risperidone acts as better adjunctive to Lithium in BPAD patients who do not responding to Lithium monotherapy.