A patient develops mania after discontinuing lithium. New prescriptions are written to resume lithium twice daily and begin olanzapine (Zyprexa). The addition of olanzapine to the medication regimen will:
A) minimize the side effects of lithium.
B) bring hyperactivity under rapid control.
C) enhance the antimanic actions of lithium.
D) provide long-term control of hyperactivity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Manic symptoms are controlled by lithium only after a therapeutic serum level is attained. Because this takes several days to accomplish, a drug with rapid onset is necessary to reduce the hyperactivity initially. Antipsychotic drugs neither enhance lithium's antimanic activity nor minimize the side effects. Lithium is used for long-term control.

A Patient Develops Mania After Discontinuing Lithium