Matching up treatments for chronic schizophrenia is a challenge

The pharmacologic options available for the treatment of schizophrenia have never been greater. Yet, clinicians face difficult choices when selecting antipsychotics as they weigh the drugs' risks and benefits. This dilemma was underscored recently when a federally funded study found that of five agents, the most efficacious one, olanzapine (Zyprexa, Lilly), also caused the most weight gain and metabolic changes that could lead to diabetes or heart disease.