What laboratory screening should be done before starting treatment with olanzapine?

Before starting treatment with olanzapine, it is important to screen glucose and lipid levels. Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic, is associated with metabolic side effects, including weight gain, increased blood glucose levels, and dyslipidemia. These side effects can significantly raise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in patients receiving this medication.

Screening glucose and lipid levels helps in establishing a baseline to monitor for potential metabolic changes over the course of therapy. If abnormalities are identified, healthcare providers can implement lifestyle modifications or preventive measures early on, which is crucial given the potential long-term health risks associated with these metabolic changes. Regular monitoring during treatment can also provide insights into how well the patient is tolerating the medication and whether adjustments in therapy are necessary.

While liver function tests, complete blood count, and thyroid function tests may be relevant in specific clinical scenarios or other medications, they are not routinely necessary as initial screening before olanzapine treatment. Thus, monitoring glucose and lipid levels is essential to optimize patient safety and long-term health outcomes when initiating olanzapine therapy.