Olanzapine-Induced Peripheral Oedema in a Pregnant Patient with Bipolar Affective Disorder

A number of medical conditions and medications can cause localized or generalized oedema. Bilateral peripheral oedema is infrequently described with olanzapine and is rarely seen as the side effect during pregnancy. A case of olanzapine-induced peripheral oedema in a 40 year old pregnant woman with a diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder is discussed. The exact mechanism of olanzapine to cause peripheral oedema is not known; a number of possible mechanisms are discussed. It is suggested that the clinicians should remain vigilant to promptly recognise this uncommon adverse reaction of olanzapine, which requires the discontinuation of the offending agent to reverse the adverse clinical event (German J Psychiatry 2013; 16(2): 84-86).