Neutropenia can occur with which antipsychotic, among the options listed?

Neutropenia can occur with which antipsychotic, among the options listed?

• A. Olanzapine
• B. Haloperidol
• C. Quetiapine
• D. Aripiprazole

Answer: (A)

Neutropenia means a lower-than-normal neutrophil count, which raises the risk of serious infections. Among the antipsychotics listed, olanzapine has been associated with hematologic suppression in rare cases, including neutropenia or leukopenia. While this is much less common than the dramatic neutropenia seen with clozapine, reports show that olanzapine can occasionally affect bone marrow, so clinicians monitor for signs of infection or unusual fatigue and check a CBC if concerns arise. The other antipsychotics—haloperidol, quetiapine, and aripiprazole—have far weaker links to neutropenia. If neutropenia does occur, stopping the offending medication and managing neutropenia per medical guidelines is important, with a switch to an antipsychotic that carries less hematologic risk considered.

Neutropenia means a lower-than-normal neutrophil count, which raises the risk of serious infections. Among the antipsychotics listed, olanzapine has been associated with hematologic suppression in rare cases, including neutropenia or leukopenia. While this is much less common than the dramatic neutropenia seen with clozapine, reports show that olanzapine can occasionally affect bone marrow, so clinicians monitor for signs of infection or unusual fatigue and check a CBC if concerns arise. The other antipsychotics—haloperidol, quetiapine, and aripiprazole—have far weaker links to neutropenia. If neutropenia does occur, stopping the offending medication and managing neutropenia per medical guidelines is important, with a switch to an antipsychotic that carries less hematologic risk considered.