Olanzapine Versus Haloperidol: Which Can Control Stuttering Better?

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of olanzapine versus haloperidol to control the signs and symptoms of stuttering. Ninety‑three patients were recruited in a 12‑week single‑blind randomized clinical trial, which was held between October 2009 and October 2010. Forty‑three patients received olanzapine (5 mg/day) and 50 patients, haloperidol (2.5 mg/day). Before and after the study, they were evaluated by a speech pathologist by Van Riper`s questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 16. T‑test was used to compare the data between the two groups. Mean of stuttering score (SD) before treatment was 4.67 (0.81) and 4.40 (1.14) in haloperidol and olanzapine groups, respectively (P > 0.05). After treatment, the mean (SD) score was 2.87 (1.32) and 1.56 (0.71) in haloperidol and olanzapine groups, respectively (P = 0.000). It seems that olanzapine does have better impact in controlling stuttering, and it may be recommended to prescribe olanzapine for stutters as the first choice to control the stuttering under a careful follow‑up.