Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) responsive to single-dose olanzapine: a case report

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a rare disorder in which stereotypical periods of intermittent nausea and vomiting last between hours and over a week. The disorder overlaps with migraine, and the current treatment recommendations follow those of migraine management. The current patient had experienced vomiting periods lasting up to a week since the age of two. Prophylactic amitriptyline had led to probably slightly longer intervals between CVS periods, while several medications had proven ineffective. At the age of 17, there was an excellent response to peroral olanzapine, which eventually proved sufficient to abort the vomiting periods in a single dose when taken at the beginning of one. In light of these and previously reported cases, early administration of olanzapine is suggested to treat CVS periods.