Indications
Zyprexa, also known by its generic name Olanzapine, is an antipsychotic drug used to treat various psychiatric conditions. It belongs to a group of medications called atypical antipsychotics and can help reduce hallucinations, delusions, mania, and depression associated with these mental health conditions.
Zyprexa is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain, which can help to decrease hallucinations and improve thinking mood, and behavior.
Olanzapine is a prescription medication used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia. Taking Olanzapine can help you to think more clearly and positively about yourself, feel less agitated, and take a more active part in everyday life. Olanzapine can also help improve motivation and social interactions and reduce the risk of relapse.
Uses and Dosage
Olanzapine (Zyprexa) tablet is usually taken once daily by mouth with or without food. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce the risk of side effects, your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase your dose.
It is recommended that olanzapine (Zyprexa) tablets are usually taken once per day with or without food. Typically, patients begin at a low dose of medication and the dose is increased slowly over several weeks. The oral dose usually ranges from 5 mg to 20 mg, while the dose of the injection usually ranges from 150 mg to 405 mg. It is important to note that only your healthcare provider can determine the correct dose for you.
Side Effects
Serious side effects of Zyprexa
- Allergic reaction: Swelling of the face/throat, rash, hives, trouble breathing
- Confusion
- Dehydration: feeling parched, overheating, lack of proper urination, sweating, dry skin
- Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or other impaired motor functions
- Hallucinations
- High blood sugar: thirstiness, increased urination, increase in appetite, dry mouth, drowsiness, blurry vision, weight loss, strange breath odor
- Involuntary muscle movements
- Liver failure: Dyspepsia, jaundice, dark urine, itching, loss of appetite
- Nervous system reaction: Stiff muscles, high fever, confusion, irregular heartbeat, tremors
- Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm
- Swelling of arms or legs
Common Side Effects of Zyprexa
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Memory loss
- Tremors
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Personality changes
Form and Strength
Zyprexa and its generic alternative of Olanzapine are available in the following forms and strengths.
Zyprexa: Tablet
- 2.5 mg
- 5 mg
- 7.5 mg
- 10 mg
Olanzapine: Film Coated Tablet
- 2.5 mg
- 5 mg
- 7.5 mg
- 10 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
Caution
- Caution should be taken when taking Zyprexa (olanzapine) if you are a smoker, drink alcohol, have ever used recreational drugs, or have ever been prescribed medications. Be aware of any potential interactions or side effects that may occur when taking this medication.
- Be aware that taking olanzapine (Zyprexa) may impair your thinking or reactions, so it is important to be careful when driving or doing any activity that requires you to be alert.
- Caution should be taken when taking Zyprexa (olanzapine) if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. You should inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking this medication.
- Be aware of any potential interactions or side effects that may occur when taking this medication. You should talk to your doctor about any potential risks before taking this medication.
- Note that olanzapine can pass into breast milk, so caution should be taken when breastfeeding while taking this medication.
- Caution should be taken when taking Zyprexa (olanzapine) in combination with other non-medication treatments, such as talk therapy or substance abuse treatment.
- Be aware that olanzapine (Zyprexa) can cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking this medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does Zyprexa olanzapine do?
Olanzapine is used to treat schizophrenia. It may also be used alone or with other medicines (eg, lithium or valproate) to treat mania or mixed episodes that are part of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness).
Who should not take Zyprexa?
Olanzapine raises the risk of death in seniors (ages 65 years or older) with dementia-related psychosis. Most of these deaths are caused by heart problems such as heart failure, or infectious conditions such as pneumonia. For people with seizures: Olanzapine can cause seizures.
How fast does Zyprexa start working?
Some improvements may be seen in as little as 1 to 2 weeks. However, it can sometimes take up to 6 weeks to see the full benefits of the medication. When olanzapine is working well, you may notice that your thoughts are clearer and more organized.
What happens when you stop Zyprexa?
Avoid stopping suddenly, if possible. If you come off too quickly you are much more likely to have a relapse of your psychotic symptoms. It may also increase your risk of developing tardive psychosis.
Resources
- https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Olanzapine-(Zyprexa)
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1699/zyprexa-oral/details
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18192-olanzapine-tablets
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601213.html
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