Zyprexa (Olanzapine) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage

What is Zyprexa (Olanzapine)?

Zyprexa (olanzapine) is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and treatment-resistant depression.

What are the Uses of Zyprexa (Olanzapine)?

• Primary Uses:
  • Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents
  • Bipolar I disorder, including maintenance treatment and treatment of manic, mixed, or depressive episodes
  • Treatment-resistant depression
• Off-Label Uses:
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Mood disorders
  • Insomnia
  • Agitation

What are the Side Effects of Zyprexa (Olanzapine)?

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Hard or infrequent stools
• Increased appetite
• Lack of energy
• Sleepiness or excessive sleeping
• Tremor
• Weight gain

Serious Side Effects:

• Significant weight gain
• Increased blood sugar and cholesterol levels
• Excessive sweating
• Falling
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Muscle stiffness
• Rash, hives, skin redness, or peeling
• Seizures
• Sore throat, fever, or chills
• Swelling in arms or legs
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Uncontrollable movements
• Vision changes

Long-Term Side Effects:

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
• Stroke
• Tardive dyskinesia (TD)

What is the Dosage of Zyprexa (Olanzapine)?

• Available in tablet and orally disintegrating tablet forms
• Strength: 2.5 mg to 20 mg
• Starting dose: 5 mg to 10 mg, adjusted as needed
• Clinical trials suggest an effective dose of 10 to 15 mg per day for schizophrenia, with a maximum indicated dose of 20 mg daily
• Dosage may vary for specific demographics or conditions

How to Take Zyprexa (Olanzapine)?

• Take orally, once per day, with or without food
• Do not take two doses at the same time
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for the next dose. Then, skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled.

Missed Dose of Zyprexa (Olanzapine)

If you miss a dose of Zyprexa, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Storage of Zyprexa (Olanzapine)

• Store in a closed container out of reach of children at room temperature
• Away from direct light, heat, moisture, and freezing temperatures

Overdose of Zyprexa (Olanzapine)

Symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• High fever
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat
• Slowed breathing
• Sleepiness
• Unusual and uncontrollable movements
• Seizures

What to do:

• Call your medical provider or 911 immediately

Warnings and Precautions of Zyprexa (Olanzapine)

• Black Box Warning: Not approved for older adults with dementia-related psychosis due to increased risk of death
• Increased risk of leukopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis
• Use caution if history of low white blood cell counts
• Use caution if history of breast cancer, cardiovascular conditions, dementia, diabetes, glaucoma, high cholesterol, liver problems, low blood pressure, Parkinsonism, or tardive dyskinesia
• May pose risk to unborn fetus; use during pregnancy only if potential benefits outweigh risks
• Not recommended for breastfeeding mothers
• Safety in children under 10 years of age not established

Contraindications of Zyprexa (Olanzapine)

• Breast cancer
• Cardiovascular conditions
• Dementia
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• High cholesterol
• Liver problems
• Low blood pressure
• Parkinsonism
• Tardive dyskinesia

Drug Interactions of Zyprexa (Olanzapine)

• Alcohol
• Anticholinergic drugs
• Antihistamines
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Levodopa and dopamine agonists
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• Prescription pain medications
• Omeprazole (Prilosec)
• Rifampin (Rimactane)

Similar Medications to Zyprexa (Olanzapine)

• Antipsychotics for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder:
  • Aripiprazole (Abilify)
  • Clozapine (Clozaril)
  • Ziprasidone (Geodon)
  • Risperidone (Risperdal)
  • Asenapine (Saphris)
  • Quetiapine (Seroquel)
• Older antipsychotics:
  • Haloperidol (Haldol)
  • Fluphenazine (Prolixin)
  • Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)

How to Stay Healthy While Taking Zyprexa (Olanzapine)

• Take medication as directed by your doctor
• Avoid driving or similar activities until you know how Zyprexa will affect you
• Have cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood sugar levels tested periodically
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid becoming overheated
• Avoid alcohol and drugs while taking Zyprexa

Conclusion

• Zyprexa is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and treatment-resistant depression
• Understand how it works, potential side effects, and precautions before taking Zyprexa
• Always follow your doctor's instructions and inform them about other medications or health conditions you have