Medications and Drugs

Bipolar Disorder Slideshow

GENERIC NAME: OLANZAPINE - INTRAMUSCULAR (oh-LAN-zuh-peen)

BRAND NAME(S): Zyprexa

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat severe agitation associated with certain mental/mood conditions (schizophrenia, bipolar mania). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by a slow, intramuscular injection (IM) by a healthcare professional. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Follow all directions for proper mixing. Do not mix with other medications. Consult the pharmacist for details. When mixed, this liquid should be clear and yellow in appearance. Before using, check this product visually for particles. If present, do not use the liquid. This medication is intended for short-term control of acute agitation symptoms. If you require continuous treatment for your condition, your doctor may switch you to an oral medication.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dry mouth, constipation, nausea, dizziness, stomach pain, weight gain, drowsiness, back pain, or redness/pain/swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This drug can make you dizzy or light-headed after rising from a seated or lying position. If you are dizzy or light-headed after using this drug, it is best to lie down until you no longer feel that way when trying to get up. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: ankle/leg swelling, agitation, confusion, fast or slow heartbeat, restlessness, weakness, difficulty speaking, numbness or tingling of hands or feet, trouble walking (abnormal gait), painful menstrual periods, pink urine, tremor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, one-sided weakness, sudden vision changes, headache, painful urination, other eye problems, seizures, difficulty swallowing. This drug may infrequently make your blood sugar level rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. High blood sugar can rarely cause serious (sometimes fatal) conditions such as diabetic coma. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar, such as unusual increased thirst and urination. If you already have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugars regularly. This drug may also cause significant weight gain and a rise in your blood cholesterol (or triglyceride) levels. These effects, along with diabetes, may increase your risk for developing heart disease. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor. (See also Notes section.) This medication may rarely cause a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Tell you doctor immediately if you develop the following: fever, muscle stiffness, severe confusion, sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat. Olanzapine may rarely cause a condition known as tardive dyskinesia. In some cases, this condition may be permanent. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any unusual/uncontrolled movements (especially of the face or tongue). In rare instances, this medication may increase your blood level of a certain hormone (prolactin). For females, this rare increase in prolactin levels may result in unwanted breast milk, the menstrual period stopping, or difficulty becoming pregnant. For males, it may result in decreased sexual ability, inability to produce sperm, or enlarged breasts. If you develop any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. For males, in the very unlikely event you have a painful, prolonged erection (lasting more than 4 hours), stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention or permanent problems could occur. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.