GENERIC NAME: OLANZAPINE - ORAL (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 certain mental/mood conditions (schizophrenia, bipolar mania). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters). Some of the benefits of continued use of this medication include feeling less nervous, better concentration, and reduced episodes of hallucinations. However, olanzapine has not been shown to be safe or effective in the elderly for the treatment of delusions/hallucinations (psychosis) due to dementia.

HOW TO USE: Take as directed, usually once a day by mouth with or without food. Stand up slowly, especially when starting this medication, to avoid dizziness. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, stomach pain, dry mouth, constipation, weight gain, drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To minimize dizziness or fainting, stand up slowly when arising from a seated or lying position; especially when you first start using this medication. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: fast heartbeat, ankle/leg swelling, agitation, confusion, 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.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Schizophrenia - Get information on schizophrenia symptoms (delusions, hallucinations), causes (genetics), diagnosis, treatment of schizophrenics (antipsychotic drugs) and types (paranoid). Source:Government Psychotic Disorders - Learn about mental illness types (schizophrenia, substance-induced), causes, symptoms (delusions, depression), diagnosis and treatment of psychotic disorders. Source:WebMD Medical Reference from The Cleveland Clinic Brief Psychotic Disorder - Find out about brief psychotic disorder symptoms (delusions, hallucinations), causes (major stress), diagnosis, treatment, behavior characteristics and statistics. Source:WebMD Medical Reference from The Cleveland Clinic Read 28 more olanzapine related articles ... Monthly Shot Treats Schizophrenia Antipsychotics in Kids May Add Weight Antipsychotics Dangerous for Elderly With Dementia FDA Orders Warning Label on Older Antipsychotics New Drugs No Better Than Older Ones for Schizophrenia