What is Zyprexa (Olanzapine) used for?

Zyprexa (Olanzapine) is an atypical antipsychotic prescribed to treat patients suffering from schizophrenia. The medication rebalances levels of naturally occurring chemicals in the brain to reduce symptoms associated with this condition including hallucinations, irritability, delusions, or disorganized thinking. This action also makes it useful for treating manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Your physician may prescribe it to treat other unlisted conditions, as well.

How should I use Zyprexa (Olanzapine)?

Use Zyprexa (Olanzapine) according to your physician's instructions to get the most effective results. One tablet is typically taken once daily, but your individual dosage and frequency of administration will be based on your symptoms and current health condition. Swallow the tablets with a large glass of water to aid absorption. The medication can be taken with or without food, but a meal or snack should be eaten before use if you get an upset stomach. It is not recommended to change the form of the tablets before use to avoid unintentionally destroying or altering the effects of their contents. Ask your physician or pharmacist any questions you have about using the medication to ensure the correct administration.

What are the side effects of Zyprexa (Olanzapine)?

The use of Zyprexa (Olanzapine) may cause side effects in some patients including:

• Headaches
• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Upset stomach or constipation
• Increased appetite or weight gain
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Memory problems
• Back or muscle pain
• Loss of bladder control
• Swelling or discharge from the breasts
• Disrupted menstrual cycles

Serious side effects possibly requiring medical attention are high blood sugar, unusual swelling, irregular heartbeats, muscle twitching, flushing, trouble swallowing, stiff muscles, urinary retention, hallucinations, flu symptoms, darkened urine, discolored stools, or jaundice. Tell your physician immediately if any symptoms occur that worry you or become intense to make sure the correct adjustments are made to your dosage to prevent further complications from occurring.

Please Note

Zyprexa (Olanzapine) should not be used to treat patients with closed-angle glaucoma, dementia, Parkinson's disease, unstable medical conditions, or lactose intolerance. Also disclose if you have diabetes, high cholesterol, epilepsy, an enlarged prostate, clotting disorders, heart failure, risk of stroke, intestinal obstruction, or low levels of magnesium. These conditions may cause unexpected health complications requiring alterations to your dosage.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using Zyprexa (Olanzapine). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.