Olanzapine

Zyprexa / Olanzapine Information:

Zyprexa (generic name: Olanzapine) is a drug which is prescribed for the treatment of symptoms of psychotic conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in adults and children over the age of 13 years. The active ingredient is Olanzapine. Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication. How the drug works is unknown, however it is thought that the drug works by correcting an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Zyprexa is sometimes used in conjunction with other antipsychotics or antidepressants, depending on the severity of illness in the patient. Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition that causes a range of different psychological symptoms including hallucinations, delusions, strange or irrational thought patterns, and changes in behaviour. Doctors describe schizophrenia as a psychotic illness. This means that sometimes a person may not be able to distinguish their own thoughts and ideas from reality. Bipolar disorder - previously known as manic depression - is a condition that affects your moods, which can swing from one extreme to another. If you have bipolar disorder you will have periods or “episodes” of depression and mania.

Zyprexa / Olanzapine Side Effects:

As with any drug, there may be side effects from taking Zyprexa including weight gain, increased appetite, headache, dizziness, fatigue, restlessness, memory problems, stomach pain, constipation, loss of bladder control, back pain, pain in the limbs, numbness or tingling feeling, breast swelling or discharge and missed menstrual periods. More serious side effects may include stiff muscles, high fever, tremors, sweating, confusion, changes in heartbeat, feeling faint, trouble speaking or swallowing, high blood sugar, sudden numbness or weakness, fever, chills, flu symptoms, swelling the hands and feet, personality changes, loss of appetite, dark urine and jaundice. If you experience any side effects you must seek immediate medical attention for safety.

Zyprexa / Olanzapine Directions:

You should follow the instructions of the doctor who prescribed it you, and there will also be dosage and information on the pack. Zyprexa comes in tablet form. Swallow the tablet whole with water, with or without food. Do not chew, crush or break the tablet as this may cause for too much of the drug to be released into the body at once, which can have undesirable effects. Zyprexa should be stored at room temperature away from direct light and heat. Do not stop taking Zyprexa without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well. Do not get the tablets wet – ensure that you keep the pills in the blister pack and take them out with dry hands.

Zyprexa / Olanzapine Precautions:

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Zyprexa you should not take it, and should inform your doctor. You must consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, including liver or kidney disease, heart disease, a history of low white blood cell count, high cholesterol, a history of heart failure or heart attack, a history of breast cancer, diabetes, enlarged prostate, bowel problems or narrow-angle glaucoma. It is very important to also consult your doctor if you are taking any other medications as they may interact with Zyprexa, including heart or blood pressure medications, carbamazepine, diazepam, Symbyax, fluvoxamine, rifampin or Parkinson’s disease medications. You should also inform you doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding as Zyprexa may cause harm to your baby.