Zyprexa
Olanzapine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Zyprexa
Zyprexa is an antipsychotic drug. It acts by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.
Therapeutic Uses of Zyprexa
Zyprexa is used for treatment of the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder like manic depression. It may also be used in other medical conditions as your doctor determines.
Direction of use of Zyprexa
Use Zyprexa as directed by your doctor or as follows:
- Zyprexa should be taken by mouth on full stomach or on empty stomach.
- While you are taking Zyprexa drink extra fluids. Consult your doctor for more instructions as how to use Zyprexa.
- Keep taking Zyprexa even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses of it.
- If you have any question about the use of Zyprexa, ask your doctor or other health care provider.
If You Miss a Dose of Zyprexa
If you miss a dose of Zyprexa, you should take it as soon as you can remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose of Zyprexa and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time to compensate for the missed dose.
How to Store Zyprexa
Zyprexa should be stored at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture, and light in a tightly closed dark color container. Keep Zyprexa out of the reach of children.
More Information About Zyprexa
Zyprexa should be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed and not shared with other people. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, consult with your doctor. if you have any question about Zyprexa, you should ask your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Zyprexa
Do not use Zyprexa if you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in it and consult your doctor immediately.
Some medical conditions may interact with Zyprexa. If you have any medical condition that may interact with Zyprexa, consult your doctor, especially if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast feeding.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine or over the counter medicines (nonprescription medicine), herbal preparation, or dietary supplement.
- If you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substance.
- If you have a history of seizures, heart problems (like heart failure; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia), abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), heart attack, stroke, blood vessel problems, high blood cholesterol levels, or high or low blood pressure.
- If you have a history of any liver problem, stomach or bowel problems (decreased muscle movement), enlarged prostate, narrow-angle glaucoma, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), aspiration pneumonia, suicidal thoughts or suicidal attempts etc.
- If you are suffering from Alzheimer disease, any dementia, or if you have trouble swallowing.
- If you are a diabetic or if you are very overweight, or if a family member have diabetes.
- If you have history of high blood prolactin levels or a history of certain types of cancer like breast, cancer of pancreas, cancer of pituitary gland, or if you are at risk for breast cancer.
- If you are dehydrated, drink alcohol, or smoke, or you will be exposed to high temperatures.
Some medicines may interact with Zyprexa. You should inform your doctor before taking Zyprexa, if you are taking any medicine that may interact with Zyprexa, especially any of the following medicines:
- Alpha blockers (doxazosin, prazosin, etc.), diazepam, or medicines used for treatment of hypertension, because the risk of low blood pressure and fainting may be increased.
- Anticholinergics (like scopolamine), fluvoxamine, or lorazepam because they may increase the risk of side effects of Zyprexa.
- Carbamazepine, HIV protease inhibitors (anti HIV drugs like ritonavir), omeprazole, or rifampin because they may decrease effectiveness of Zyprexa.
- Dopamine receptor agonists (like pramipexole) or levodopa because the effectiveness of these drugs may be decreased by Zyprexa.
Possible Adverse Effects of Zyprexa
- Back pain or joint pain; constipation, cough, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, increased appetite, indigestion, lightheadedness, numbness or tingling of the skin, restlessness, sore throat, generalized weakness, weight gain etc. are the common and mild side effects of Zyprexa. If any of these common and mild side effects become persistent or troublesome, you should consult your doctor.
- Get immediate medical attention if any of the severe side effects of Zyprexa occur. The severe side effects of Zyprexa are severe allergic reaction (the symptoms of severe allergic reaction are skin rash, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal thoughts, confusion, memory loss, new or worsening mental or mood changes (like depression, hallucinations), chest pain, decreased urination, fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), fever, increased production of saliva or drooling of saliva; increased sweating, menstrual changes, muscle pain, weakness, or muscle stiffness, seizures, severe or prolonged dizziness or headache, shortness of breath, swelling of the hands, legs, or feet; symptoms of high blood sugar (the symptoms of high blood sugar are increased thirst, hunger, urination; unusual weakness etc.); tremor; trouble concentrating, speaking, or swallowing; trouble sitting still; trouble walking or standing; uncontrolled muscle movements like arm or leg movements, twitching of the face or tongue, jerking or twisting; unusual bruising; vision changes, yellowing of the eyes or skin etc.