Zyprexa
Generic Name: olanzapine
Brand Names: Zyprexa, Zyprexa Zydis What is olanzapine?Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain. Olanzapine is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression). Olanzapine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. What is the most important information I should know about olanzapine?Olanzapine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Olanzapine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions. Olanzapine may cause you to have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Symptoms include increased thirst, loss of appetite, increased urination, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dry skin, and dry mouth. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking olanzapine. It may take up to 4 weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment. Olanzapine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of olanzapine. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking olanzapine. What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking olanzapine?Olanzapine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Olanzapine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions. If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take olanzapine, tell your doctor if you have: - liver disease;
kidney disease; heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems; high cholesterol or triglycerides; a history of heart attack or stroke; a history of breast cancer; seizures or epilepsy; a personal or family history of diabetes; an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating; glaucoma; or trouble swallowing.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Olanzapine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. The olanzapine orally disintegrating tablet (Zyprexa Zydis) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of olanzapine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
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