ZYPREXA – Olanzapine

Zyprexa Used For

Zyprexa (Olanzapine) is an antipsychotic medication that is prescribed to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Directions for Zyprexa medication

The recommended starting dose of Zyprexa for adults is 5 to 10 mg once a day which may then be titrated as per doctor's instructions. For children up to 18 years of age, the use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

How Zyprexa medicine works

Zyprexa may cause dizziness and drowsiness which make driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities dangerous - these should be avoided while on treatment. Dizziness may also occur while rising from a sitting or lying position and caution is necessary to avoid a possible fall. Alcohol should not be taken during treatment with this medication as it may increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by Zyprexa. The chances of becoming overheated are very high when under treatment with Zyprexa and it is necessary to maintain adequate fluid intake and use caution in hot weather and during exercise to avoid becoming overheated. Patients with liver disease or other problems with the liver, heart disease or other heart problems such as high blood pressure, a previous heart attack, or irregular heartbeats, seizures or epilepsy, diabetes, those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, an enlarged prostate or have difficulty urinating, or have glaucoma should inform their doctor if prescribed this medication as these conditions may require a change of medication or special dose adjustments and monitoring during treatment.

Zyprexa drug’s side effects

Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if Zyprexa causes fever, sweating, severe muscle stiffness (rigidity), confusion, fast or irregular heart beats as these could be symptoms of a potentially fatal side effect called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar) has also been reported in patients treated with this medication. Inform your doctor if any signs of hyperglycemia including excessive thirst, frequent urination, excessive hunger, or weakness occur. Some of the other side effects that Zyprexa is likely to cause include uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs, dizziness or drowsiness, agitation, an increased heart rate, constipation, dry mouth, weight gain, and/or increased blood sugar (may be detected by blood tests or cause symptoms such as increased thirst and urination). It is advisable to seek immediate medical attention if any of these side effects become aggravated or cause undue discomfort.

Other Zyprexa medication Information

Zyprexa tablets may be split and taken at half the dose.