Olanzapine (Zyprexa) works by regulating a variety of natural chemicals within the body including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in order to be achieve its effects in the treatment of conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression.
Take this medication by mouth with water, it can be taken with or without food.
Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.
It is important to not stop taking this medication unless directed by a doctor.
Be sure to have regular check ups with your doctor while on this medication. Keep record of your response to the medication and go over it with your doctor at each visit. It is important to tell your doctor if your symptoms are not improving, are getting worse, or if you develop new types of symptoms such as changes in mood or feelings.
Do not self treat yourself for coughs and colds, diarrhea or other conditions without consulting with a healthcare professional. Over the counter medications have ingredients that can lead to more side effects.
Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, or engage in other activity that requires fine motor skills until you are sure of how this medication affects you.
Avoid alcohol consumption, alcohol can increase chances of dizziness or drowsiness.
This medication can make your mouth dry, drinking water, chewing sugarless gum, or sucking on candy can help this side effect.
Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you notice increased thirst, increased hunger, nausea, vomiting, or fruity breath odor. This could mean your blood sugar has increased. If you have diabetes, be sure to monitor your blood sugar closely while taking this medication.
Tell you doctor if you smoke or if you suddenly stop smoking while taking this medication.
Breast cancer history, trouble swallowing, diabetes, family history of diabetes, dementia, cigarette smoking, glaucoma, heart conditions or previous heart attacks, brain tumor or history of brain trauma, kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure or dizziness, Parkinson’s Disease, suicidal thoughts or actions, Pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.
Allergic reactions(hives, rashes, itching, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, trouble swallowing or speaking, excessive thirst or hunger, heartbeat changes, fever, chills, soar throat, fever along with a rash and swelling in the lymph nodes or face, frequent urination, inability to control muscle movements in the face, mouth, arms or legs, seizures, spasms, trembling.
Changes in libido, constipation, dizziness (if severe or persistent contact healthcare provider), drowsiness.
Olanzapine 5 mg with fluoxetine 20mg by mouth once daily taken in the evening. The dose can then be adjusted to between 5-20mg of olanzapine and 25-50 mg of fluoxetine.
5-10 mg by mouth daily as a starting dose. The target dose is 10 mg per day. The dose should be adjusted by 5 mg at increments of no less than 1 week.
10-15 mg by mouth once daily. Dose adjustments are made by increments of 5 mg at intervals no less than 24 hours.
5-20 mg by mouth daily(after 2 weeks of good response).
5 mg of olanzapine and 20 mg of fluoxetine once daily taken in the evening as a starting dose. The dose can then be adjusted to between 5-12.5 mg of olanzapine and 20-50 mg of fluoxetine depending on tolerability.
1. Zyprexa ® oral tablets, olanzapine oral tablets[package insert]. Indianapolis, IN: Lilly USA, LLC (per FDA); 2013.
2. Zyprexa ® ZYDIS(R) oral disintegrating tablets, olanzapine oral disintegrating tablets[package insert]. Indianapolis, IN: Lilly USA, LLC (per FDA); 2013.
3. Zyprexa ® IntraMuscular intramuscular injection powder for solution, olanzapine intramuscular injection powder for solution[package insert]. Indianapolis, IN: Lilly USA, LLC (per FDA); 2013.
4. Zyprexa (olanzapine, all formulations) [package insert]. Indianapolis, IN: Eli Lilly and Company; 2015.