Drugs >  Olanzapine
Olanzapine
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(oh LAN za peen)

Brand Names
Zyprexa™; Zydis®

Therapeutic Categories
Antipsychotic Agent, Thienobenzodiaepine

Reasons not to take this medicine

  • If you have an allergy to olanzapine or any other part of the medicine.


What is this medicine used for?

  • This medicine is used to treat psychosis as seen in schizophrenia. Six weeks of treatment may be needed to see the full effects of this medicine.


How does it work?

  • Olanzapine acts as a mood stabilizer and works on improving social interactions, mood, expression of mood, as well as, delusions, paranoia, and appearance.


How is it best taken?

  • Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
  • Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.
  • Do not suddenly stop using this medicine if you have been taking it for a long time. Medicine should be slowly decreased.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.


What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

  • If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects.
  • You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines and herbs that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
  • Be careful in hot weather. You may be more sensitive to the heat.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Do not use if you are breast-feeding.


What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Feeling sleepy, lightheaded, or having blurred vision. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
  • Headache.
  • Hostility.
  • Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
  • Lack of interest in surroundings.
  • Insomnia.
  • Restlessness and inability to stay still or calm.
  • Weight gain.


What should I monitor?

  • Monitor for side effects.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.


Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Movements not controlled by you, shakiness, difficulty moving around, or stiffness.
  • Restlessness and inability to stay still or calm.
  • Changes in balance, feeling shaky or unsteady.
  • Too tired or sleepy.
  • Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
  • Menstrual changes. This includes lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.


How should I store this medicine?

  • Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature. Protect from moisture.


General statements

  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).


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