Zyprexa Tablets - Uses, Side Effects, Precautions and FAQs
Uses
Olanzapine is used to treat certain mental/mood conditions (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder). It may also be used in combination with other medication to treat depression. This medication can help to decrease hallucinations and help you to think more clearly and positively about yourself, feel less agitated, and take a more active part in everyday life.Olanzapine belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain.Talk to the doctor about the risks and benefits of treatment (especially when used by teenagers). See also Precautions section.
How to use Olanzapine
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking olanzapine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Side Effects
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
- High fever, stiff muscles, increased sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, and confusion, which may be signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- High prolactin level—unexpected breast tissue growth, discharge from the nipple, change in sex drive or performance, irregular menstrual cycle
- Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
- Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
- Pain or trouble swallowing
- Seizures
- Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
- Trouble passing urine
- Uncontrolled and repetitive body movements, muscle stiffness or spasms, tremors or shaking, loss of balance or coordination, restlessness, shuffling walk, which may be signs of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Precautions
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Olanzapine can be taken with or without food.
Remove an orally disintegrating tablet (ZyprexaZydis) from the package only when you are ready to take the medicine. Place the tablet in your mouth and allow it to dissolve, without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.
Olanzapine can cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis.
You may gain weight or have high cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) while taking olanzapine, especially if you are a teenager. You may need frequent blood tests.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using olanzapine.
Do not stop using olanzapine suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause serious side effects.
Olanzapine is sometimes used together with other antipsychotic medications or antidepressants. Use all medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice.
Medication may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes counseling and other psychological support programs. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
FAQs
What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Zyprexa?
Zyprexa may interact with other medicines that can make you sleepy or slow your breathing (such as cold or allergy medicines, narcotic pain medicines, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicines for seizures, depression, or anxiety).
How should I take ZYPREXA?
- Take ZYPREXA exactly as prescribed. Your doctor may need to change (adjust) the dose of ZYPREXA until it is right for you.
- If you miss a dose of ZYPREXA, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, just skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of ZYPREXA at the same time.
