Zyprexa

Brand Name:Zyprexa Zydis IntraMuscular

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Olanzapine is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and mania in those with bipolar disorder. Use of olanzapine may help people who are nervous or suffer from hallucinations, hearing voices, seeing things, and unusual suspiciousness.

Olanzapine works by restoring the balance of some natural chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to olanzapine.

You should tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • heart disease
  • a heart attack
  • seizures
  • stroke
  • dementia
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • breast cancer
  • liver disease
  • difficulty urinating
  • glaucoma
  • low blood pressure
  • diabetes or increased blood sugar
  • a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
  • a condition called tardive dyskinesia
  • difficulty swallowing

What about possible side effects?

Some common side effects of olanzapine are:

  • headache
  • sleepiness
  • dry mouth
  • agitation
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • upset stomach
  • weight gain and increased appetite
  • tremor

Olanzapine can also cause an increase in blood sugar for people with or without diabetes. Some symptoms of high blood sugar are:

  • extreme thirst
  • frequent urination
  • extreme hunger
  • blurred vision
  • weakness

Olanzapine can cause a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you have fever, very stiff muscles, a change in mental function, sweating, or an irregular heartbeat, this is a medical emergency and you must call your doctor immediately.

This drug can also cause a condition called tardive dyskinesia. If you have any uncontrollable jerking movements, or muscle movements you can not control, call your doctor immediately.

Also call your doctor if you experience any of these more serious symptoms:

  • dizziness
  • fainting
  • increased heartbeat
  • seizures
  • increased body temperature
  • difficulty swallowing

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:
  • blood pressure medications - might lower blood pressure more than desired
  • levodopa or other medicines for Parkinson’s disease - olanzapine might work against these medicines
  • carbamazepine - might lower the amount of olanzapine in the blood; the dose of olanzapine might need to be increased
  • fluvoxamine - raises the amount of olanzapine in the blood; a lower starting dose of olanzapine should be used
  • omeprazole

Olanzapine can also increase the effects of drugs that cause drowsiness, such as depression or anxiety medications, allergy medications, medications for sleep, pain relievers or muscle relaxants.

Other information:

Special Instructions: Use of olanzapine for dementia-related behavior problems (e.g. agitation or aggression) in the elderly has been linked to a higher chance of strokes or death and should not be used for these conditions.

See Health Canada Advisory (June 22, 2005)

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/advisories-avis/public/2004/zyprexa_pa-ap_e.html

See Health Canada Advisory (June 15, 2005)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/2005/2005_63_e.html

Taking olanzapine makes it harder for your body to regulate temperature. Try to avoid overheating, becoming dehydrated, or exercising in hot weather while taking olanzapine.

You should be careful when driving or operating machinery until you first see how olanzapine affects these abilities.

Children: The effects of olanzapine in children are not known. Olanzapine is not recommended in children.

Seniors: Seniors are more sensitive to the effects of the medication. Lower doses are usually required, especially at the start of therapy.

Pregnant women: Safety in pregnancy not established. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: Safety not established as it is not known whether olanzapine passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: You should know how olanzapine will affect you before driving or operating machinery because it can cause drowsiness.

Alcohol: Avoid alcohol if you are taking this drug because it may increase olanzapine’s sedative effects.

Smoking: Smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

Overdose: If you experience unusual drowsiness, depressed breathing, and low blood pressure, or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call 911.

Stopping the drug: It may take several weeks before you begin to feel better. Do not stop taking this drug until you have discussed it with your doctor as symptoms may return.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is scheduled within 8 hours, take a single dose and skip next scheduled dose. After that, resume your regular schedule.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: None, olanzapine can be taken with or without food.