Zyprexa (Olanzapine)

Common uses

This medicine is a thienobenzodiazepine used to treat certain mental disorders.

Before using

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are also taking tramadol, haloperidol, or HIV protease inhibitors. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease, seizures, breast cancer, liver conditions, difficulty swallowing (especially in patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using Zyprexa.

Directions

Follow the directions for using Zyprexa provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. If you miss a dose of Zyprexa, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Store Zyprexa at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Cautions

Do not take Zyprexa if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Do not stop using Zyprexa without first checking with your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking Zyprexa. Laboratory and/or medical tests, such as fasting blood sugar levels, may be done to monitor your progress or to check for side effects.

This medicine may cause dizziness. Using Zyprexa alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines cause dizziness. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase dizziness. To prevent dizziness or fainting, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness or weakness. Do not become overheated in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since risk of heatstroke may be increased.

This medicine may increase your risk of developing diabetes, or increase blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can cause serious problems if left untreated. Contact your doctor for more information. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Zyprexa during pregnancy. It is unknown if Zyprexa is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Zyprexa.

Diabetics: Zyprexa may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, weight gain, and restlessness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience inability to move eyes; muscle spasms of face, neck, or back; difficulty swallowing; mask-like face; tremors of hands; restlessness; tension in legs; shuffling walk or stiff arms or legs; puffing of cheeks; lip smacking or puckering; twitching or twisting movements; weakness of arms or legs; or prolonged or painful erection. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst, increased urination, or vision changes.

An allergic reaction to Zyprexa is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include fast/irregular heartbeat, agitation, severe drowsiness, difficulty speaking or slurred speech, muscle stiffness, and unconsciousness.

Additional information

Do not share Zyprexa with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use Zyprexa for other health conditions. Keep Zyprexa out of the reach of children. If using Zyprexa for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Zyprexa. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.