Zyprexa
Olanzapine Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
OLANZAPINE (oh LAN za peen) is used to treat schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, and bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depression.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Swallow it with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional. Read More ›
Zyprexa can be used to treat the following conditions:
- acute psychosis
- bipolar disorder
- mania
- schizophrenia
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each new prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 13 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
difficulty breathing
difficulty in speaking or swallowing
excessive thirst and/or hunger
fast heartbeat (palpitations)
fever or chills, sore throat
frequently needing to urinate
inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs
painful or prolonged erections
restlessness or need to keep moving
seizures (convulsions)
skin rash
stiffness, spasms
swelling of face or legs
tremors or trembling
weight gain
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
changes in sexual desire
constipation
drowsiness
lowered blood pressure
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
certain antibiotics like grepafloxacin and sparfloxacin
certain phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, and thioridazine
cisapride
clozapine
droperidol
halofantrine
levomethadyl
pimozide
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
carbamazepine
charcoal
fluvoxamine
levodopa and other medicines for Parkinson's disease
medicines for diabetes
medicines for high blood pressure
medicines for mental depression, anxiety, other mood disorders, or sleeping problems
omeprazole
rifampin
ritonavir
tobacco from cigarettes
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at controlled room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
breast cancer or history of breast cancer
dementia
diabetes mellitus, high blood sugar or a family history of diabetes
difficulty swallowing
glaucoma
heart disease, irregular heartbeat, or previous heart attack
history of brain tumor or head injury
kidney or liver disease
low blood pressure or dizziness when standing up
Parkinson's disease
prostate trouble
seizures (convulsions)
suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
an unusual or allergic reaction to olanzapine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine. Notify your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms get worse, if you have new symptoms, if you are having an unusual effect from this medicine, or if you feel out of control, very discouraged or think you might harm yourself or others.
Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You may need to gradually reduce the dose. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.
You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Avoid alcoholic drinks. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness with olanzapine.
Do not treat yourself for colds, diarrhea or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.
This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated or dehydrated from exercise. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Who should not take Zyprexa?
Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:
abrupt discontinuation, agranulocytosis, ambient temperature increase, anticholinergic medications, Asian patients, bradycardia, breast cancer, breast-feeding, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac disease, cardiomyopathy, cerebrovascular disease, children, closed-angle glaucoma, CNS depression, coma, dehydration, dementia, diabetes mellitus, diabetic ketoacidosis, driving or operating machinery, dysphagia, fever, geriatric, hematological disease, hepatic disease, hepatitis, hyperlipidemia, hyperprolactinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypovolemia, ileus, infants, infertility, jaundice, leukopenia, neonates, neurological disease, neutropenia, obesity, orthostatic hypotension, Parkinson's disease, pregnancy, prostatic hypertrophy, QT prolongation, renal disease, renal failure, renal impairment, seizure disorder, seizures, strenuous exercise, stroke, suicidal ideation, surgery, tardive dyskinesia, tobacco smoking, torsade de pointes, urinary retention
Copyright: © 2000-2010 The StayWell Company, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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