Olanzapine

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• QWhat is Zyprexa (olanzapine)?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Zyprexa (olanzapine) is a prescription antipsychotic medication that treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in teenagers and adults. Zyprexa comes in the form of a tablet that dissolves quickly in your mouth.
  
  
  
  

• QWhat should I know about Zyprexa before taking it?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Before taking Zyprexa, you should know that this medication has not been approved for people under the age of 13. Also, although it is approved for teen use, studies do show that many of the medication's possible negative side effects are more likely to occur in adolescents. Because weight gain is one potential risk associated with the drug, people taking Zyprexa should have regular check-ups to monitor their weight. This medication can also impair cognitive or motor skills. Therefore, you are advised to not operate automobiles and heavy machinery and to stay away from other hazardous conditions when you first begin taking Zyprexa. These activities can be resumed when you are sure that the drug is not clouding your judgment.

• QWhat are possible side effects of Zyprexa (olanzapine)?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Side effects of Zyprexa (olanzapine) include dry mouth, dizziness, weight gain, and increased cholesterol levels. Zyprexa may cause hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, in some people, including those with diabetes. Some people continue to suffer from hyperglycemia even after they stop taking Zyprexa. Other side effects of Zyprexa include lethargy, increased hunger, restlessness, shakes or tremors in the body, fewer bowel movements or hard excrement, headaches, abdominal pain, aches and pain in the arms or legs, and overall tiredness. People who take Zyprexa commonly gain weight, so you should have regular check-ups to monitor your weight while taking this medication.
  Although Zyprexa is approved for teen use, many of Zyprexa's side effects, including weight gain, drowsiness, and increased cholesterol, are more likely to occur in teenagers.
  Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in potentially dangerous activities until you know how Zyprexa affects you, as Zyprexa can impair cognitive or motor skills.
  
  

• QAre there any risks in taking Zyprexa (olanzapine)?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  There are several risks in taking Zyprexa (olanzapine). Elderly people with dementia-related psychosis have a higher risk of death and stroke when taking this medication, so it is not recommended for this patient population. There also is a risk of seizures and a sudden drop in blood pressure when taking Zyprexa. The drug can also cause difficulty swallowing, which may lead to food or liquids moving to the lungs instead of the digestive system. Zyprexa can also cause difficulty controlling body temperature, which may lead to serious dehydration if not discovered and treated. Additionally, like other antipsychotic medications, Zyprexa increases a person's risk for a nervous system disorder called Tardive Dyskinesia and a rare but possibly fatal disorder called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.
  
  
• QWho should take Zyprexa (olanzapine)?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Zyprexa (olanzapine) is used to treat adults and adolescents with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Zyprexa is approved only for people over the age of 13. Zyprexa is used in tandem with other medications to treat bouts of depression in adults with bipolar I disorder. Zyprexa may also treat a condition called treatment-resistant depression, which is diagnosed when the symptoms of depression persist even after a person has been treated with several other medications.

• QWho should not take Zyprexa (olanzapine)?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Do not take Zyprexa (olanzapine) if you have seizures, heart problems, breast cancer, suicidal thoughts, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Zyprexa has not been approved for people under the age of 13. Although it is approved for teen use, studies show that many of the medication's possible negative side effects are more likely to occur in adolescents. Elderly adults who have dementia-related psychosis also should not take Zyprexa. Zyprexa can cause complications and death in people with dementia.
  
  

• QWhat food or other drugs affect Zyprexa (olanzapine)?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Before taking Zyprexa (olanzapine), tell your doctor all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking. Some medications, including those used to treat high blood pressure can cause fainting and low blood pressure in people taking Zyprexa. Other medications can decrease the effectiveness of Zyprexa or increase the risk of side effects. Certain medications become ineffective when combined with Zyprexa. Do not drink alcohol or take sleep aids or muscle relaxants while taking Zyprexa. Zyprexa can cause drowsiness, and alcohol, sleep aids, and muscle relaxants can increase this side effect.
  If you are taking Zyprexa, talk to your doctor before drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit. Zyprexa may interact negatively with grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  
• QWhat is the generic version of Zyprexa (olanzapine)?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Several manufacturers make generic versions of Zyprexa, sold under the name of the active ingredient, olanzapine. Zyprexa and its generics are antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
  
  

• QWhat should I avoid while taking Zyprexa (olanzapine)?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Do not drink alcohol while taking Zyprexa (olanzapine). Zyprexa may cause drowsiness, and alcohol can increase this side effect. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in potentially risky behavior until you know how Zyprexa affects you, as Zyprexa can impair cognitive or motor skills.

• QHow do I take Zyprexa (olanzapine)?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Zyprexa (olanzapine) comes in the form of a disintegrating tablet. With dry hands, remove the foil from the package without popping the pill through the foil. Once the package is open, immediately put the pill in your mouth and wait for it to quickly dissolve. You do not need to take the tablet with water. Zyprexa is typically taken once a day. Zyprexa can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food. If you are taking Zyprexa, talk to your doctor before drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit, as Zyprexa may interact negatively with grapefruit and grapefruit juice.