What is Olanzapine used for?
Zyprexa (Olanzapine) is an atypical antipsychotic that has been approved to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Olanzapine has been used to treat schizophrenia and acute and mixed manic episodes of bipolar disorder. It can also be used for the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. When prescribed in combination with fluoxetine, Zyprexa helps to treat acute depressive episodes relating to resistant depression in adults. Olanzapine is also approved to treat long term bipolar disorder.
Olanzapine has been considered to treat certain disorders on the anxiety spectrum such as panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. However, this use is not approved by the FDA and no study has proven that this treatment is effective. There are some uses for Olanzapine that are not on the professional labeling. These include: the treatment of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa. It can also be used for certain major depressive disorders that don’t have psychotic features. It may also be prescribed for Tourette syndrome and Stuttering. Small amounts of Olanzapine may also be prescribed as a sleep aid clinically. This is because it has zero addictive properties and a low abuse profile. Again, these uses are not a part of the approved professional labeling for Zyprexa. Only take Olanzapine for any of these conditions if your doctor has specifically prescribed it to you. Your doctor will have more complete information.
Olanzapine Information
Warning of Olanzapine?
Zyprexa has been known to cause sudden death, pneumonia, and heart failure in adults who are dementia patients. There is an increased risk of death is in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis that is treated with antipsychotic drugs. The causes of death in trials were varied. The majority of the deaths appeared to be cardiovascular, or infectious (for example, pneumonia) in nature. In studies it is unclear to what extent the mortality findings are related to the antipsychotic drug as opposed to patient characteristics. Olanzapine is not approved for treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.
If you’re allergic to Olanzapine you should stay away from it. If you are in your teenage years there are chances of weight gain or the developement of high triglycerides and cholesterol. Olanzapine can impair reactions and thinking so therefore, you should not drive after taking Zyprexa. While taking this medication drink a lot of fluids to stay adequately hydrated. Alcohol should not be mixed with Olanzapine. If you have certain conditions your doctor may adjust your dose of Olanzapine. These conditions include: heart or liver disease, blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attacks, stroke, low white blood cell count, history of breast cancer, diabetes, enlarged prostate, glaucoma, bowel problems, and seizures/epilepsy. This is necessary to ensure you are not experiencing side effects that may exacerbate your conditions.
How to Use Olanzapine?
Olanzapine or Zyprexa is available, commercially, as a tablet in strengths of 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15 and 20 mg. There also is available an orally disintegrating wafer called Zydis. This formulation dissolves on your tongue. Yet another form in which this medication is available is in the form of a 10 mg vial. This kind of intramuscular injection acts quickly and can be used for short term. Dosage depends upon how a patient responds and reacts to the drug. You will typically be told to take olanzapine orally once a day. Usually before bedtime since it is quite sedating. However, sedation will reduce as treatment pursues. 5 to 10 mg is the usual recommendation in the initial stages with a target dose of 10 mg every day. Olanzapine is not recommended for dosages above 20 mg every day.
Olanzapine Drug Interactions
Other medications
There are instances where two drugs that interact cannot be safely taken together at all due to adverse effects. In other cases you may be able to take two medications with an interaction. This requires your doctor to adjust the doses appropriately. Before you buy generic Olanzapine tell your doctor about medications you take that make you sleepy or slow your breathing. Medications that are used for the treatment of depression, anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, or allergies can add to the side effects. So can narcotics, sleeping medicines, or antipsychotics medications. The following medications may interact with Olanzapine:
- Rifadin (rifampin)
- Prilosec (omeprazole)
- Luvox (fluvoxamine)
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Valium (diazepam)
- Tegretol (carbamazepine)
- Requip (ropinirole)
- Mirapex (pramipexole)
- Eldepryl (selegiline)
This is not an exhaustive list of the medications that may interact with Olanzapine. You should always give a list of all the medications you take to your doctor or pharmacist. This is so they can watch for drug interactions. This list should contain, prescription and non-prescription medicines as well as any herbal or vitamin products you take.
Other substances
Using Olanzapine with any of the subsequent substances is not usually recommended, but might be avoidable in some cases. If used in combination your doctor might change the dose or frequency of use for this medication. They may also give you special instructions about the use of food alcohol or tobacco.
- Tobacco
Other medical problems
Your use of Olanzapine has the potential to be affected by other medical problems you may have. Ensure that you inform all of your healthcare professionals about any medical conditions you have including:
- Blood vessel disease or other circulation problems
- Dehydration
- History of heart attack or stroke
- Heart failure
- Heart rhythm problems
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Hypovolemia (low blood volume)
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol or fat in the blood)
- Hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin in the blood)
- Liver disease
- Paralytic ileus (severe intestinal problem)
- Prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate)
- History of seizures
- Diabetes
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
- Phenylketonuria (PKU, a genetic disease of metabolism)
If you have questions when you buy generic Olanzapine or any drugs you can reach out to us. Our customer service team or a licensed pharmacist can be contacted at 1-844-416-4282.
What are side effects of Olanzapine?
Along with the intended effects of a medication, there is always the chance of unwanted side effects. Many side effects of medications are not serious and will go away as your body gets used to the new medication. These side effects can be mitigated by lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor. If these mild symptoms persist or worsen call your doctor. Some side effects however, are very serious and potentially life threatening and must be reported immediately to your doctor. Talk to your doctor to learn which side effects are expected and which to report as a medical emergency before you buy generic Olanzapine. Some common side effects of Olanzapine are:
There are also good possibilities of other side effects such as:
- rigid and stiff muscles
- drowsiness
- slow heart rate or uneven heart beats
- sweating
- tremors
- confusion and high fever
- trouble in sweating and swallowing
- uncontrollable or jerky movements of limbs and face
- dry mouth
- urinating less often
- increased blood sugar and associated side effects
- sudden weakness or confusion
- flu symptoms such as: body aches chills and fever
- personality changes such as hallucinations unusual behavior
- upper stomach pain and loss of appetite
Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to Olanzapine. The following symptoms are indicative of an allergic reaction and that you should seek immediate medical attention. Typical side effects that arise as a result of an allergic reaction from consumption of Olanzapine include:
- swelling on throat, tongue, lips or face
- difficulty in breathing and hives
This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Talk with your doctor to get a more complete list of side effects that may arise from taking Olanzapine. They will always have the most information and the best individual advice regarding your medications and medical conditions.