Olanzapine Side Effects

Some common side effects of olanzapine include drowsiness, weight gain, and increased appetite. A few less common side effects with olanzapine include difficulty with bladder control, gout, anemia, and a hangover. While side effects of this medication are usually minor, certain olanzapine side effects (such as a high fever, signs of diabetes, and any abnormal muscle movements) are more serious and should be reported to your healthcare provider.

 

Olanzapine Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with olanzapine (Zyprexa®); however, not everyone who takes olanzapine will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate olanzapine well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with olanzapine. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of olanzapine side effects with you.)
 

Common Olanzapine Side Effects

Olanzapine has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common olanzapine side effects included:
 
  • Drowsiness -- in up to 35 percent of people
  • Dry mouth -- up to 32 percent (see Zyprexa and Dry Mouth)
  • Weight gain -- up to 26 percent (see Zyprexa and Weight Gain)
  • Increased appetite -- up to 24 percent
  • Dizziness -- up to 18 percent
  • Weakness -- up to 18 percent
  • Accidental injury -- up to 12 percent
  • Insomnia -- up to 12 percent (see Zyprexa and Insomnia)
  • Constipation -- up to 11 percent
  • Heartburn or indigestion -- up to 11 percent
  • Thirst -- up to 10 percent.
     
Some other common olanzapine side effects (occurring in 5 percent to 9 percent of people) included:
 
  • Personality changes
  • Shakiness (tremors)
  • Low blood pressure, especially when sitting or standing up
  • A fever
  • Back pain
  • Joint pain
  • Changes in walking pattern
  • An irritated or runny nose
  • Coughing
  • Speech problems
  • Increased salivation
  • Memory loss (amnesia).
     
(Olanzapine Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;