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Olanzapine
Olanzapine is a drug that is licensed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The medication works by blocking or lessening the effects of several chemicals in the brain. Olanzapine comes in tablet form and is usually taken once a day (injectable forms are also available). As with any drug, there are possible side effects with this medication. Some of the more common side effects seen with this drug include dizziness, drowsiness, and constipation.
Olanzapine (Zyprexa®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. When used in combination with fluoxetine (Prozac®), it is also approved for treating the following conditions:
- Bipolar depression
- Treatment-resistant depression (depression that has not responded to treatment with at least two different antidepressants).
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with olanzapine. However, not everyone who takes olanzapine will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of olanzapine include, but are not limited to:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Dry mouth (see Zyprexa and Dry Mouth)
- Weight gain (see Zyprexa and Weight Gain)
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) (see Zyprexa and Insomnia).
(Click Olanzapine Side Effects to learn about specific side effects of olanzapine, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider. You can also read about possible side effects by going to:
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD