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:
(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:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking olanzapine if you have:
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Olanzapine belongs to a group of medications called atypical (or second-generation)
antipsychotic medications. It is not entirely known how olanzapine works for the treatment of
schizophrenia or
bipolar disorder. It is known that the medication blocks or lessens the effects of several chemicals in the brain. These brain chemicals (such as dopamine and serotonin) may be elevated in people with schizophrenia or
bipolar disorder (also known as
manic depression).
In previous clinical studies of olanzapine for
schizophrenia, people taking the medication experienced improvements in their schizophrenia symptoms (including hallucinations and suspiciousness), compared to those not taking it. Longer studies also showed that olanzapine can help people from needing to be hospitalized and can help symptoms from returning.
When and How to Take Olanzapine
Following are some general considerations for when and how to take the medication:
- Olanzapine comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once a day.
- You can take it with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Olanzapine is also available in tablets that are meant to dissolve rapidly in the mouth. These tablets are called Zyprexa Zydis® tablets. They do not need to be taken with water.
- Olanzapine should be taken at the same time each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Your age
- The severity of your condition
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As is the case with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Drug Interactions With Olanzapine
Olanzapine can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
People who take too much olanzapine may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Agitation or aggressiveness
- Changes in speech or language
- A fast heart rate (tachycardia)
- Shakiness, abnormal body movements, or increased muscle tension
- Sleepiness or passing out.
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Storage Methods for Olanzapine
Olanzapine should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The medicine should also be stored in an airtight container.
Keep olanzapine and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your olanzapine as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
It is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company.
Olanzapine tablets are available in the following strengths:
- Olanzapine 2.5 mg
- Olanzapine 5 mg
- Olanzapine 7.5 mg
- Olanzapine 10 mg
- Olanzapine 15 mg
- Olanzapine 20 mg.
Zyprexa Zydis orally disintegrating tablets are available the following strengths:
- Zyprexa Zydis 5 mg
- Zyprexa Zydis 10 mg
- Zyprexa Zydis 15 mg
- Zyprexa Zydis 20 mg.
An injectable form of olanzapine is also available and is approved to treat agitation associated with
schizophrenia or
bipolar mania.
Alternatives to Olanzapine
There are several alternatives to olanzapine for the treatment of
bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Some other
atypical antipsychotic medications for treating schizophrenia or bipolar disorder include:
Mood stabilizer
bipolar medications (which are alternatives to olanzapine for treating bipolar disorder) can include:
Not all of the medications listed above are approved to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, they are commonly used "
off-label" for the treatment of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
There is currently no generic olanzapine licensed for sale.
