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. However, olanzapine is not a cure for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia; it only controls the symptoms of these conditions. Olanzapine comes in tablet form and is usually taken once a day. As with any drug, there are possible side effects with olanzapine. Some of the more common side effects seen with this drug include dizziness, drowsiness, and constipation.

 

What Is Olanzapine?

Olanzapine (Zyprexa®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
 

Who Makes Olanzapine?

Olanzapine is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company.
 
(Click What Is Olanzapine Used For? for more information on what olanzapine is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does Olanzapine Work?

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).
 
Olanzapine is not a cure for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. It only helps to control symptoms of these conditions (see Symptoms of Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder Symptoms).
 
(Olanzapine Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;