Zyprexa

Generic name: Olanzapine

Drug class: Atypical antipsychotics

Dosage forms: Tablet, Disintegrating Tablet, Injection

Root of administration: Oral, Intramuscular

Dose: 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20 mg

Mechanism of action: Zyprexa acts by blocking the activity of several receptors in the brain, including dopamine, serotonin, adrenergic, and histamine receptors. The primary mechanism of action is thought to be the blockade of dopamine D2 receptors, which helps to reduce the overactivity of dopamine in certain brain regions associated with psychotic symptoms.

Drug usage cases: Zyprexa is used to treat psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression) in adults and children at least 13 years old. Zyprexa is also used together with fluoxetine (Prozac) to treat episodes of depression in adults and children at least 10 years old who have bipolar I disorder.

Drug contra indications: You should not take Zyprexa if you are allergic to olanzapine. Zyprexa may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

liver disease; heart disease, high or low blood pressure; high cholesterol or triglycerides; a stroke, including “mini-stroke”; breast cancer; a seizure; Alzheimer’s disease; diabetes or high blood sugar; an enlarged prostate; bowel problems; or narrow-angle glaucoma. Zyprexa Zydis orally disintegrating tablets may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Zyprexa: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. High doses or long-term use of olanzapine can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use Zyprexa, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a woman or an older adult. Call your doctor at once if you have:

uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement); trouble speaking or swallowing; swelling in your hands or feet; confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, hallucinations, or thoughts about hurting yourself; low white blood cell counts – fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed; or signs of dehydration – feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin; liver problems – upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); high blood sugar – increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss; or severe nervous system reaction – very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Warnings: Zyprexa may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Zyprexa. Zyprexa is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. You may gain weight or have high cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) while taking this medicine, especially if you are a teenager. Your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly. Olanzapine can cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking this medicine. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls, fractures, or other injuries. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking Zyprexa.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Taking antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause breathing problems, feeding problems, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop taking Zyprexa without your doctor’s advice. Olanzapine can pass into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice severe drowsiness, irritability, feeding problems, tremors, or unusual muscle movements in the nursing baby.