Information on Zyprexa and How to Use It, Precautions and Other Medications to Avoid While Taking

This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.

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Zyprexa Consumer Information

ZYPREXA

Generic Name: olanzapine (oh LAN za peen)

Brand Names: Zyprexa, Zyprexa Zydis

What is the most important information I should know about olanzapine?

  • Call your doctor immediately if you have uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs.
  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Olanzapine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
  • Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.
  • Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking olanzapine.
  • Avoid becoming overheated during olanzapine therapy. It is easier to become dangerously dehydrated while you are taking olanzapine. Use caution in hot weather and during exercise. Drink plenty of fluids.

What is olanzapine?

  • Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain.
  • Olanzapine is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions, including hallucinations, delusions, and confusion.
  • Olanzapine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking olanzapine?

  • Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
    • liver disease or other problems with your liver;
    • heart disease or other heart problems such as high blood pressure, a previous heart attack, or irregular heartbeats;
    • seizures or epilepsy;
    • an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating; or
    • glaucoma.
  • You may not be able to take olanzapine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
  • The form orally disintegrating tablet (Zyprexa Zydis) form of this medication contains phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this formulation if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
  • Olanzapine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether olanzapine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
  • It is also not known whether olanzapine passes into breast milk. Do not take olanzapine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take olanzapine?

  • Take olanzapine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you
  • Take each dose with a full glass of water.
  • Olanzapine can be taken with or without food.
  • Olanzapine is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
  • To take Olanzapine orally disintegrating tablets (Zyprexa Zydis):
    • Using dry hands, open the sachet and peel back foil on blister. Do not push tablet through foil.
    • Immediately upon opening the blister, remove the tablet and place it in the mouth.
    • Tablet disintegration occurs rapidly in saliva so it can be easily swallowed with or without liquid.
  • Do not stop taking olanzapine without the approval of your doctor. It may be 4 weeks or more before you begin to feel better, and you may require continuous treatment for quite some time. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this medication.
  • Store olanzapine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

  • Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

  • Seek emergency medical attention.
  • Symptoms of an olanzapine overdose include drowsiness and slurred speech.

What should I avoid while taking olanzapine?

  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Olanzapine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
  • Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.
  • Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking olanzapine.
  • Avoid becoming overheated during olanzapine therapy. It is easier to become dangerously dehydrated while you are taking olanzapine. Use caution in hot weather and during exercise. Drink plenty of fluids.

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