Olanzapine

 
Generic Name: olanzapine

Brands: Zyprexa, Zyprexa Zydis

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

· Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs.

· Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience fever, sweating, severe muscle stiffness (rigidity), confusion, fast or irregular heart beats. These could be symptoms of a potentially fatal side effect called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS).

· 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 taking Olanzapine.

· Maintain adequate fluid intake and use caution in hot weather and during exercise to avoid becoming overheated during treatment with Olanzapine. It is easier to become dangerously overheated while taking Olanzapine.

 

What is Olanzapine?

· Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.

· Olanzapine is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

· 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;     ·diabetes;     ·an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating; or     ·glaucoma.

· You may not be able to take Olanzapine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· The 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 be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· It is 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 tablet 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.

· Olanzapine is also available in an injectable dose form that is usually administered intramuscularly by a health care provider. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions regarding the administration of injectable Olanzapine.

· It is important to take Olanzapine regularly to get the most benefit.

· Do not stop taking Olanzapine without first talking to 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.

· Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Olanzapine to monitor progress and side effects.

· 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 the 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 if an overdose is suspected.

· 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 taking Olanzapine.

· Maintain adequate fluid intake and use caution in hot weather and during exercise to avoid becoming overheated during treatment with Olanzapine. It is easier to become dangerously overheated while taking Olanzapine.

 

What are the possible side effects of Olanzapine?

· Stop taking Olanzapine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to Olanzapine.

· Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs.

· Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience fever, sweating, severe muscle stiffness (rigidity), confusion, fast or irregular heart beats. These could be symptoms of a potentially fatal side effect called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS).

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Olanzapine and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·dizziness or drowsiness,     ·agitation,     ·an increased heart rate,     ·constipation,     ·dry mouth,     ·weight gain, or     ·increased blood sugar (may be detected by blood tests or cause symptoms such as increased thirst and urination).

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Olanzapine?

· Before taking Olanzapine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:     ·carbamazepine (Tegretol);     ·fluvoxamine (Luvox);     ·a medication to treat high blood pressure or a heart condition; or     ·a medication to treat Parkinson's disease including levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa, Atamet, Stalevo), selegiline (Eldepryl), pramipexole (Mirapex), ropinirole (Requip), and others.

· You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

· Olanzapine may increase the effects of drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (medicines that treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, and any other drug that makes you feel sleepy or relaxed. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Olanzapine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about Olanzapine written for health professionals that you may read.

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