Zyprexa

The active ingredient in Zyprexa is olanzapine. The way it works in people with mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder is somewhat unknown. However, it is assumed to balance the amounts of specific neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin) in the brain. This can help you manage your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Zyprexa. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Zyprexa:

• You can take Zyprexa with or without food, but if it upsets your stomach, try taking it with meals.
• Zyprexa can be taken at any time of day. However, because Zyprexa often induces sleepiness, consult your healthcare provider about taking it in the evening or at night.
• While taking Zyprexa, limit or prevent caffeine consumption or the use of caffeine-containing drugs (such as Excedrin (acetaminophen/aspirin/caffeine). This is because coffee alters how well Zyprexa is broken down in your body, increasing your risk of side effects.
• Drinking alcohol while taking Zyprexa may exacerbate side effects such as tiredness and dizziness.
• Zyprexa can cause high blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, see your healthcare provider about whether you need to check your blood sugar more frequently while taking Zyprexa.
• Zyprexa might produce a reduction in blood pressure when you change positions, such as from sitting to standing. This is more prevalent when you first start treatment or adjust your dosage. Make sure you stand gently and try to grasp onto something for support. If you fall or hurt your head, get medical attention immediately.
• Although rare, Zyprexa might induce difficulties swallowing, increasing the risk of choking. Take small bits of food and consume slowly to reduce your chance of choking.
• Zyprexa can make it difficult for your body to cool down if your temperature rises too high. This increases the likelihood that you may become dehydrated and overheat. Inform your HCP if you feel extremely hot or thirsty, observe a difference in the amount of sweat or urine you produce, or detect unusually dark urine.
• If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

The most common side effects of Zyprexa include:

• Sleepiness.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Accidental injury.
• Dizziness or weakness.

-Dry mouth.

• Constipation.
• Stomach issues or upset stomach.
• Cough, fever, or runny nose.
• Back pain or joint pain.
• Weight gain.
• Vomiting.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Zyprexa. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Seizures.
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) symptoms include fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, loss of awareness of one's surroundings, and a fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Uncontrolled body movements (tardive dyskinesia), such as eye-twitching or lip-smacking.
• Symptoms of dangerously high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, frequent urination, weariness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, fruity breath, and dry mouth.
• Serious infections include fever or high body temperature, headache, chills, body aches, cough, and weakness.
• High prolactin levels, which can lead to fertility problems, enlarged male breasts, sexual dysfunction, absence or irregular menstrual periods, and weak bones.
• Serious allergic reactions and skin responses include hives, blisters, skin reddening or peeling, swelling of the lips or tongue, and difficulty breathing.
• An increased risk of death in elderly patients who are disoriented, have memory loss and have lost contact with reality (dementia-related psychosis). These persons should not receive Zyprexa.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Zyprexa. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Zyprexa, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Heart disease.
• Frequent seizures.
• Diabetes or high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).
• High cholesterol or triglyceride levels in your blood.
• Liver disease.
• Low blood pressure.
• Alzheimer’s disease.
• Narrow-angle glaucoma.
• Enlarged prostate in men.
• Bowel obstruction.
• Phenylketonuria, because Zyprexa Zydis contains phenylalanine.
• Breast cancer.

-History of significantly low white blood cell counts or drug-induced leukopenia or neutropenia.

• Other medical conditions.

Patients having a history of hypersensitivity to the product should not use it. Diabetes mellitus, low white blood cell count, or liver disease may all be exacerbated or precipitated. Excipients may cause galactosemia and phenylketonuria.

The length of time it takes for Zyprexa to act varies depending on the condition being treated. In general, you may notice an improvement in certain symptoms one to two weeks after starting Zyprexa. However, it may take 2 to 3 months before you experience the full effects of the medicine. If you're unsure whether Zyprexa is working, consult your healthcare provider.

When Zyprexa is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Diazepam, lorazepam, or another benzodiazepine. This may exacerbate certain adverse effects, such as drowsiness or orthostatic hypotension.
• Carbamazepine. May impair the effectiveness of olanzapine.
• Fluvoxamine. May increase levels of olanzapine and worsen adverse effects
• Fluoxetine. This could increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• Other brain-affecting drugs include sedatives and sedating antihistamines. These can exacerbate side effects, particularly when coupled with alcohol.
• Heart medicines that reduce blood pressure.
• Levodopa with dopamine agonists. Olanzapine may counteract the effects of these medications.
• Anticholinergics (antimuscarinics), including benztropine. Use with caution in patients with urinary retention, prostatic problems, constipation, and certain other diseases.
• Alcohol may also exacerbate negative effects like tiredness and orthostatic hypotension.
• Taking Zyprexa alongside other medications that cause drowsiness or sluggish breathing can result in serious or fatal side effects. Consult your doctor before taking an opioid, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxant, or medication for anxiety or seizures.

Your healthcare provider will determine your Zyprexa dosage based on your condition, how well it relieves your symptoms, and any side effects.

Schizophrenia

Adults (18+ years): Begin with 5-10 mg once daily; the maintenance dose is 10-20 mg daily.

Teens (13-17 years old): Begin with 2.5-5 mg once daily; the dose is modified as needed.

Bipolar I Disorder (manic or mixed episodes)

Adults (18+ years): Begin with 10-15 mg once daily; the maintenance dose ranges from 5-20 mg daily. When coupled with lithium or valproic acid, your dosage may change.

Teens (13-17 years old): Begin with 2.5-5 mg once daily; the dose is modified as needed.

Depressive episodes in Bipolar I Disorder (with fluoxetine).

Adults (18+ years): Begin with 5 mg once daily in the evening; the maintenance dose is 5-12.5 mg daily.

Children (10-17 years old): Begin with 2.5 mg once a day; adjust the dose as needed.

Treatment-resistant depression (with fluoxetine)

Adults (18+ years): Begin with 5 mg once daily in the evening; the maintenance dose ranges from 5 to 20 mg daily.

Immediate Release Injection

Zyprexa is also available as an injectable to treat agitation induced by schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It is administered by a medical professional in a hospital or clinic environment.

If you miss a dose of Zyprexa, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, simply omit the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Avoid taking two doses at the same time.

Store at room temperature, away from heat or light as well as keep out of reach of children.

Eli Lilly and Company manufactures Zyprexa (olanzapine).

There are several lower-cost generics available with the active ingredient of olanzapine.

Do not change your dose or suddenly stop taking Zyprexa without first consulting your doctor. This can result in withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and disorientation. If you want to discontinue taking the drug, speak with your healthcare provider. They can help you do so safely by gradually lowering your dose over time.

Consult your doctor about the risks and advantages of taking Zyprexa during pregnancy. Studies indicate that it does not increase the risk of miscarriage or birth abnormalities. However, it may induce pregnancy issues, such as gestational diabetes.

Research has shown a small amount passes through the breastmilk. If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice severe drowsiness, irritability, feeding problems, tremors, or unusual muscle movements in your nursing baby.