Drug Name

Zyprexa (Olanzapine)

Drug Uses

Zyprexa is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression).

How Taken

Use Zyprexa as directed by your doctor.

• Take Zyprexa by mouth with or without food.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Zyprexa is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
• Continue to take Zyprexa even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

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

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Zyprexa , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Zyprexa at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Zyprexa out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Zyprexa if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Zyprexa.

• Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using Zyprexa.
• Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Zyprexa . Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
• Some patients who take Zyprexa may develop muscle movements that they cannot control. This is more likely to happen in elderly patients, especially women. The chance that this will happen or that it will become permanent is greater in those who take Zyprexa in higher doses or for a long time. Muscle problems may also occur after short-term treatment with low doses. Tell your doctor at once if you have muscle problems with your arms; legs; or your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (eg, tongue sticking out, puffing of cheeks, mouth puckering, chewing movements) while taking Zyprexa.
• Lab tests, including fasting blood sugar levels and liver function, may be performed while you use Zyprexa . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Zyprexa with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially uncontrolled muscle movements.
• Zyprexa should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zyprexa while you are pregnant. Zyprexa is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Zyprexa.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• back or joint pain; constipation; cough; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; increased appetite; indigestion; lightheadedness; numbness or tingling of the skin; restlessness; sore throat; weakness; weight gain.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal thoughts; chest pain; confusion; decreased urination; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; increased saliva production or drooling; increased sweating; memory loss; menstrual changes; muscle pain, weakness, or stiffness; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, depression, hallucinations); seizures; severe or prolonged dizziness or headache; shortness of breath; swelling of the hands, legs, or feet; symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, urination; unusual weakness); tremor; trouble concentrating, speaking, or swallowing; trouble sitting still; trouble walking or standing; uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, arm or leg movements, twitching of the face or tongue, jerking or twisting); unusual bruising; vision changes; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

More Information

Zyprexa is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.