Brand
name:
Zyprexa
Pronounced: Zye-PRECKS-ah
Generic name: Olanzapine
Why is Zyprexa prescribed?
Zyprexa helps manage symptoms of schizophrenia, the manic phase of
bipolar disorder, and other psychotic disorders. It is thought to work
by opposing the action of serotonin and dopamine, two of the brain's
major chemical messengers. The drug is available as Zyprexa tablets
and Zyprexa Zydis, which dissolves rapidly with or without liquid.
Most important fact about Zyprexa
At the start of Zyprexa therapy, the drug can cause extreme low blood
pressure, increased heart rate, dizziness, and, in rare cases, a tendency
to faint when first standing up. These problems are more likely if
you are dehydrated, have heart disease, or take blood pressure medicine.
To avoid such problems, your doctor may start with a low dose of Zyprexa
and increase the dosage gradually.
How should you take Zyprexa without prescriptions?
Zyprexa should be taken once a day with or without food. To use Zyprexa
Zydis, open the sachet, peel back the foil on the blister pack, remove
the tablet, and place the entire tablet in the mouth. Do not push the
tablet through the foil. The medication can be taken with or without
water; the saliva in your mouth will cause the tablet to dissolve.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Zyprexa side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Zyprexa.
* Side effects may include:
Agitation, change in personality, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, increased
appetite, indigestion, low blood pressure upon standing, sleepiness, tremor,
weakness, weight gain
Why should Zyprexa not be prescribed?
If Zyprexa gives you an allergic reaction, you cannot take the drug.
Special warnings about Zyprexa
Certain antipsychotic drugs, including Zyprexa, are associated with
an increased risk of developing high blood sugar, which on rare occasions
has led to coma or death. See your doctor right away if you develop
signs of high blood sugar, including dry mouth, unusual thirst, increased
urination, and tiredness. If you have diabetes or have a high risk
of developing it, see your doctor regularly for blood sugar testing.
Use Zyprexa with caution if you have any of the following conditions:
Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, trouble swallowing, narrow
angle glaucoma (high pressure in the eye), an enlarged prostate, heart
irregularities, heart disease, heart failure, liver disease, or a history
of heart attack, seizures, or intestinal blockage.
Zyprexa should not be used to treat elderly patients who have dementia
because the drug could increase the risk of stroke. In addition, antipsychotic
drug treatment has been associated with swallowing and breathing problems
in older people and those with Alzheimer's disease.
Drugs such as Zyprexa sometimes cause a condition called Neuroleptic
Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Symptoms include high fever, muscle rigidity,
irregular pulse or blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating,
and changes in heart rhythm. If these symptoms appear, contact your
doctor right away. You'll have to discontinue using Zyprexa while the
condition is under treatment.
There is also a risk of developing tardive dyskinesia, a condition
marked by slow, rhythmical, involuntary movements. This problem is
more likely to surface in older adults, especially elderly women. When
it does, use of Zyprexa is usually stopped.
Animal studies suggest that Zyprexa may increase the risk of breast
cancer, although human studies have not confirmed such a risk. If you
have a history of breast cancer, see your doctor regularly for checkups.
People at high risk of suicide attempts should be prescribed the lowest
dose possible to reduce the risk of intentional overdose.
Zyprexa sometimes causes drowsiness and can impair your judgment,
thinking, and motor skills. Use caution while driving and don't operate
dangerous machinery until you know how the drug affects you.
Medicines such as Zyprexa can interfere with regulation of the body's
temperature. Do not get overheated or become dehydrated while taking
Zyprexa. Avoid extreme heat and drink plenty of fluids.
Zyprexa can cause low blood pressure upon standing, resulting in dizziness,
rapid heartbeat, and fainting, especially at the start of therapy.
Let the doctor know if you develop this problem; your dosage can be
adjusted to reduce the symptoms.
If you have phenylketonuria and must avoid the amino acid phenylalanine,
you should not take Zyprexa Zydis, which contains this substance.
The safety and effectiveness of Zyprexa have not been studied in children.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zyprexa
Avoid alcohol while taking Zyprexa. The combination can cause a sudden
drop in blood pressure.
If Zyprexa is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
can be increased, decreased, or altered. Ask your doctor before taking
any prescription or over-the-counter drugs. It is especially important
to check before combining Zyprexa with the following:
Blood pressure medications
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Diazepam (Valium)
Drugs that boost the effect of dopamine, such as the Parkinson's medications
Mirapex, Parlodel, Permax, and Requip
Fluvoxamine
Levodopa (Larodopa)
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. Zyprexa should be used during pregnancy only if absolutely
necessary. The drug may appear in breast milk; do not breastfeed while
on Zyprexa therapy.
Recommended dosage for Zyprexa
ADULTS Overdosage : An overdose of Zyprexa is usually not
life-threatening, but fatalities have been reported. If you suspect
an overdose, seek medical attention
immediately.
* Symptoms of Zyprexa overdose may include:
Agitation drowsiness rapid or irregular heartbeat slurred or disrupted speech
stupor
Overdoses of Zyprexa have also led to breathing difficulties, changes
in blood pressure, excessive perspiration, fever, muscle rigidity,
cardiac arrest, coma, and convulsions.
