Zyprexa ®
Generic Name: Olanzapine (oh-LAN-za-pean)
Drug Class: Antipsychotic, Thienobenzodiazepines
Contents
Drug Uses
Used in treating thinking problems and other difficulties as seen in psychosis.
This medicine is also used for treatment of mania in bipolar patients. You
doctor may prescribe this medicine for other purposes as well, such as treating
marijuana-induced psychotic disorder.
General Information
The use of herbs kola or ma huang may cause unwanted nervousness or excitability.
Ginseng should not be combined with this medicine. Valerian and kava kava
may cause increased drowsiness when combined with this medicine. Olanzapine
is removed from the body up to 40% faster in people who smoke compared to
those that don’t.
How it Works
This drug restores an imbalance of two important nerve transmitters (dopamine
and serotonin). It also works at other sites including; histamine, muscarinic,
GABA, BZD and adrenergic sites.
How to Take It
This medicine should be taken at the same time everyday. This medicine can
be crushed and taken with food. You should not drink grapefruit juice while
taking this medicine.
Possible Side Effects
- dizziness, drowsiness
- agitation
- insomnia
- somnolence
- edema (fluid retention)
- weight gain
- constipation
- Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience hair loss, abnormal
movements, or if you have difficulty swallowing.
Warnings/Precautions
- Do NOT take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction while
taking it before.
- Talk to your doctor if you have:
- a seizure disorder
- narcoleptic malignant syndrome
- liver disease
- low blood pressure
- heart disease
- narrow angle glaucoma
- history of breast cancer
- or you have problems swallowing
- If you plan to have surgery under general or spinal anesthesia in the
near future, talk to your doctor first.
- You should NOT drive and your activities should be restricted due to
drowsiness or dizziness that may be caused by taking this medicine.
Overdose
- Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your
local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
- Taking other sedative medications with olanzapine may result in added
drowsy effects. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) can cause up to a 50% removal
of olanzapine from the body. Certain antibiotics, (fluroquinolones), fluvoxamine
(Luvox) can cause olanzapine toxicity. Medicines that decrease the effects
of olanzapine are omeprazole (Prilosec) and rifampin. Talk to your doctor
or pharmacist if you are taking lithium or have further questions about
drug interactions with this medicine.
Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double
doses.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated
or no longer needed.
Pregnancy/Nursing
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
or while breast feeding. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
More Information
For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider.
Copyright © 2004 PharmClips,
Inc. All rights reserved. Information expires March 1, 2005. Published
March 1, 2004.
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions,
precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general
information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions
for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility
for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from
the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained
herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property
as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty,
expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material.
The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before
making any changes in their drug regimen. |
