What is Olanzapine for ?

This medication is an atypical antipsychotic, prescribed for schizophrenia. It changes the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.

How does Olanzapine work ?

Olanzapine helps clear your thinking. It works on helping social interactions, mood, expression of mood, as well as, delusions, paranoia, and look.

How should Olanzapine be used ?

It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, with or without food. The recommended initial dose is 5 to 10 mg once a day. Maintenance: 10 mgday to 20 mgday. Adolescents- The recommended starting dose is 2.5 or 5 mgday.

Common side effects of Olanzapine ?

Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred eyesight, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how this drug affects you. Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Be careful climbing. Nervous and excitable. High cholesterol level. Hostility. Hard stools (constipation). Drinking more liquids, working out, or adding fiber to your diet may help. Talk with your doctor about a stool softener or laxative. Dry mouth. Good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. See a dentist often. Weight gain. High blood sugar. This most often goes back to normal when drug is stopped. Not able to sleep.

What do I do if I miss a dose ?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Do not change the dose or stop this drug. Talk with the doctor.

What precautions should I take when taking Olanzapine ?

If you have an allergy to olanzapine or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you are breast-feeding.

When do I need to seek medical help ?

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Signs of low mood (depression), thoughts of killing yourself, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, thinking that is not normal, anxiety, or lack of interest in life. Very bad dizziness or passing out. Big change in balance. Shakiness, trouble moving around, or stiffness. Change in thinking clearly and with logic. Not sweating during activities or in warm temperatures. Seizures. Trouble swallowing. Very nervous and excitable. Feeling very tired or weak. More trips to the bathroom, more thirst, or weight loss. For women, if you get pregnant while taking this drug. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take Olanzapine with other medicines ?

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Are there any food restrictions ?

Avoid Alcohol.

How do I store Olanzapine ?

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Pregnancy Category ?

Category C : Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Therapeutic Classification ?

Antipsychotics.