Zyprexa ®

Generic Name: Olanzapine (oh-LAN-za-pean)

Drug Class: Antipsychotic, Thienobenzodiazepines

Contents

• Drug Uses
• General Information
• How it Works
• How to Take It
• Possible Side Effects
• Warnings and Precautions
• Drug Interactions
• Missing a Dose
• Storage
• Pregnancy or Nursing

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.

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