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Zyprexa

Generic name: Olanzapine (oral) [oh-LANZ-a-peen]
Names of brands: Zyprexa, zyprexa, Zydis
Drug class: Atypical antipsychotics

What is Zyprexa?

Zyprexa is an antipsychotic drug that affects the chemicals of the brain.Zyprexa is a treatment for psychotic conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression) for children and adults who are at least 13 years old.

Zyprexa can also be used in conjunction with fluoxetine (Prozac) to treat symptoms of depression in adults as well as children aged 10 or more with bipolar disorder.

Warnings

Zyprexa can affect your thinking or reactions. Be aware when driving or doing any activity that requires you to be vigilant.Do not drink alcohol while taking Zyprexa.Zyprexa is not a drug approved for use by older adults who suffer from dementia-related psychosis.

It is possible to gain weight or develop high cholesterol levels and triglycerides (types of fat) during the course of this medicine, especially if you're an adolescent. Your blood could require regular testing. Visit your doctor regularly.

Olanzapine can result in high levels of blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If you suffer from diabetes, be sure to check your levels of blood sugar regularly on a daily basis while taking this drug.Do not get up too quickly from a lying or sitting posture, as you may be dizzy. The dizziness or excessive drowsiness could result in fractures, falls, and other injuries. Make sure to stand slowly and steadily to avoid falling.

Beware of becoming dehydrated or overheated. Get plenty of fluids in, particularly during hot weather or exercising. It is more likely to be extremely hot and dehydrated when you take Zyprexa.

Before you take this drug

It is not recommended to take Zyprexa if you are sensitive to olanzapine.

Zyprexa can cause an increase in the likelihood of dying in elderly patients suffering from psychosis relating to dementia. It's not a prescription drug for this purpose.

To ensure that this medication is suitable for you, inform your doctor if you've previously had:

  • Liver disease;
  • Heart disease heart disease, excessive and high blood pressure, or low;
  • High cholesterol or triglycerides
  • A stroke, which includes "mini-stroke";
  • Breast cancer;
  • A seizure;
  • Alzheimer's disease;
  • High blood sugar or diabetes;
  • An enlarged prostate;
  • Bowel problems,
  • Narrow-angle glaucoma.

Antipsychotic medication taken within the last 3 months of pregnancy could result in breathing issues and feeding issues, as well as withdrawal symptoms in newborns. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Don't stop using Zyprexa without consulting your doctor.

Olanzapine is a drug that can be absorbed in breast milk. If you're nursing, inform your doctor in the event that you notice a severe lack of sleep, irritation, vomiting, or unusual muscle movements in a nursing infant.

Zyprexa Zydis orally disintegrating tablets might contain phenylalanine. Consult your doctor if you are suffering from phenylketonuria (PKU).

Similar/related drugs

Caplyta, Sertraline, Trazadone, Lexapro, Quetiapine, Citalopram, and Zoloft

How to take Zyprexa?

Make sure you follow the dosage exactly according to the recommendations of your doctor. Follow the directions on the prescription label and review all medication manuals or instructions sheets. Your doctor may alter your dosage.Zyprexa is a medicine that can be used either with or without food.

Take the Zyprexa Zydis tablet that is orally disintegrating from the packaging only when you are prepared to take the medication. Put the tablet in your mouth and let it disintegrate without chewing. Drink several times until the tablet disintegrates.

Olanzapine could cause excessive blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If you're diabetic, be sure to check your levels of blood sugar regularly on a daily basis.It is possible to gain weight or develop high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) when you take this medication, particularly if you're in your teens. You might require periodic blood tests.

Consult your doctor if symptoms do not improve or if symptoms get worse when you use Zyprexa.Don't stop taking this medication suddenly, even if you are good. A sudden stop could be the cause of serious reactions.

Zyprexa can be used with other antipsychotic medicines as well as other antidepressants. Follow the instructions for all medications and carefully read the medical guides you are given. Do not alter your dose or schedule of dosing without your doctor's approval.

The medication may only be part of a full treatment plan that includes counseling and other psychosocial support programs. Follow your doctor's advice.Maintain at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light.

Do I be concerned if I miss a dose?

The medication should be taken promptly. However, do not take your missed dosage if you are close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.

What will happen if I take excessively?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

The symptoms of an overdose can include the feeling of drowsiness, agitation, aggressiveness, slurred speech, confusion, an increase in heart rate, uncontrolled or jerky muscle movements, difficulty breathing, or even fainting.

What should be avoided?

Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand the effects of this medication on you. Dizziness or drowsiness may result in falls, accidents, or serious injuries.Do not get up too quickly from a lying or sitting position. You could get dizzy.Beware of drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects may be experienced.

Beware of becoming dehydrated or overheated. Take plenty of water, particularly in hot weather or during exercises. It is more likely to be hyperhydrated and dangerously dehydrated while you're taking Zyprexa.

Side effects of Zyprexa

Take immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergy reaction (Zyprexa): hives, breathing problems, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,

Get medical attention in the event of a severe reaction to a drug that could affect various parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash and fever; swelling of glands; muscle aches; extreme weakness; and unusual bruising or yellowing of your eyes or skin.

Long-term use or high doses of olanzapine may cause serious movement disorders, which may not be reversible. The longer you take Zyprexa, the more probable it is that you will be affected by this condition, particularly if you're female or an older adult.

Contact your doctor immediately. If you are suffering from:

  • Muscles that are not controlled in your facial muscles (chewing or smacking your lips, frowning, tongue movements, blinking, or eye movements);
  • Difficulties swallowing or speaking;
  • Swelling of your feet or hands
  • Insomnia, strange thoughts or hallucinations, unusual behavior, thoughts of the possibility of harming yourself;
  • Low white blood cells (fever, chills, and mouth ulcers) Skin rashes, the throat is sore, cough, difficulty breathing, feeling lightheaded;
  • Indicators of dehydration being extremely thirsty, hot, or hungry; feeling in a state of not being able to urinate; heavy sweating, hot, or dried skin;
  • Liver issues upper abdomen pain and itching lack of appetite, black stools, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
  • Blood sugar levels are high. More thirst, increased hunger, and urination The mouth is dry; it has a fruity smell; blurred vision; dry skin; weight loss;
  • Extreme nervous system reactions, extremely hard (rigid) muscles and sweating, high fever and confusion, rapid or irregular heartbeats, and a feeling that you could be stricken with a stroke.

Common side effects of Zyprexa include:

  • Weight increase (more likely to occur in teens) weight gain, appetite increase;
  • Headache, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, or restlessness.
  • Issues with memory or speech;
  • Shakes, numbness, or tingling feeling;
  • Personality changes;
  • Dry mouth, or an increase in salivation;
  • Stomach discomfort, constipation,
  • The pain in your arms and legs.

There isn't an exhaustive description of the various negative results. There are other possibilities for what could happen. Talk to your doctor for medical advice regarding the effect. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

Utilizing Zyprexa together with other medicines that cause you to sleep or cause breathing problems can cause serious or life-threatening negative side effects. Ask your doctor prior to using an opioid, such as a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medication for anxiety or seizures.

Other medications can be incompatible with olanzapine, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about your current medications and any medication you begin or stop taking.