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Olanzapine |
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What is Olanzapine and why is it prescribed? Olanzapine helps manage symptoms of schizophrenia, the manic phase of manic-depression, and other psychotic disorders. Olanzapine 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 Olanzapine tablets and Olanzapine Zydis, which dissolves rapidly with or without liquid. At the start of Olanzapine 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 Olanzapine and increase the dosage gradually. How should you take Olanzapine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Olanzapine. Olanzapine should be taken once a day with or without food. To use Olanzapine 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 two doses at once. Store Olanzapine at room temperature away from light and moisture. Are there any Olanzapine side effects? Olanzapine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Olanzapine side effects may include abdominal pain, abnormal gait, accidental injury, agitation, anxiety, back pain, behavior problems, blood in urine, blurred vision, chest pain, constipation, cough, dehydration, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, extreme low blood pressure, eye problems, feeling of well-being, fever, headache, high blood pressure, hostility, increased appetite, increased cough, indigestion, inflammation of the nasal passages and throat, insomnia, joint pain, movement disorders, muscle rigidity, nausea, nervousness, pain in arms and legs, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, tension, tremor, weakness, and weight gain. Less common Olanzapine side effects may include abnormal dreams, decreased sex drive, dental pain, diabetes, difficulty breathing, emotional instability, eye infection, increased salivation, intentional injury, involuntary movement, joint stiffness, low blood pressure, menstrual irregularities, nasal stuffiness, sleepiness, sore throat, suicide attempts, sweating, swelling of arms and legs, thirst, twitching, urinary problems, vaginal infection, and vomiting. Rare Olanzapine side effects may include abnormal ejaculation, black bowel movements, bleeding, blood clots, bone pain, breast growth in males, breast pain, burping, chills, congestive heart failure, difficulty swallowing, dry eyes, dry skin, ear pain, change in taste sensation, enlarged abdomen, fever, gas, stomach upset, hair loss, hangover feeling, heart attack, inability to control bowel movements, migraine, mouth sores, neck pain, neck rigidity, osteoporosis, pallor, rash, rectal bleeding, rheumatoid arthritis, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light, stroke, sudden death, swelling of face, swollen gums, and yeast infection. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Olanzapine? If Olanzapine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Avoid alcohol while taking Olanzapine. The combination can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. It is especially important to check before combining Olanzapine with 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 (Luvox), Levodopa (Larodopa), Omeprazole (Prilosec), or Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane). Are there any special warnings about Olanzapine? Olanzapine sometimes causes drowsiness and can impair your judgment, thinking, and motor skills. Medicines such as Olanzapine can interfere with regulation of the body's temperature. Do not get overheated or become dehydrated while taking Olanzapine. Avoid extreme heat and drink plenty of fluids. Use Olanzapine with caution if you have any of the following conditions: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, trouble swallowing, narrow angle glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, heart irregularities, heart disease, heart failure, liver disease, or a history of heart attack, seizures, or intestinal blockage. Drugs such as Olanzapine sometimes cause a condition called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. Symptoms include high fever, muscle rigidity, irregular pulse or blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, excessive perspiration, and changes in heart rhythm. If these symptoms appear, your doctor will have you stop taking Olanzapine while the condition is under treatment. There is also a risk of developing tardive dyskinesia. This problem is more likely to surface in older adults, especially elderly women. When it does, use of Olanzapine is usually stopped. If you have a child with phenylketonuria you should be aware that Olanzapine contains this substance. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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