Zyprexa
Key points
- This medication is used for the treatment of certain mental disorders.
- Stand up slowly, especially when starting this medication, to avoid dizziness.
- Notify your doctor if the following side effects occur: stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, fast heartbeat, dry mouth, constipation, weight changes, ankle/leg swelling, drowsiness, agitation, restlessness, pink urine, fever.
- Caution is advised to avoid overheating and also excessive body water loss by very strenuous exercise, or exposure to extreme heat.
OLANZAPINE - ORAL (oh-LAN-zuh-peen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Zyprexa
USES:
This medication is used for the treatment of certain mental disorders.
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION:
Take as directed, usually once a day by mouth. Stand up slowly, especially when starting this medication, to avoid dizziness.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Notify your doctor if the following side effects occur:
stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, fast heartbeat, dry mouth, constipation, weight changes, ankle/leg swelling, drowsiness, agitation, restlessness, pink urine, fever. Unlikely but possible:
confusion, sweating, muscle stiffness, facial or body muscle twitching, lip or tongue movements, tremor, weakness, rash, itching, yellowing of the eyes or skin, trouble breathing, weakness on one side of your body, vision changes, headache, frequent or painful urination, thirst, painful or prolonged erection in men, difficulty swallowing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have any diseases or medical problems, especially liver or heart disease, low blood pressure, breast cancer, stroke, diabetes, seizures (any neurological problems), prostate problems, narrow angle glaucoma, intestinal disease, phenylketonuria, and of any allergies you may have. Caution is advised to avoid overheating and also excessive body water loss by very strenuous exercise, or exposure to extreme heat. Alcohol use may add to the dizziness and drowsiness effect of this drug. Use with caution in the elderly. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into human milk. Caution is advised regarding breast-feeding; consult your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription drugs you take, especially medicine for sleep, antidepressants, tranquilizers (such as diazepam), narcotic pain medicines, Parkinson's disease or seizure medicines, high blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, omeprazole or rifampin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness and slurred speech.
NOTES:
Obtain regular eye exams as part of your regular health care, and to check for any unlikely, but possible, eye problems.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
