Olanzapine
Olanzapine is used for treating schizophrenia. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic. Exactly how it works is not known. It is thought to affect certain substances in the brain.
Olanzapine is an antipsychotic. It may increase the risk of death when used to treat mental problems caused by dementia in elderly patients. Most of the deaths were linked to heart problems or infection. Olanzapine is not approved to treat mental problems caused by dementia.
Do not use olanzapine if
you are allergic to any ingredient in olanzapine
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using olanzapine
Some medical conditions may interact with olanzapine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have a history of seizures, heart problems (eg, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; heart failure), an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), a heart attack, a stroke or "mini-stroke," blood vessel problems, high blood cholesterol levels, high or low blood pressure, or low white blood cell levels
if you have a history of liver problems, stomach or bowel problems (eg, decreased muscle movement), enlarged prostate, narrow-angle glaucoma, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), aspiration pneumonia, or suicidal thoughts or attempts
if you have Alzheimer disease, bowel blockage, dementia, or trouble swallowing
if you have diabetes or are very overweight, or if a family member has had diabetes
if you have had high blood prolactin levels or a history of certain types of cancer (eg, breast, pancreas, pituitary), or if you are at risk of breast cancer
if you are dehydrated or have low blood volume, if you drink alcohol or smoke, or if you will be exposed to high temperatures
if you have never taken olanzapine by mouth
Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Tramadol because the risk of seizures may be increased
Alpha-blockers (eg, doxazosin), diazepam, or medicine for high blood pressure because the risk of low blood pressure and fainting may be increased
Anticholinergics (eg, scopolamine), benzodiazepines (eg, lorazepam), or fluvoxamine because they may increase the risk of olanzapine's side effects
Carbamazepine, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), omeprazole, or rifampin because they may decrease olanzapine's effectiveness
Dopamine receptor agonists (eg, pramipexole) or levodopa because their effectiveness may be decreased by olanzapine
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if olanzapine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Important safety information
Olanzapine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Use olanzapine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using olanzapine.
Talk with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using olanzapine; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
Olanzapine may cause dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
Do not become overheated or dehydrated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.
If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, you will need to take care not to become dehydrated. Contact your doctor for instructions. Contact your doctor right away if you think you may be dehydrated.
High blood sugar or diabetes, high cholesterol, and weight gain have happened with medicines like this one. These changes may increase the risk of heart and brain blood vessel disease. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
Olanzapine may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
NMS is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by olanzapine. Symptoms may include fever, stiff muscles, confusion, abnormal thinking, fast or irregular heartbeat, and sweating.
Some patients who take olanzapine may develop muscle movements that they cannot control. This is more likely to happen in elderly patients, especially women. The chance that this will happen or that it will become permanent is greater in those who take olanzapine in higher doses or for a long time. Muscle problems may also occur after short-term treatment with low doses. Tell your doctor at once if you have muscle problems with your arms; legs; or your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (eg, chewing movements, mouth puckering, puffing of cheeks, tongue sticking out) while taking olanzapine.
Some patients have experienced weight gain while using olanzapine. You may need to have regular weight checks while you use olanzapine.
Lab tests, including fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, complete blood cell counts, and liver function, may be performed while you use olanzapine. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Use olanzapine with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
Caution is advised when using olanzapine in children; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially drowsiness, increased cholesterol and lipid levels, increased levels of prolactin (a hormone), and weight gain. Children may need regular weight checks while they take olanzapine.
Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using olanzapine while you are pregnant. Using olanzapine during the third trimester may result in uncontrolled muscle movements or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Do not breast-feed while using olanzapine.
Possible side effects of olanzapine
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
Back pain; constipation; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; increased appetite; light-headedness; nausea; pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; sore throat; stuffy nose; tiredness; vomiting; weight gain.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); abnormal thoughts; chest pain; confusion; decreased urination; disorientation; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; increased saliva production or drooling; increased sweating; memory loss; menstrual changes; muscle pain, weakness, or stiffness; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, agitation, depression, hallucinations); one-sided weakness; seizures; severe or prolonged drowsiness, dizziness, or headache; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or actions; swelling of the hands, legs, or feet; symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, or urination; unusual weakness); symptoms of high prolactin levels (eg, enlarged breast size, decreased sexual ability, missed menstrual period, nipple discharge); tremor; trouble concentrating, speaking, or swallowing; trouble sitting still; trouble walking or standing; uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, arm or leg movements, twitching of the face or tongue, jerking or twisting); unusual bruising; vision changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Source: drugs.com