Zyprexa

Generic Name: olanzapine (oh LANZ a peen) Zyprexa is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain. Zyprexa is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression).
What is the most important information I should know about Zyprexa ?
• Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs.
• Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience fever, sweating, severe muscle stiffness (rigidity), confusion, fast or irregular heart beats. These could be symptoms of a potentially fatal side effect called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS).
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Zyprexa may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
• Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.
• Avoid consuming alcohol during treatment with Zyprexa. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Zyprexa.
• Maintain adequate fluid intake and use caution in hot weather and during exercise to avoid becoming overheated during treatment with Zyprexa. It is easier to become dangerously overheated while taking Zyprexa.
What is Zyprexa?
• Zyprexa is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.
• Zyprexa is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
• Zyprexa may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Zyprexa?
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
· liver disease or other problems with your liver;
· heart disease or other heart problems such as high blood pressure , a previous heart attack, or irregular heartbeats;
· seizures or epilepsy;
· diabetes;
· ever been diagnosed with breast cancer;
· an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating; or
· glaucoma.
• You may not be able to take Zyprexa, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar) has been reported in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics including Zyprexa. Talk to your doctor if you experience any signs of hyperglycemia including excessive thirst, frequent urination, excessive hunger, or weakness.
• The orally disintegrating tablet (Zyprexa Zydis) form of this medication contains phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this formulation if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
• Zyprexa is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Zyprexa will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known whether Zyprexa passes into breast milk. Do not take Zyprexa without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Zyprexa?
• Take Zyprexa exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you
• Take each tablet with a full glass of water.
• Zyprexa can be taken with or without food.
• Zyprexa is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• To take Zyprexa orally disintegrating tablets (Zyprexa Zydis):
· Using dry hands, open the sachet and peel back foil on blister. Do not push tablet through foil.
· Immediately upon opening the blister, remove the tablet and place it in the mouth.
· Tablet disintegration occurs rapidly in saliva so it can be easily swallowed with or without liquid.
• Zyprexa is also available in an injectable dose form that is usually administered intramuscularly by a health care provider . Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions regarding the administration of injectable Zyprexa.
• It is important to take Zyprexa regularly to get the most benefit.
• Do not stop taking Zyprexa without first talking to your doctor. It may be 4 weeks or more before you begin to feel better, and you may require continuous treatment for quite some time. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this medication.
• Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Zyprexa to monitor progress and side effects.
• Store Zyprexa at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• Symptoms of an Zyprexa overdose include drowsiness, agitation, aggressiveness, slurred speech, increased heart rate , vomiting, chest pains, trouble breathing and convulsions.
What should I avoid while taking Zyprexa?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Zyprexa may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
• Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.
• Avoid consuming alcohol during treatment with Zyprexa. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Zyprexa.
• Maintain adequate fluid intake and use caution in hot weather and during exercise to avoid becoming overheated during treatment with Zyprexa. It is easier to become dangerously overheated while taking Zyprexa.
What are the possible side effects of Zyprexa?
• Stop taking Zyprexa and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to Zyprexa.
• Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs.
• Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience fever, sweating, severe muscle stiffness (rigidity), confusion, fast or irregular heart beats. These could be symptoms of a potentially fatal side effect called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS).
• Hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar) has been reported in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics including Zyprexa. Talk to your doctor if you experience any signs of hyperglycemia including excessive thirst, frequent urination, excessive hunger, or weakness.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zyprexa and talk to your doctor if you experience
· dizziness or drowsiness,
· agitation,
· an increased heart rate,
· constipation,
· dry mouth,
· weight gain, or
· increased blood sugar (may be detected by blood tests or cause symptoms such as increased thirst and urination).
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Zyprexa?
• Before taking Zyprexa, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
· carbamazepine (Tegretol);
· fluvoxamine (Luvox);
· a medication to treat high blood pressure or a heart condition; or
· a medication to treat Parkinson's disease including levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa, Atamet, Stalevo), selegiline (Eldepryl), pramipexole (Mirapex), ropinirole (Requip), and others.
• You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
• Zyprexa may increase the effects of drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (medicines that treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, and any other drug that makes you feel sleepy or relaxed. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Zyprexa. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.