ZYPREXA

Who is Zyprexa for ?

Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

It is thought that people with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders produce too much dopamine in their brains. Olanzapine primarily blocks dopamine receptors and other brain chemicals, like norepinephrine, histamine, and serotonin to stabilize psychotic symptoms.

When should I be careful taking Zyprexa ?

Before taking olanzapine,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to olanzapine or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially carbamazepine (Tegretol), heart medications, omeprazole (Prilosec), rifampin (Rifadin), sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease or a heart attack, seizures, breast cancer, liver disease, prostate disease, a bowel obstruction, or glaucoma.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking olanzapine, call your doctor.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.
• you should know that this drug may cause a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you have fever, very stiff muscles, change in mental function, sweating, or irregular heartbeat, call your doctor immediately.
• be aware that olanzapine may cause a condition called tardive dyskinesia. If you have any uncontrollable jerking movements, call your doctor immediately.

Side Effects

Although side effects from olanzapine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• agitation
• drowsiness
• constipation
• dry mouth
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• seizures
• uncontrollable jerking movements
• fever
• very stiff muscles
• excess sweating
• fast or irregular heartbeat