Zyprexa is used to treat schizophrenia. Zyprexa is in a class of
medications called antipsychotics. It works by decreasing unusually
high levels of brain activity.
How
should Zyprexa be used?
Zyprexa comes as a tablet and an orally
disintegrating tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once
a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully,
and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not
understand. Take Olanzapine exactly as directed. Do not take more
or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
To take the orally disintegrating tablet, use dry hands to peel
back the foil packaging. Immediately take out the tablet and place
it in your mouth. The tablet will quickly dissolve and can be swallowed
with saliva. No water is needed to swallow disintegrating tablets.
Zyprexa
helps treat schizophrenia but does not cure it. Continue to take
Olanzapine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Zyprexa without
talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses
for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your
dose gradually. Olanzapine must be taken regularly for a few weeks
before its full effect is felt.
Before taking Zyprexa, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are
allergic to Zyprexa 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 or 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 Zyprexa, 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 Olanzapine affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Olanzapine.
tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may
decrease the effectiveness of Olanzapine.
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 Zyprexa may cause a condition called tardive dyskinesia.
If you have any uncontrollable jerking movements, call your doctor
immediately.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is
almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your
regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for
a missed one.
What
side effects can Zyprexa cause?
Although side effects from Zyprexa 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 What storage conditions are needed for Zyprexa?
Keep Olanzapine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and
out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away
from moisture and heat (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication
that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about
the proper disposal of Olanzapine.
What
other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response
to Zyprexa.
Do
not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about refilling your prescription.