Drug Name

Olanzapine

Drug Uses

Olanzapine is used for short-term treatment of agitation caused by schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Olanzapine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Olanzapine is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Olanzapine at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Olanzapine . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.

Do not use Olanzapine if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
If you miss a dose of Olanzapine , contact your doctor right away.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Olanzapine.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic. Exactly how it works is not known. It is thought to affect certain substances in the brain.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Warnings/Precautions

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), abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), heart attack, 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 for breast cancer
• if you are dehydrated, drink alcohol, or smoke, or you will be exposed to high temperatures

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Olanzapine . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• 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.

Possible Side Effects

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:
Dizziness; drowsiness; lightheadedness; pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; weakness.

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; 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, depression, hallucinations); seizures; severe or prolonged 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, urination, unusual weakness); 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.

More Information

If you have any questions about Olanzapine , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Olanzapine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.