Zyprexa

What is Zyprexa used for?

Zyprexa (olanzapine), an atypical antipsychotic, helps adults and teens aged 13 and up manage schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder. Zyprexa uses include:

• Solo relief for manic or mixed phases, or teamed with lithium or valproate.
• Paired with fluoxetine to ease depressive spells in those 10 and older.
• For tough-to-treat depression, olanzapine Zyprexa joins fluoxetine in a mix called Symbyax.

Zyprexa comes as oral pills, quick-dissolve tablets, or a muscle injection (Zyprexa injection). The IM form targets sudden agitation tied to schizophrenia and bipolar I mania in adults only. Zyprexa Relprevv, a long-lasting shot, requires a special program where doctors, clinics, patients, and pharmacies enroll in the Zyprexa Relprevv Patient Care Program.

What does Zyprexa do?

It likely calms specific brain signals, such as dopamine and serotonin, per its Zyprexa mechanism of action, though how it fully aids schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder isn’t known. The FDA greenlit Zyprexa on September 30, 1996.

Zyprexa lacks approval for:

• Kids under 13 years when treating schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder.
• Kids under 10 years when combined with fluoxetine for depressive phases.

Side effects

Zyprexa might trigger serious issues like higher death or stroke odds in older adults with dementia, more suicide risk with fluoxetine, body chemistry shifts, tardive dyskinesia, pressure drops, and blood problems. Check cautions below for all major risks.

Typical side effects of Zyprexa, hitting 5% or more users, include orthostatic hypotension (pressure dips when rising from lying or sitting):

• Trouble with bowel movements
• Zyprexa weight gain and bigger appetite
• Feeling woozy
• Mood or behavior changes
• Jitters
• Head pain
• Gut discomfort
• Achy arms or legs
• Low stamina
• Parched mouth
• Shaking

Extra effects could be more spit, garbled words, memory slips, or tingly limbs. Teens show bigger spikes in prolactin, liver markers, and drowsiness than adults.

More side effects of Zyprexa

Zyprexa can spark severe effects, including:

• Greater chance of dying, strokes, or small strokes (transient ischemic attacks, TIAs) in older folks with confusion, memory gaps, and reality disconnect (dementia-related psychosis). Avoid giving them Zyprexa.
• Elevated suicide odds when Zyprexa pairs with fluoxetine for depression.
• Blood sugar jumps (hyperglycemia), with or without prior diabetes. This might cause blood acid buildup from ketones (ketoacidosis), coma, or death. Your doctor should test sugar levels before and during Zyprexa use. Call them if you notice signs like intense thirst, extra urination, strong hunger, weakness, nausea, confusion, or fruity breath.
• Blood fat rises (cholesterol and triglycerides), notably in teens 13–17 or with fluoxetine in kids 10–17. Doctors should test these levels before and during use.
• Zyprexa weight gain hits many, especially teens 13–17 or with fluoxetine in kids 10–17. Some pack on lots. Track weight with your doctor and discuss diet and exercise to manage it.
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a rare, dire antipsychotic reaction that can kill. Needs hospital care. Alert your doctor fast if you’re very sick with high fever, lots of sweat, stiff muscles, confusion, or odd breathing, pulse, or pressure.
• Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), a severe allergy with widespread rash, fever, swollen nodes, liver swelling, and blood oddities. Tell your doctor right away if these show up.
• Tardive Dyskinesia: Ongoing, uncontrollable face or tongue motions. May linger after stopping Zyprexa or start later. Report odd movements to your doctor.
• Pressure falls when standing from lying or sitting, bringing dizziness, quick or slow pulse, or fainting.
• Trouble swallowing, risking lung clogs from food or drink.
• Seizures. Mention any past ones to your doctor or if one hits during use.
• Blood cell changes. Your doctor will watch counts, especially with past low white cell issues.
• Body heat control trouble: You might overheat during heavy exercise or in hot places. Drink water to stay hydrated. Call your doctor if you’re very ill with extreme or no sweating, dry mouth, heat, thirst, or low urine.
• May cause sleepiness and muddle thinking, judgment, or movement. Be careful driving or using machines until you know how olanzapine Zyprexa affects you.

Cost

Pricing for prescription medications shifts based on your insurance coverage and chosen pharmacy. Visit our pricing resource page for details on Zyprexa costs or those of Zyprexa Zydis.

You might qualify for a Zyprexa discount voucher or copay assistance card. Check with your physician or pharmacist. Zyprexa generic, called olanzapine, is also an option.

Before starting

Zyprexa might not suit you. Before beginning, inform your doctor if you’ve experienced:

• Cardiac issues
• Convulsions
• Diabetes or elevated glucose (hyperglycemia)
• Raised cholesterol or blood fats
• Hepatic troubles
• High or low blood pressure
• Strokes or brief “mini-strokes” known as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
• Alzheimer’s condition
• Tight-angle glaucoma
• Male prostate enlargement
• Gut blockages
• Phenylketonuria, since Zyprexa Zydis includes phenylalanine
• Breast tumors
• Self-harm or suicidal ideas
• Any health issues
• Current or planned pregnancy
• Nursing or intent to nurse

Mention if you work out heavily or stay in warm climates often.

Pregnancy and Zyprexa

Using antipsychotics like Zyprexa in the final trimester might lead to infant breathing issues, eating difficulties, or withdrawal signs. If pregnancy occurs, notify your doctor immediately but avoid halting Zyprexa without their guidance.

Discuss joining the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics with your provider. Register by dialing 1-866-961-2388.

Breastfeeding

Olanzapine Zyprexa transfers into breast milk. If nursing, alert your doctor if the baby shows deep sleepiness, fussiness, feeding struggles, shakes, or odd muscle actions. Consult your doctor on feeding options while using Zyprexa.

How should I use it?

Take Zyprexa precisely as directed. Your doctor might tweak the Zyprexa dosage to fit you.

Standard starting amounts for adults with:

• Schizophrenia: 5 mg to 10 mg daily
• Bipolar I disorder: 10 mg to 15 mg daily

Zyprexa Tablets

• Zyprexa is typically swallowed once daily.
• Take it with or without meals.

Zyprexa Zydis

• Zyprexa Zydis, a fast-dissolving tablet, melts in your mouth sans water.
• Ensure hands are dry before use.
• Tear open the packet and lift the foil off the blister—don’t force the tablet through.
• After opening, take the tablet out and place it in your mouth.
• It breaks down fast in saliva, letting you swallow easily, with or without a drink.

Zyprexa IM injection

Zyprexa injection (IM) is a quick-effect version for adults with schizophrenia or bipolar I mania who grow restless.

• Usual dose is 10 mg (5 mg or 7.5 mg if needed clinically).
• Up to three doses might be given, spaced 2 to 4 hours apart, if required.
• Your doctor should watch for standing-related blood pressure drops before the next dose.

Zyprexa relprevv IM injection

Zyprexa Relprevv is a sustained-release option given by a provider every 2 to 4 weeks via a deep buttock muscle shot. Use only after oral olanzapine tolerance is confirmed.

Be aware that effects mimicking an olanzapine overdose—like drowsiness (mild to coma-level) and delirium (anxiety, restlessness, confusion, disorientation, mental fog)—have followed Zyprexa Relprevv shots.

Other signs may include movement glitches, speech hiccups, balance woes, hostility, lightheadedness, fatigue, raised pressure, or convulsions.

Most issues hit within the first hour, typically by 3 hours, though some emerge later.

Providers must observe patients for 3 hours post-shot and escort them to their next stop on leaving. On shot days, avoid driving or machinery. Patients should watch for delirium or sedation signs and seek help if needed.

What should I know of while using Zyprexa?

1. Zyprexa may bring on drowsiness and could blur your judgment, muddle your thoughts, or slow your reflexes. Avoid driving, handling big machines, or tackling risky tasks until you’re sure how it impacts you.
2. Steer clear of alcohol. It might spark harmful side effects of Zyprexa.
3. Don’t rise too quickly from sitting or lying down, or dizziness might hit.
4. Prevent overheating or drying out. Sip lots of water, particularly in warm weather or when active. Zyprexa makes it simpler to overheat or dehydrate dangerously.
5. Don’t halt Zyprexa abruptly. Never quit without your doctor’s go-ahead. When stopping, ease off gradually over weeks with medical oversight. A study found at least 72% of folks on antipsychotics like olanzapine Zyprexa faced withdrawal effects.

Zyprexa withdrawal

Typical signs of Zyprexa withdrawal include upset stomach, head pain, lightheadedness, sleep troubles, electric-like jolts, and mental effects like nervousness, grumpiness, emotional ups and downs, and focus struggles.

Almost half call these intense, especially early on.

How long Zyprexa withdrawal lasts differs—some feel it for two weeks or less, others for years, often tied to how long they took it.

Want to stop Zyprexa? Chat with your provider about the safest way off, possibly lowering your dose bit by bit, switching to an easier-to-quit drug, or using meds to ease withdrawal woes.

What if I skip a dose?

Missed a Zyprexa dosage? Take it when you recall, unless the next one’s near—then skip it and stick to your usual time. Don’t double up.

What if I take too much?

Took excess Zyprexa? Phone your doctor or poison control at 1-800-222-1222 pronto, or seek urgent care.
Overdose signs might feature sleepiness, restlessness, hostility, garbled words, confusion, fast pulse, twitchy or wild muscle moves, breathing issues, or passing out.

What drugs might interact with Zyprexa?

List all meds you use—prescriptions, over-the-counters, vitamins, and herbs—for your doctor. Zyprexa and certain drugs might clash, reducing effectiveness or sparking serious Zyprexa side effects. Your doctor can confirm if it’s okay to mix Zyprexa with others. Don’t begin or end any med while on Zyprexa without their input. Key ones to mention:

Diazepam, lorazepam, or similar benzodiazepines—could worsen effects like standing-related pressure drops.

• Carbamazepine—might weaken olanzapine Zyprexa’s impact.
• Fluvoxamine—could boost olanzapine levels, worsening side effects.
• Fluoxetine—might raise risks of suicidal thinking or actions.
• Brain-affecting drugs like sedatives or drowsy antihistamines—side effects might grow, especially with booze.
• Heart meds that cut pressure—Zyprexa could amplify this.
• Levodopa or dopamine boosters—Zyprexa might block their work.

Anticholinergics like benztropine—use carefully if you’ve got urinary holdup, prostate issues, constipation, or similar.
Alcohol can also intensify effects like drowsiness or pressure dips.

Pairing Zyprexa with drugs that drowsy you or slow breathing might lead to risky or deadly effects. Ask your doctor before trying opioids, sleep aids, muscle relaxants, or anxiety or seizure meds.

Storage

Keep Zyprexa at room temp, 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), shielded from light. Store it dry, away from dampness.
Place it beyond kids’ reach.
Ingredients

Questions and answers

Does Zyprexa cause weight gain?

Yes, Zyprexa weight gain is common. Watch your diet and weight, stay active, and talk to your provider if it’s excessive.

Contact your provider if you feel unchanged or worried about your state on Zyprexa.

Bipolar I disorder, resistant depression, or schizophrenia symptoms might involve suicidal or harmful thoughts. If these arise, tell your doctor or head to an emergency room fast.

Does Zyprexa make you sleepy?

Yes, Zyprexa (olanzapine) can cause sleepiness or drowsiness. This is one of the most common side effects reported for this medication. Drowsiness and sedation are listed as very common side effects, occurring in up to 52% of patients taking Zyprexa. The drug may also cause daytime sleepiness, which can affect a person’s ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform tasks requiring alertness. If you experience excessive sleepiness while taking Zyprexa, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider, as they may need to adjust your dosage or consider alternative treatments.

Can I use Zyprexa for anxiety?

While Zyprexa is not FDA-approved for anxiety, some healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for severe anxiety that doesn’t respond to primary anxiety medications.

Is Zyprexa a sedative?

Zyprexa can have sedative effects, but it’s not primarily classified as a sedative. It can cause drowsiness and sleepiness in some patients.

Can I take Zyprexa for nausea?

Yes, studies have shown that Zyprexa can be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting, particularly in patients with advanced cancer.

How does Zyprexa make you feel?

Zyprexa may make you feel more relaxed and calm. It can also cause drowsiness, increased appetite, and weight gain. Some patients may experience improved symptoms within 2 to 3 weeks of starting treatment.

Zyprexa vs Risperdal: what is better?

Both are atypical antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They have similar efficacy in controlling psychosis and agitation, but may have different side effect profiles. The choice between them depends on individual patient factors and should be made by a healthcare provider.

Sources and materials:

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC487011/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12811711/
3. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/olanzapine-may-help-control-nausea-vomiting-in-patients-with-advanced-cancer/
4. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1644-9274/olanzapine-oral/olanzapine-oral/details
5. https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/z/Zyprexa.pdf
6. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601213.html
7. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/zyprexa-epar-product-information_en.pdf
8. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/olanzapine/