Olanzapine
About
Olanzapine belongs to a group of medicines called 'atypical antipsychotics,' primarily used to treat schizophrenia and manic depression (bipolar disorder). Schizophrenia is a mental condition in which the person may feel, hear or see things that are not there (hallucinations), believe things that are not true, and feel unusually suspicious or confused. Manic depression, or bipolar disorder, is a serious brain disorder in which a person experiences extreme mood swings (variance in thinking) and frequent mood and behavioural changes.
Olanzapine contains 'Olanzapine' that works by restoring the balance of chemical messengers (dopamine and serotonin) in the brain and improves thinking mood, and behaviour. It helps in clear thinking and decreases hallucinations. It is used for treating manic episodes of bipolar disorder and agitation in schizophrenia.
Take Olanzapine as prescribed by your doctor. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, restlessness, tremors/shakiness, stomach upset, dry mouth, constipation, increased appetite, fatigue, decreased libido, swelling of the hands or feet, and weight gain. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Olanzapine is not recommended for treatment in patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis. Inform your doctor beforehand if you have a history of allergic reactions to Olanzapine, Alzheimer's disease, liver or kidney diseases, heart problems, breathing problems, high cholesterol, glaucoma, diabetes, breast cancer, enlarged prostate, or fits before starting this medicine. If you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or a breastfeeding mother, inform your doctor before starting Olanzapine. Avoid consuming alcohol while being treated with Olanzapine as it can make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery while using Olanzapine since it can make you sleepy. This medicine is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.
Uses of Olanzapine
Medicinal Benefits
Olanzapine is used to treat schizophrenia and manic depression (bipolar disorder). It effectively treats manic episodes of bipolar disorder and agitation in schizophrenia. It contains 'Olanzapine,' which belongs to the class of atypical antipsychotics. It works by restoring the balance of chemical messengers (dopamine and serotonin) in the brain. It is also known to improve thinking, mood, and behaviour. It helps in clear thinking and relieves psychotic symptoms like hallucinations.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Olanzapine
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Tremors/shakiness
- Stomach upset
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Increased appetite
- Fatigue
- Decreased libido
- Swelling of the hands or feet
- Weight gain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Olanzapine is not recommended for treatment in patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis. Brief your medical history to the doctor if you have any allergic reactions, liver or kidney diseases, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, heart problems, breathing problems, high cholesterol, glaucoma, diabetes, bowel problems, breathing problem during sleep (sleep apnea), low white blood cell count, breast cancer, enlarged prostate, or fits before starting Olanzapine. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive before starting this medicine. Olanzapine is not recommended during breastfeeding. Avoid consuming alcohol as it might lead to increased side effects like dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery as Olanzapine may decrease your mental alertness, making you feel dizzy or drowsy. Olanzapine is not recommended for people below 12 years of age as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Olanzapine may interact with opioid pain relievers (codeine, hydrocodone), anti-anxiety drugs (alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), anti-allergic drugs (cetirizine), common cold medicines (diphenhydramine), stomach emptying drugs (metoclopramide), antidepressants (escitalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline), and antipsychotics (quetiapine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Do not consume alcohol while taking Olanzapine as it could lead to increased dizziness and drowsiness.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Before using Olanzapine, let your doctor know if you have allergic reactions, liver or kidney diseases, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, heart problems, breathing problems, high cholesterol, glaucoma, diabetes, bowel problems, sleep apnea, low white blood cell count, breast cancer, enlarged prostate, or fits. Olanzapine is not recommended in Dementia-Related Psychosis.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is advised to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Olanzapine. Alcohol intake and Olanzapine may cause increased dizziness and drowsiness. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
cautionOlanzapine is a pregnancy category C drug. Using antipsychotic drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy can cause muscle problems in newborn babies. Please inform your doctor before taking Olanzapine if you are pregnant or planning to conceive. Your doctor will weigh the potential risks and benefits before prescribing Olanzapine.
Breast Feeding
unsafeOlanzapine is excreted into the breast milk; hence it is not recommended for a nursing mother. Inform your doctor before taking Olanzapine if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Driving
unsafeOlanzapine may make you feel dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive if you are not mentally alert or experience any symptoms that affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please inform your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns.
Kidney
cautionPlease inform your doctor before using Olanzapine if you suffer from severe kidney impairment. Your doctor may adjust the dose if necessary based on your condition.
Children
unsafeOlanzapine is not recommended in people below 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain proper weight by following a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly as it helps in less cognitive decline and brain volume loss.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Try to avoid stress by practising meditation or yoga.
- Include fruits and vegetables in your diet as they contain antioxidants.
- Eat nutritious food as it helps in cognitive stimulation.
- Limit foods with high cholesterol and saturated fats.
- Cut down on sugar, salt and processed foods.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle as it helps in improving overall health and possibly protects the brain.
Special Advise
- Let your doctor know that you are taking Olanzapine if you are undergoing any medical tests.
- Weight gain has been noticed in patients who use Olanzapine; hence, please take measures accordingly.
- High blood pressure is also recorded in patients using this medicine; hence take appropriate measures accordingly by consulting your doctor.
- Olanzapine may affect blood glucose levels. Hence it is advised to monitor blood sugar levels regularly while using Olanzapine.
- Timely monitoring of the cholesterol/triglyceride levels and Prolactin hormone levels is advised for the patient while using this medicine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Schizophrenia: It is a condition in which the person may see, hear or feel things that are not there, believe things that are not true, or feel unusually suspicious or confused. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders, movement disorders, disorganised thinking, loss of interest, lack of emotions, etc. Schizophrenia is triggered by physical, genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Patients suffering from this disease may require lifelong treatment. Treatment involves a combination of medications, psychotherapy and care services.
Manic depression (bipolar disorder): A serious brain disorder in which a person goes through unusual mood changes (mood swings) and frequent changes in his/her behaviour and thinking.
FAQs
Olanzapine contains Olanzapine which works by balancing the chemical messengers like dopamine and serotonin located in the brain, improving mood, behaviour and thoughts.
Olanzapine should be used with caution in the medical history of allergic reactions, liver or kidney diseases, heart problems, breathing problems, Alzheimer's disease, high cholesterol, glaucoma, diabetes, stomach/intestinal problems, breathing problem during sleep (sleep apnea), low white blood cell count, breast cancer, enlarged prostate, or fits. Please let your doctor know if you have any other medical problems before starting Olanzapine.
Olanzapine may make you sweat less and can likely cause heart stroke. Hence, limiting activities that cause overheating, like an exercise in hot weather or using hot tubs, is advised. Drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly.
Olanzapine may cause dizziness. It is advised to avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position that can make you feel dizzy.
Olanzapine can cause side effects like orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering in blood pressure leading to dizziness on standing). If you experience this, do not try to stand up suddenly or start walking; instead, lie down and get up slowly only when you feel better. People taking Olanzapine are advised to regularly monitor their blood pressure levels to avoid such unpleasant events. It is also advised to be aware of a condition called tardive dyskinesia (uncontrolled movements of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, arms or legs) that may rarely occur while using this medicine.
