Olanzapine

Olanzapine is used to treat certain mood disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It can also be used in combination with other medications to treat depression. It is an antipsychotic drug that helps improve the mental condition of patients suffering from hallucinations too.

All these symptoms occur due an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. This medication is prescribed only to adults and children above the age of 13. Olanzapine should be always taken under the supervision of a doctor. Never use it without the approval of your doctor. Also, it is important to take the recommended doses regularly.

Certain precautions must be observed before taking Olanzapine. Elderly patients suffering from dementia shouldn’t use this medication. Also, people suffering from high blood sugar should take a doctor’s opinion before using this medication.

Any history of blood clotting issues, liver disease or kidney issues should be mentioned to the doctor. Any form of allergies must be mentioned to the doctor as well. Also, it is advisable to avoid alcohol during the treatment period.

Olanzapine might also cause certain side effects. Common side effects are: weight gain (especially among young adults), headache, dizziness, problems with speech or memory, tremors or shaking, dry mouth, stomach pain, constipation etc. These conditions usually go away on their own. However, if the symptoms are severe, it is advisable to consult with your doctor.

Some rare but serious side effects also occur due to this medication. These symptoms are: uncontrolled muscle moments, swelling of hands or feet, hallucinations, fever, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, liver problem, yellowing eyes and skin, stiff muscles etc.

If any of these symptoms arise, immediately take medical help. Olanzapine should be stored at room temperature. It should be kept away from the reach of children or pets.

Use exactly as directed (do not increase dose or frequency); may cause physical and/or psychological dependence. It may take 2-3 weeks to achieve desired results; do not discontinue without consulting prescriber.

Avoid excess alcohol or caffeine and other prescription or OTC medications not approved by prescriber. Maintain adequate hydration (2-3 L/day of fluids unless instructed to restrict fluid intake).

Orally-disintegrating tablets: Remove from foil blister by peeling back (do not push tablet through the foil); place tablet in mouth immediately upon removal; tablet dissolves rapidly in saliva and may be swallowed with or without liquid

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Schizophrenia

• Bipolar Disorder

• Depression

• Agitation

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Allergy

  Avoid if you have a known allergy to Olanzapine or any other Beta-lactam antibiotics.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Headache

• Sleepiness

• Dizziness

• Chest Pain

• Dry Mouth

• Loss Of Libido

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  The effect lasts for an average duration of 20 to 40 hours after onset of action.

• What is the onset of action?

  The effect can be observed within 5 to 8 hours of oral administration.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  Insufficient data is available for the use of this medicine in pregnant women. Use this medicine only if clearly needed under the supervision of the doctor.

• Is it habit forming?

  No habit forming tendency has been reported.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  Avoid breastfeeding if you are taking this medicine. Take this medicine only if clearly needed. However, monitoring of undesired effects is necessary.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  This medicine is found to be unsafe if consumed with alcohol.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  This medicine affects the alertness of the patient taking it. Hence driving should be avoided.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  It is found to be safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited information is available to suggest dose adjustment. Kindly consult your doctor.

• Does this affect liver function?

  It is found to be safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited information is available to suggest dose adjustment. Kindly consult your doctor.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Are there any missed dose instructions?

  Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose and follow the regular schedule.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• India

• United States

• Japan

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Olanzapine as ingredient

• Olexar 10 MG Tablet

  Cipla Ltd

• Oliramp 2.5 MG Tablet

  Arinna Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd

• Olanex 5 MG Tablet

  Strides Shasun Limited

• Meltolan 2.5 MG Tablet

  Alkem Laboratories Ltd

• Olimelt 2.5 MG Tablet

  Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Kola 2.5 MG Tablet

  Kivi Labs Ltd

• Oleanz 2.5 MG Tablet

  Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd

• Olexa 2.5 MG Tablet

  Cipla Ltd

• Olimelt 10 MG Tablet

  Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Tolaz 2.5 MG Tablet

  Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

This medication is prescribed to patients suffering from schizophrenia, acute mania and bipolar I disorder associated with mixed episodes. The mechanism of action of the latter two are still unknown, where it is assumed to work by mediating its antagonism effects through a combination of Dopamine and type 2 serotonin site.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Alcohol

  Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

• Interaction with Lab Test

  Information not available.

• Interaction with Medicine

  • CYP1A2 enzyme substrate, CYP2C19 enzyme substrate (minor), and CYP2D6 enzyme substrate (minor).
  • Effects may be potentiated with CYP1A2 inhibitors such as fluvoxamine.
  • Increased sedation with alcohol or other CNS depressants, increased risk of hypotension and orthostatic hypotension with antihypertensives.
  • Olanzapine may antagonize the effects of levodopa and dopamine agonists.
  • Activated charcoal decreased the Cmax and AUC of olanzapine by 60%.

• Interaction with Food

  You should take Olanzapine before food. If you are advised to take this medicine after food, then sufficient time gap should be maintained in order to avoid undesired effects.

• Interaction with Disease

  • Moderate to highly sedating, use with caution in disorders where CNS depression is a feature. Use with caution in Parkinson's disease.
  • Caution in patients with hemodynamic instability; bone marrow suppression; predisposition to seizures; subcortical brain damage; severe cardiac, hepatic, renal, or respiratory disease.
  • Esophageal dysmotility and aspiration have been associated with antipsychotic use - use with caution in patients at risk of pneumonia (ie, Alzheimer's disease).
  • Caution in breast cancer or other prolactin-dependent tumors (may elevate prolactin levels). May alter temperature regulation or mask toxicity of other drugs due to antiemetic effects.
  • Life-threatening arrhythmias have occurred with therapeutic doses of some neuroleptics. Significant weight gain may occur.
  • May cause extrapyramidal reactions, including pseudoparkinsonism, acute dystonic reactions, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia (risk of these reactions is very low relative to other neuroleptics). May be associated with neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

• Ques : Can Olanzapine be used for anxiety?

  Ans : The treatment of anxiety with this drug is not an approved indication. It has been studied for the treatment of anxiety disorders but the results have not been very convincing. However, it can be used along with anxiolytics in anxiety disorders for better results.

• Ques : Is Olanzapine a sleeping pill?

  Ans : No, it is not a sleeping pill. It belongs to the atypical anti-psychotic class of medicines. It is used to treat schizophrenia.

• Ques : How long does it take for Olanzapine to kick in?

  Ans : It may start showing initial improvement within 1-2 weeks of starting. However, for full benefits, it may take about 4-6 weeks. You should continue taking it and consult your doctor in case you feel that Olanzapine is not helping you.

• Ques : What is the most important information that I should know about Olanzapine?

  Ans : This drug causes serious side effects which include an increased risk of death in elderly people who are confused, have memory loss and have lost touch with reality (dementia-related psychosis).

• Ques : Can Olanzapine be taken during pregnancy?

  Ans : Women who are pregnant must consult the doctor before consuming this drug.

• Ques : Can I stop taking Olanzapine if I am better?

  Ans : You should not stop taking this medication unless you have a word with your doctor. Sudden discontinuation of the medicine may cause unpleasant side effects which include sweating, unable to sleep, tremor, anxiety or nausea, and vomiting.

• Ques : Does smoking or alcohol interfere with the working of Olanzapine?

  Ans : Yes, smoking interferes with the working of Olanzapine causing an increase in its metabolism. One should avoid alcohol while taking this medication since it may cause more drowsiness.

• Olanzapine-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 26 May 2022].Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/olanzapine

• Olanzapine-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 26 May 2022].Available from:

  https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00334

• Olanzapine Tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 26 May 2022].Available from:

  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=olanzapine