Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

OLANZAPINE - ORAL

(oh-LAN-zuh-peen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zyprexa

Uses

This medication is used for the treatment of certain mental disorders.

How To Use

Take as directed, usually once a day by mouth. Stand up slowly, especially when starting this medication, to avoid dizziness.

Side Effects

Notify your doctor if the following side effects occur: stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, fast heartbeat, dry mouth, constipation, weight changes, ankle/leg swelling, drowsiness, agitation, restlessness, pink urine, fever. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: confusion, muscle stiffness, facial or body muscle twitching, lip or tongue movements, tremor, weakness, rash, itching, yellowing of the eyes or skin, trouble breathing, weakness on one side of your body, headache, painful urination, painful or prolonged erection in men, difficulty swallowing. This drug may infrequently make your blood sugar level rise, therefore causing or worsening diabetes. This high blood sugar can rarely cause serious (sometimes fatal) conditions such as diabetic coma. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst and urination, or vision changes. If you already have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugars regularly. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have: other medical problems, liver or heart disease, low blood pressure, breast cancer, stroke, diabetes or a family history of diabetes, obesity, seizures (any neurological problems), prostate problems, narrow angle glaucoma, intestinal disease, allergies (especially drug allergies). This medication can reduce sweating, making you prone to heat stroke. Avoid activities that might cause you to overheat (e.g., doing strenuous work or exercising in hot weather; using hot tubs). Alcohol use may add to the dizziness and drowsiness effect of this drug. Use with caution in the elderly. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into human milk. Caution is advised regarding breast-feeding; consult your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription drugs you take, especially of: medicine for sleep, antidepressants, tranquilizers (such as diazepam), narcotic pain medicines, Parkinson's disease or seizure medicines, high blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, omeprazole, rifampin, anti-cholinergics (e.g., benztropine, hyoscyamine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness and slurred speech.

Notes

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., fasting blood sugar-FBS) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. Obtain regular eye exams as part of your regular health care, and to check for any unlikely, but possible, eye problems.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from moisture and light as directed. Do not store in the bathroom.