Zyprexa is an antipsychotic drug that alters brain chemistry.
Zyprexa is used to treat bipolar disorder (manic depression) and schizophrenia in adults and children who are at least 13 years old. Additionally, it is combined with fluoxetine (Prozac) to treat depressive episodes in adults and children with bipolar I disorder who are at least 10 years old.
Warnings
Your thinking or responses could be affected by Zyprexa. If you drive or do anything else that calls for alertness, use caution.
While using Zyprexa, avoid consuming alcohol.
For older persons with dementia-related psychosis, Zyprexa is not recommended.
If you are a teenager using this medication, you run the risk of gaining weight, having high cholesterol, or having triglycerides (a type of fat). There may be a requirement for frequent blood tests. Visit your physician frequently.
Hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar, is a side effect of olanzapine. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels frequently while taking this medication.
When rising quickly from a seated or lying down position, be careful not to become lightheaded. Falls, fractures, and other injuries can be brought on by dizziness or extreme sleepiness. Rise carefully and steadily to avoid falling.
Avert getting too hot or dehydrated. Be sure to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather and physical activity. While taking Zyprexa, it is simpler to become severely dehydrated and overheated.
Prior to using this medication
If you have an olanzapine allergy, you should avoid using Zyprexa.
Zyprexa may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that this medication is safe for you:
- liver disease;
- heart disease, high or low blood pressure;
- high cholesterol or triglycerides;
- a stroke, including “mini-stroke”;
- breast cancer;
- a seizure;
- Alzheimer’s disease;
- diabetes or high blood sugar;
- an enlarged prostate;
- bowel problems; or
- narrow-angle glaucoma.
It’s possible for the newborn to experience respiratory issues, feeding issues, or withdrawal symptoms if antipsychotic medication was taken during the final three months of pregnancy. Inform your doctor straight away if you become pregnant. Without consulting your physician, do not discontinue taking Zyprexa.
Olanzapine is breast milk soluble. If your nursing child exhibits extreme tiredness, irritability, feeding issues, trembling, or strange muscle movements, call your doctor.
Phenylalanine may be present in the orally disintegrating pills of Zyprexa Zydis. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), let your doctor know.
How exactly do I take Zyprexa?
As directed by your doctor, take Zyprexa exactly as directed. Read all drug guides or instruction sheets and adhere to all instructions on your prescription label. On occasion, your doctor could adjust your dosage.
You can take Zyprexa with or without food.
Only take an oral disintegrating tablet of Zyprexa Zydis out of the packaging when you are prepared to take the medication. Without chewing, place the pill in your mouth and let it dissolve. Repeatedly inhale while the tablet dissolves.
Hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar, is a side effect of olanzapine. Check your blood sugar levels frequently if you have diabetes. If you are a teenager using this medication, you run the risk of gaining weight, having high cholesterol, or having triglycerides (a type of fat). Blood testing could be required often.
If, while taking Zyprexa, your symptoms do not disappear or worsen, contact your doctor right once.
Even if you feel fine, do not suddenly stop using this medication. Stopping abruptly could have detrimental implications.
Zyprexa may occasionally be used with other antipsychotic drugs or antidepressants. Read all medication recommendations you are given and take all drugs as prescribed. Without consulting your doctor, never alter your dosage or schedule.
A comprehensive treatment plan that also includes counseling and other psychological support services may not include medication as its main component. Pay attention to your doctor’s advice.
Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What occurs if I don’t take a dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, omit the missed dose and take the medication as soon as you can. Never combine two dosages into one.
If I take too much, what happens?
Call the Poison Help line or go to the emergency room.
Drowsiness, agitation, hostility, slurred speech, confusion, an elevated heart rate, jerky or uncontrollable muscular movements, difficulty breathing, and fainting are just a few of the symptoms of an overdose.
What you should avoid
Until you know how this medication will affect you, avoid driving or engaging in other risky activities. Drowsiness or vertigo might result in slips, trips, or serious injuries.
When rising quickly from a seated or lying down position, be careful not to become lightheaded.
Steer clear of booze. Possible adverse effects include danger.
Avert getting too hot or dehydrated. Be sure to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather and physical activity. While taking Zyprexa, it is simpler to become severely dehydrated and overheated.
Adverse effects of Zyprexa
If you have any of the following symptoms of a Zyprexa allergy: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, get emergency medical attention.
If you experience a severe medication reaction that can have a wide-ranging impact on your body, get medical attention. Skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, extreme weakness, unusual bruising, and yellowing of the skin or eyes are a few symptoms that may appear.
- Olanzapine use over an extended period of time or at high doses can result in significant movement disorders that may not be treatable. If you use Zyprexa for a longer period of time, especially if you are a woman or an older adult, your risk of developing this illness increases.
If you experience any of the following:
- difficulty speaking or swallowing;
- uncontrollable facial muscle movements (chewing, lip-smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking, or eye movement);
- Low white blood cell counts can cause symptoms including fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throats, coughing, difficulty breathing, and dizziness, as well as disorientation, odd thoughts or behavior, hallucinations, or ideas about harming yourself.
- signs of dehydration – feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin;
- liver problems – upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- high blood sugar – increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss; or
- severe nervous system reaction – very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.
Typical negative effects of Zyprexa include:
- changes in personality;
- weight gain (more common in teenagers);
- increased appetite;
- headache, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling tired or restless;
- issues with speech or memory;
- tremors or shaking; numbness or tingling;
- stomach pain; constipation; or
- pain in your arms or legs.
There may be additional adverse effects; this is not a comprehensive list. For medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor.
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