Olanzapine

💊 What is Olanzapine used for?

• •Schizophrenia. The label says it was studied in adults and in teenagers ages 13 to 17.
• •Manic or mixed episodes linked to bipolar I disorder, in adults and in teenagers ages 13 to 17.
• •Long-term (maintenance) treatment of bipolar I disorder in adults.
• •Manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults, used together with lithium or valproate.
• •Depressive episodes linked to bipolar I disorder, used together with fluoxetine (Prozac). The label says this combination is for people age 10 or older.
• •Treatment-resistant depression in adults, used together with fluoxetine. The label says this means depression that does not get better after 2 other medicines.

How it works

The label says olanzapine works by blocking certain brain receptors called D2 receptors. The label does not describe its effects in more detail.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says olanzapine is taken once a day. It may be taken with or without food. The amount and timing are set by your prescriber, and the label says to follow their instructions. The label also says that the dose may be adjusted over time, usually at intervals of at least 1 week.

Comes as

• •Tablets, USP, in strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg (per the label's description section)
• •The 2.5 mg tablet is white, round, and film-coated, marked 'APO' on one side and 'OLA' over '2.5' on the other

⚠️ Olanzapine side effects

🛑 Who should not take Olanzapine, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨The label lists no contraindications for olanzapine tablets used alone.
• 🚨When used with fluoxetine, lithium, or valproate, the label says to check the separate product labels for their contraindications. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your doctor if you have or had heart problems, seizures, diabetes or high blood sugar, high cholesterol or triglycerides, liver problems, low or high blood pressure, or a stroke or 'mini-stroke' (transient ischemic attack).
• •Tell your doctor if you have Alzheimer's disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, an enlarged prostate (in men), a bowel obstruction, or breast cancer.
• •Tell your doctor if you have had thoughts of suicide or of hurting yourself.
• •Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• •Your doctor should check your blood sugar and cholesterol and triglyceride levels before you start and during treatment. The label also says your weight should be checked regularly.
• •Read the Medication Guide that comes with the medicine before you start and each time you get a refill.

🔀 Olanzapine with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Diazepam: may increase the drop in blood pressure when standing (orthostatic hypotension).
• •Alcohol: may increase the drop in blood pressure when standing. The label also says alcohol should be used with caution alongside other drugs that act on the brain.
• •Carbamazepine: increases how quickly the body clears olanzapine, which can lower olanzapine levels.
• •Fluvoxamine: may raise olanzapine levels. The label says lower doses of olanzapine should be considered with fluvoxamine.
• •Fluoxetine: causes a small increase in olanzapine levels. Check the Symbyax label for combination details.
• •Other centrally acting (brain-acting) drugs: use caution, since effects may add up.
• •Blood pressure medicines (antihypertensives): may have an enhanced blood pressure-lowering effect.
• •Levodopa and dopamine agonists: olanzapine may reduce their effect.
• •Lithium or valproate: refer to the separate product labels for those drugs.

Alcohol and food

The label says olanzapine may be taken without regard to meals. It also says alcohol may increase the drop in blood pressure when standing up that olanzapine can cause.

🤰 Olanzapine in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says it is not known if olanzapine will harm an unborn baby. A pregnancy registry tracks outcomes for women who take atypical antipsychotics, including olanzapine. The label says available studies have not shown a drug-linked risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other problems, but it also notes that babies exposed during the third trimester may have movement or withdrawal symptoms after birth. The label says untreated schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder also carries risks for the mother. If you become pregnant while taking olanzapine, the label says to talk with your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics.

Breastfeeding

The label does not say.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label says to store the tablets at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C), with brief excursions allowed between 59°F and 86°F. Protect the tablets from light and moisture.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label says that in clinical trials, one patient who took 300 mg had only drowsiness and slurred speech, and no lab or heart tracing changes were seen in the hospital cases described. Reports from after the medicine was approved say symptoms occurred in most overdose cases, including agitation or aggressiveness and speech problems. If an overdose is suspected, get medical help right away.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Olanzapine

• Does my condition match one of the uses listed on this label?
• How often should my blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides be checked while I take this medicine?
• How often should my weight be checked, and what can I do to manage weight gain?
• What should I do if I feel dizzy or faint when I stand up?
• Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?
• Is it safe to take this with my other medicines, including fluoxetine, lithium, or valproate?
• What should I do if I have thoughts of hurting myself?

❓ Olanzapine: frequently asked questions