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 TAKE THIS MEDICATION:
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. Unlikely but possible:
confusion, sweating, 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, vision changes, headache, frequent or painful urination, thirst, painful or prolonged erection in men, difficulty swallowing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have any diseases or medical problems, especially liver or heart disease, low blood pressure, breast cancer, stroke, diabetes, seizures (any neurological problems), prostate problems, narrow angle glaucoma, intestinal disease, phenylketonuria, and of any allergies you may have. Caution is advised to avoid overheating and also excessive body water loss by very strenuous exercise, or exposure to extreme heat. 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 medicine for sleep, antidepressants, tranquilizers (such as diazepam), narcotic pain medicines, Parkinson’s disease or seizure medicines, high blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, omeprazole or rifampin. 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:
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.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.