Olanzapine is a prescription medicine. Primarily, it is used for the treatment of Schizophrenia. Secondary and off-label uses of Olanzapine have also been mentioned below.
The right dosage of Olanzapine depends on the age, gender, and medical history of the patient. Individual symptoms and route of administration also determines the right dosage. Detailed information has been provided in the dosage section.
Apart from the aforementioned side effects, Olanzapine can also lead to other problems, which have been listed below. Normally, these side effects of Olanzapine are not long lasting and go away when the treatment is finished. Please speak with your doctor if these side effects worsen or persist for a longer duration.
Olanzapine's effect during pregnancy is Moderate and Severe while nursing. In addition, Olanzapine's effects on the liver, heart and kidney are discussed below in the Olanzapine related warnings section.
Olanzapine is not recommended if you suffer from certain medical conditions as it can have adverse effects. Tardive Dyskinesia, Depression are examples of such conditions. Other contraindications of Olanzapine have been discussed in the sections ahead.
Additionally, Olanzapine may also adversely react with other medicines. See below for a complete list.
You should also be aware that Olanzapine is not safe while driving, and is not addiction.
Olanzapine is used to treat the following -
Main Benefits
Other Benefits
This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.
Find the right dosage based on disease and age
| Age Group | Dosage |
| Adult |
|
| Geriatric |
|
| 13 - 18 years (Adolescent) |
|
Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Olanzapine is used -
Moderate
Mild
Is the use of Olanzapine safe for pregnant women?
Olanzapine can have harmful effects in pregnant women. If you experience any discomfort after using Olanzapine, then discontinue the use and take your doctor's advice.
Is the use of Olanzapine safe during breastfeeding?
Women who are breastfeeding, may experience serious side effects after taking Olanzapine. So it is adviced to consult the doctor before using it.
What is the effect of Olanzapine on the Kidneys?
Olanzapine is not harmful for kidneys.
What is the effect of Olanzapine on the Liver?
Olanzapine may have mild side effects on the liver. Most people will never see any effect on the liver.
What is the effect of Olanzapine on the Heart?
Olanzapine has very mild side effects on the heart.
Olanzapine should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -
Moderate
If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Olanzapine unless your doctor advises you to do so -
Is this Olanzapine habit forming or addictive?
Olanzapine is not addictive in nature.
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?
You may feel sleepy or tired after taking Olanzapine. So it is best to avoid driving.
Is it safe?
Olanzapine is safe but it is important to consult a doctor before taking it.
Is it able to treat mental disorders?
Yes, in many cases, taking Olanzapine can help with mental disorders.
Interaction between Food and Olanzapine
Taking Olanzapine with some specific foods may delay its effect. Talk to your doctor about this.
Interaction between Alcohol and Olanzapine
Taking alcohol with Olanzapine can be dangerous.
Yes, Olanzapine might help with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) in those patients who are unresponsive to the conventional treatment. Scientific data suggests that it might improve the mood symptoms in the treatment of unresponsive OCD patients.
Yes, Olanzapine may be helpful for treating anxiety in those individuals who do not respond to conventional therapy. However, this drug is only approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, Bipolar I Disorder (manic or mixed episodes) and to control the agitation associated with schizophrenia and mania.
Yes, Olanzapine may cause drowsiness or sedation. It is a common side effect of this drug. It occurs because this drug affects the levels of chemical messengers in your brain. You are advised not to drive any vehicle or operate heavy machinery after taking this drug to avoid accidents
No, Olanzapine and Klonopin (clonazepam) should not be taken together at the same time because Olanzapine is a derivative of benzodiazepines and clonazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine class as well. Using both of these drugs together can cause increased sedation. If you are taking them together then you are advised to consult with your doctor before consuming these two medicines together.
Yes, Olanzapine might cause mania. It is a rare side effect of this drug and the exact cause behind mania is unknown. If you are experiencing any unusual changes in personality, behavior (aggression), and thoughts. Then you are advised to discuss it with your doctor without any further delay.
This medicine data has been created by -
References
April Hazard Vallerand, Cynthia A. Sanoski. [link]. Sixteenth Edition. Philadelphia, China: F. A. Davis Company; 2019: Page No 932-934
KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 442
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Zyprexa (olanzapine)
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Zyprexa Intramuscular (olanzapine)
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Zyprexa Relprevv (olanzapine)
