Zyprexa
Generic Name:
Olanzapine
Brand Names:
Zyprexa, Zyprexa Zydis
Zyprexa Description:
Zyprexa is an atypical antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the way certain chemicals in the brain act. It is used to treat symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia or manic depression. Zyprexa may also be used for other purposes not listed. In March 2004 the manufacturer of Zyprexa, Eli Lilly and Company, added an additional warning to the label at the urging of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), to warn of increased risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes in patients treated with the drug.
Zyprexa Uses:
Zyprexa, also known as olanzapine, is indicated for the short-term and maintenance treatment of schizophrenia, a chronic condition that causes the brain to interpret reality abnormally. People suffering from the disease often experience hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking, erratic behavior and social withdrawal. Zyprexa is also indicated by itself or in combination with other drugs for the treatment of manic episodes and as a maintenance treatment for patients suffering from bipolar disorder, a condition also known as manic depression that causes mood instability and can become disabling.
Zyprexa Interactions:
Zyprexa may interact with blood pressure medication, heart medication, carbamazepine (Tegretol), fluvoxamine (Luvox), or a medication to treat Parkinson’s disease including levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa, Atamet), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), pramipexole (Mirapex), ropinirole (Requip), and others.
Zyprexa may cause drowsiness, so alert your doctor if you regularly take sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, cold/allergy medicine, or narcotic pain medication.
Zyprexa Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendation:
Zyprexa is administered in fast-acting injectable form (intramuscular), in tablets, and in orally disintegrating tablets (Zyprexa Zydis). Dosage begins usually with 5 to 10 mg, with a target dose of 10 mg/day within several days. The medication can be taken with or without food, usually once a day or as prescribed.
Missing a Dose:
In case of a missed dose, the tablet should be taken as soon as the omission is noticed, or at the next scheduled time. The dose should not be doubled.
Overdosing:
In case of an overdose, emergency medical attention should be sought immediately. Signs of an overdose may include sleepiness, agitation, confusion, erratic behavior, difficulty breathing, and increased heart rate, among others.
Zyprexa FDA Approval:
September 30, 1996
Zyprexa Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
After a request from the FDA in March of 2004, Eli Lilly and Company added a warning to the label describing an increased risk of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and diabetes. The FDA warning applied to manufacturers of all atypical antipsychotic medications. As of April 2005, the FDA requires a Black Box warning on Zyprexa to warn that the drug is not approved to treat symptoms of dementia in the elderly, as a higher death rate among elderly dementia patients taking the medication was noticed.
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