Olanzapine tablets
What do olanzapine tablets do?
OLANZAPINE (Zyprexa(R)) helps to treat emotional and mental problems like schizophrenia or psychosis. Olanzapine is also sometimes used for the treatment of other emotional or mental problems like manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder, or behavioral problems that occur with dementia. Olanzapine can help you to keep in touch with reality and reduce your mental problems. It is not a cure. Generic olanzapine tablets are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take olanzapine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• frequently drink alcoholic beverages
• breast cancer
• cigarette smoker
• diabetes mellitus or high blood sugar
• difficulty passing urine
• glaucoma
• heart disease, irregular heartbeat, or previous heart attack
• high blood pressure treated with medication
• kidney or liver disease
• low blood pressure
• Parkinson's disease
• prostate trouble
• seizures (convulsions)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to olanzapine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take olanzapine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You can take olanzapine with food or meals if you want to. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of olanzapine by a few hours, take the dose when you remember. If most of the day has passed, wait until your next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with olanzapine?
• alcohol
• carbamazepine
• cimetidine
• cisapride
• clozapine
• donepezil
• erythromycin or clarithromycin
• fluvoxamine
• ketoconazole
• levodopa and other medicines for Parkinson's disease
• medicines for colds, hay fever, or allergies
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for mental depression, anxiety, other mood disorders, or sleeping problems
• phenobarbital
• rifampin
• ritonavir
• some medicines for pain (examples: codeine, morphine)
• some medicines for gastrointestinal spasm
• tacrine
• tobacco in cigarrettes
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking olanzapine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
More Common:
• agitation or hostile, angry behavior
• changes in emotions or behavior, like a very depressed mood
• restlessness or need to keep moving
• stiffness, spasms
• tremors or trembling
Rare or Less common:
• changes in vision, inability to control eye movements
• confusion
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty concentrating
• difficulty in speaking or swallowing
• fainting spells, loss of balance
• fast heartbeat (palpitations)
• inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs
• menstrual changes
• painful erections
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash
• swelling of face or legs
• uncontrollable tongue or chewing movements, smacking lips or puffing cheeks
• unusual tiredness or weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Less common or rare:
• blurred or unclear vision
• changes in sexual desire
• excessive drainage from eyes
• excessive watering or drooling of mouth
• joint pain
• nausea or vomiting
• sensitivity of skin to sunlight
• trouble in controlling urine
More Common:
• constipation
• dizziness; especially on standing from a sitting or lying postion
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• lowered blood pressure
• runny nose
• weight gain