Zyprexa (Olanzapine) belongs to group of medications known as antipsychotic/antimanic agents. Zyprexa (Olanzapine) is used to treat Schizophrenia and related mental disorders, as well as bipolar disorder.

Schizophrenia can cause symptoms such as hallucinations (e.g., hearing, seeing, or sensing things that are not there), delusions, unusual suspiciousness, and emotional withdrawal. People with this condition may also feel depressed, anxious, or tense.

Bipolar disorder can cause alternating periods of Depression and mania (abnormally elevated or irritable mood) or "mixed episodes" where people have symptoms of both depression and mania. Zyprexa (Olanzapine) may be used, alone or in combination with other medications, to treat the manic or mixed episodes (but not the depression) of bipolar disorder.

Medications like Zyprexa (Olanzapine) are thought to work by correcting the balance of neurotransmitters (chemicals that control the function of nerve pathways) in the brain.

Zyprexa (Olanzapine) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Zyprexa (Olanzapine) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Zyprexa (Olanzapine) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Zyprexa (Olanzapine) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Zyprexa (Olanzapine), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Zyprexa (Olanzapine) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Zyprexa (Olanzapine) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Zyprexa (Olanzapine) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

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The usual starting dose of Zyprexa (Olanzapine) tablets for adults with schizophrenia is 5 mg to 10 mg once daily at the same time each day, taken with or without food. The tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. If the daily dose is increased, it is usually raised not more than once a week, and in increments of 5 mg. The dosage range is 5 mg to 20 mg daily.

The usual starting dose of Zyprexa (Olanzapine) tablets for adults with bipolar disorder is 10 mg daily (if Zyprexa (Olanzapine) is used in combination with other medications that treat bipolar disorder) or 15 mg daily (if Zyprexa (Olanzapine) is used alone). The dose may be increased up to 20 mg daily. For the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder, the dose ranges from 5 mg to 20 mg daily. The tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water and can be taken with or without food.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

For Zyprexa (Olanzapine) to be effective, it is very important to use Zyprexa (Olanzapine) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular dosing schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store the medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Zyprexa (Olanzapine). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Zyprexa (Olanzapine) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Zyprexa (Olanzapine). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• Constipation
• dizziness, especially when rising quickly from a lying or sitting position
• drowsiness
• Dry Mouth or eyes
• fatigue
• fluid retention
• increased appetite
• rash
• restlessness
• weakness
• weight gain

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• changes in your menstrual period (for women)
• enlarged breasts (in men)
• signs of a blood clot in the arm or leg (tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in the arm or leg) or lungs (difficulty breathing, sharp chest pain that is worse when breathing in, coughing, coughing up blood, sweating, or passing out)
• signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don’t stop bleeding)
• signs of liver damage (abdominal pain, abdominal distention, Fever, nausea or vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• signs of muscle damage (e.g., unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, or brown or discoloured urine)
• signs of pancreatitis (e.g., abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen)
• slow, irregular, or fast heartbeat
• symptoms of infection (cold or flu-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, as well as weakness or general feeling of discomfort)
• twitching of your muscles or unusual facial or tongue movements
• worsening constipation

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• painful erection or prolonged erection that lasts more than 4 hours
• seizure
• signs of an allergic reaction (shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; Hives; swelling of the eyes, mouth, lips, or throat)
• signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (e.g., confusion, reduced consciousness, high fever, or muscle stiffness)
• signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort
• signs of Stroke (e.g., sudden or severe headache; sudden loss of coordination; vision changes; sudden slurring of speech; or unexplained weakness, numbness, or pain in arm or leg)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Zyprexa (Olanzapine).

Personalized PocketPacks

We sort your medication into clearly labeled, individual packs so you can be sure you're taking the right dose at the right time.

2.5 mg
Each white, round, film-coated tablet, marked in blue ink with "LILLY" and the tablet identification code "4112", contains 2.5 mg (8 µmol) of Zyprexa (Olanzapine). Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, crospovidone, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, and titanium dioxide.

5 mg
Each white, round, film-coated tablet, marked in blue ink with "LILLY" and the tablet identification code "4115", contains 5 mg (16 µmol) of Zyprexa (Olanzapine). Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, crospovidone, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, and titanium dioxide.

7.5 mg
Each white, round, film-coated tablet, marked in blue ink with "LILLY" and the tablet identification code "4116", contains 7.5 mg (24 µmol) of Zyprexa (Olanzapine). Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, crospovidone, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, and titanium dioxide.

10 mg
Each white, round, film-coated tablet, marked in blue ink with "LILLY" and the tablet identification code "4117", contains 10 mg (32 µmol) of Zyprexa (Olanzapine). Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, crospovidone, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, and titanium dioxide.

15 mg
Each elliptical, film-coated, light blue tablet, marked with "LILLY" and the tablet identification code "4415", contains 15 mg (48 µmol) of Zyprexa (Olanzapine). Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, crospovidone, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.

20 mg
Each elliptical, film-coated, pink tablet, marked with "LILLY" and the tablet identification code "4420", contains 20 mg (64 µmol) of Zyprexa (Olanzapine). Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, crospovidone, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, synthetic red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.

Do not take Zyprexa (Olanzapine) if you are allergic to Zyprexa (Olanzapine) or any ingredients of the medication.

Automatic Refills

We manage your refills and get in touch with your doctors for prescription renewals so that you always have the medication you need.

There may be an interaction between Zyprexa (Olanzapine) and any of the following:

• Abiraterone
• aclidinium
• alcohol
• Alfuzosin
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine)
• anaesthetics
• antiarrythmics (e.g., Amiodarone, Dronedarone, Flecainide, procainamide, quinidine)
• antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, Diphenhydramine, Hydroxyzine, Loratadine)
• anti-Parkinson's medications (e.g., amantadine, Apomorphine, Bromocriptine, levodopa, Pramipexole, Ropinirole)
• antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• antiseizure medications (e.g., Clobazam,  Levetiracetam, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, primidone, Topiramate, Valproic acid, zonisamide)
• atropine
• azelastine
• "azole" antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, Voriconazole)
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital phenobarbital)
• belladonna
• benzodiazepines (e.g., Alprazolam, Diazepam, Lorazepam)
• benztropine
• botulinum toxin
• brimonidine
• Buspirone
• cannabis
• chloral hydrate
• chloroquine
• Cimetidine
• Cyproterone
• Darifenacin
• Deferasirox
• Degarelix
• Dextromethorphan
• diabetes medications (e.g., chlorpropamide, Glyburide, insulin, Metformin, Rosiglitazone)
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide, triamterene)
• Domperidone
• Donepezil
• ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine)
• efavirenz
• Famotidine
• Flavoxate
• Galantamine
• Gemfibrozil
• Glucagon
• glycopyrrolate
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
• hydroxychloroquine
• Indacaterol
• ipratropium
• ketotifen
• Loperamide
• Leuprolide
• lithium
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• magnesium sulfate
• Methadone
• methoxsalen
• Methylphenidate
• Metoclopramide
• mifepristone
• Mirabegron
• Mirtazapine
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., Moclobemide, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
• muscle relaxants (e.g., Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine, Tizanidine)
• Nabilone
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Codeine, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone)
• Nitroglycerin
• Octreotide
• oxybutynin
• pentamidine
• potassium supplements
• Primaquine
• quinine
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin)
• rifampin
• Rivastigmine
• Romidepsin
• St. John's wort
• salmeterol
• scopolamine
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• serotonin antagonists (anti-emetic medications; e.g., Granisetron, Ondansetron)
• serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
• Solifenacin
• Sotalol
• sulfamethoxazole
• Tacrolimus
• Tamoxifen
• Tapentadol
• tiotropium
• Tolterodine
• Tramadol
• Trazodone
• Tetrabenazine
• thalidomide
• thiazide diuretics (water pills; e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, Metolazone)
• tramadol
• trazodone
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Desipramine, Trimipramine)
• Trimethoprim
• "triptan" migraine medications (e.g., Eletriptan, Sumatriptan)
• tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., Dasatinib, imatinib, Nilotinib, Sunitinib)
• Tryptophan
• umeclidinium
• Vardenafil
• valerian
• vilanterol
• Zolpidem
• Zopiclone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Zyprexa (Olanzapine). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Zyprexa (Olanzapine).

Blood Clots: Zyprexa (Olanzapine) may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.

If you have a history of clotting you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as Heart Attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Zyprexa (Olanzapine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zyprexa (Olanzapine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision, or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.

Body temperature: Zyprexa (Olanzapine), like other antipsychotic medications, can disrupt the body's ability to control body temperature. If you exercise vigorously, are exposed to extreme heat, are dehydrated, or are taking anticholinergic medications (e.g., Benztropine, Oxybutynin) you are more at risk. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you feel very hot and are unable to cool down while taking Zyprexa (Olanzapine).

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Zyprexa (Olanzapine) may impair the mental and physical abilities required for driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Zyprexa (Olanzapine), as it may produce extreme drowsiness.

Glaucoma: Zyprexa (Olanzapine) may cause the symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) to develop or become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Zyprexa (Olanzapine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zyprexa (Olanzapine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible while you are taking Zyprexa (Olanzapine).

High blood sugar: Zyprexa (Olanzapine), in rare instances, may cause an increase in blood sugar levels.

Your doctor will monitor you if you have Diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes. If you experience weakness, increased thirst, increased urination, and increased appetite while taking Zyprexa (Olanzapine), contact your doctor.

Hypersensitivity reactions: A Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) called hypersensitivity syndrome has occurred for some people with the use of Zyprexa (Olanzapine). This reaction involves a number of organs in the body and may be fatal if not treated quickly. Stop taking the medication and get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including fever, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms with skin rash or blistering.

Liver disease: Zyprexa (Olanzapine) can affect liver function and cause liver problems.

If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Zyprexa (Olanzapine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zyprexa (Olanzapine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Zyprexa (Olanzapine).

If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Low Blood Pressure: Zyprexa (Olanzapine) may cause low blood pressure, especially when moving from a lying or sitting position to a standing position. If you have heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, or conditions that increase the risk of developing low blood pressure (e.g., dehydration, treatment with blood pressure medications) you should be monitored by your doctor.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Zyprexa (Olanzapine), like other antipsychotic medications, can cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you notice the symptoms of NMS such as high fever, confusion or loss of consciousness, racing or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, or sweating, get immediate medical attention.

Prolonged erection: In rare cases, use of Zyprexa (Olanzapine) by some men may cause them to develop priapism (a prolonged and painful erection). If you have an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours, contact your doctor.

Seizures: Zyprexa (Olanzapine) may increase the risk of seizures, especially if you have had seizures in the past. If you are at risk of seizures and take Zyprexa (Olanzapine), you should be closely monitored by your doctor.

Suicidal or self-harm behaviour: People taking Zyprexa (Olanzapine) may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting Zyprexa (Olanzapine). If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Zyprexa (Olanzapine), contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Zyprexa (Olanzapine).

Tardive dyskinesia (TD): TD, a syndrome consisting of potentially irreversible, involuntary, repetitive movements of the face and tongue muscles, may develop in people who take certain antipsychotic medications including Zyprexa (Olanzapine).

Although TD appears most commonly in seniors, especially women, it is impossible to predict who will develop TD. The risk of developing TD increases with higher doses and long-term treatment. If your experience muscle twitching or abnormal movements of the face or tongue, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Urinary problems: Zyprexa (Olanzapine) can cause urinary retention. If you have a history of urinary retention or benign prostatic hypertrophy, or other prostate problems, discuss with your doctor how Zyprexa (Olanzapine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zyprexa (Olanzapine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Weight gain: With long-term treatment, weight gain (averaging 5.4 kg) has occurred in people who take Zyprexa (Olanzapine). Weight gain tends to level off after 6 to 8 months of treatment.

Pregnancy: Zyprexa (Olanzapine) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Zyprexa (Olanzapine), contact your doctor immediately.

Babies born to mothers that took Zyprexa (Olanzapine) in the last 3 months of pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms after they are born, including breathing problems, difficulty feeding, or irritability. If you have been taking Zyprexa (Olanzapine) during pregnancy, make sure that everyone involved in caring for you and your baby are aware.

Breast-feeding: Zyprexa (Olanzapine) passes into breast milk. Women taking Zyprexa (Olanzapine) should not breast-feed.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Zyprexa (Olanzapine) have not been established for children under the age of 18.

Seniors: There may be a higher risk of strokes, heart attacks, and deaths associated with the use of Zyprexa (Olanzapine) by seniors with Dementia. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice the signs and symptoms of a stroke (e.g., sudden weakness or numbness, speech problems, vision problems, dizziness, confusion, sudden severe headache) or a heart attack (e.g., discomfort or pain in the chest, back, neck, jaw, arms; sweating; shortness of breath; nausea; lightheadedness) or infection (e.g., pneumonia). Zyprexa (Olanzapine) should not be used in seniors with dementia.

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