Olanzapine, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antipsychotic

Generic and brand names: olanzapine, oral; Zyprexa; Zyprexa Zydis (olanzapine orally disintegrating tablets)

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat the symptoms of mental disorders. It is called an antipsychotic agent.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Tell your health care provider if you are taking or planning to take any other prescription or nonprescription medicines during treatment with this medicine.

Before you take this medicine, be sure to tell your health care provider if you have ever had seizures.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

How do I use it?

Take this medicine with a glass of water once a day, with or without food. Usually your health care provider will start you with a small dosage and increase it gradually after several days. Take this medicine exactly as directed by your health care provider. Do not increase the dosage on your own.

Do not stop taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

If you miss a dose, do not take a double dose the next day. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine can cause low blood pressure, especially at the beginning of treatment or when taken with alcohol or diazepam (Valium). Low blood pressure may make you feel lightheaded or dizzy. Take care to avoid falling.

Rarely, this medicine may cause seizures (convulsions). If you have a seizure while you are taking this medicine, contact your health care provider right away.

This medicine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and problems with judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you are fully alert.

While taking this medicine, avoid strenuous exercise, high temperatures, and dehydration. This medicine interferes with your body's ability to cool down, and you may become overheated.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Thoughts of suicide, seizures (convulsions).

Other: Drowsiness, insomnia, agitation, headache, dizziness, nervousness, runny nose, anxiety, constipation, dry mouth.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• depressants, including alcohol, antihistamines, and sedatives
• fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• medicines to lower blood pressure
• omeprazole (Prilosec)
• rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.