What is Olanzapine ?

Olanzapine is a prescription atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (including acute manic episodes and maintenance therapy). It is also used in combination with fluoxetine for treatment-resistant depression and bipolar depression (as Symbyax). Olanzapine is known for its broad symptom coverage — addressing both positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) and negative symptoms (flat affect, social withdrawal) of schizophrenia. Olanzapine works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain, helping to correct the neurotransmitter imbalances associated with psychosis and mania. Available as oral tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and a short-acting injectable formulation. Typical doses range from 5–20 mg per day. A licensed psychiatric provider on Rx.com can evaluate mental health symptoms and prescribe olanzapine if it is appropriate.

• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Unusual behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself or others
• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Eye pain, trouble seeing
• Feeling very thirsty or hungry, change in how much or how often you urinate
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Jerky muscle movement you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw)
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Seizures or tremors
• Sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeat, muscle stiffness
• Swollen breasts, or liquid discharge from your nipples (men or women)
• Swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in neck, armpit, or groin

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, glaucoma, prostate problems, problems with passing urine, breast cancer, seizures, or severe constipation. Tell your doctor if you have any kind of heart or circulation problems, including low blood pressure, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, or a history of a heart attack or stroke. Tell your doctor if you have a condition called phenylketonuria.
• Do not breastfeed while you are using this medicine.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:Changes in behavior or mood, including thoughts of suicideNeuroleptic malignant syndrome (a nerve and muscle problem)Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)High blood sugar, cholesterol, or triglyceride levelsTardive dyskinesia (a muscle problem that may become permanent)
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy, or may cause trouble with thinking or controlling body movement, which may lead to falls, fractures or other injuries. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. You may also feel lightheaded when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, so stand up slowly.
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• This medicine may make it more difficult for your body to cool down. Be careful to not become overheated during exercise or hot weather, because you could have heat stroke.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
• Severe sleepiness, slurred speech, or trouble with breathing.
• Shakiness, problems with balance or walking.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Swollen breasts, or liquid discharge from your nipples (men or women).
• Trouble with swallowing.