Zyprexa

olanzapine

The atypical psychotic drug Zyprexa is useful for:

• Managing the symptoms of Schizophrenia
• Manic phase of manic-depression
• Other psychotic disorders.

Zyprexa is taken orally, with or without food. You are advised to drink more fluids when you consume the drug. Zyprexa has to be continued even if you feel well during the course of the drug and you should also not miss any doses. For any further queries, it is wise to consult with your doctor directly.

Zyprexa belongs to the class antipsychotic medication. Zyprexa works by altering the brain chemicals.

In case if you happen to miss a dose, do not have both the doses together. If the dosage clashes, it is better to avoid the previous dose and continue with the current dose. It is also better to consult your physician in case of any doubts regarding the dosage amount.

Zyprexa is stored at temperatures between 20 to 25 degree Celsius. Storage temperature between 15 to 30 degree Celsius is also broadly accepted. Zyprexa should be stored away from direct heat, sunlight and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Some of the side effects of Zyprexa include:

• Back or joint ache
• Constipation
• Cough
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Increased appetite
• Indigestion
• Lightheadedness
• Skin Numbness or skin tingling
• Restlessness
• Sore throat
• Weakness
• Increase in Weight

Some of the allergic reaction shows signs like:

• Rashes
• Hives
• Itching
• Trouble breathing
• Chest tightness
• Swelling of mouth, face, lips, or tongue
• Abnormal thoughts
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Decreased urination
• Fainting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Fever
• Increased production of saliva or drooling
• Profuse sweating
• Loss of memory
• Menstrual alterations
• Muscle aches
• Weakness
• Stiffness
• Mood swings
• Seizures
• Chronic dizziness or headache
• Breath shortness
• Swelling of the hands, legs, or feet
• Hugh blood sugar symptoms like increased thirst, hunger, urination
• Unusual weakness
• Tremors
• Difficulty in concentration
• Trouble speaking
• Trouble swallowing
• Difficulty to sit still
• Difficulty in walking or standing
• Uncontrolled muscular movements in arm or leg
• Twitching of the face, tongue, etc
• Jerk or twists
• Unusual bruising
• Vision changes
• Pigmentation of eyes or skin

Zyprexa should be used only for patients for whom it is prescribed. Zyprexa is not meant to be shared.

Zyprexa should not be used: If you are allergic to one or many ingredients of Zyprexa.

Certain medical conditions interact with Zyprexa, hence it is wise to inform l your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• If you are pregnant, or you are planning for pregnancy breast-feeding.
• If you take any alternative or counter medication, or herbal drugs, or any dietary supplements.
• If you suffer from drug or food allergies.
• If you have a history of seizures, heart problems like heart failure, irregular heartbeat, abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), heart attacks, strokes, blood vessel problem, enhanced blood cholesterol level, or high or low blood pressure.
• If you have a history of liver problems, stomach or bowel problems like decreased muscle movements, enlarged prostate, narrow-angle glaucoma, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), aspiration pneumonia, or suicidal feelings.
• If you suffer from Alzheimer disease, dementia, or difficulty in swallowing.
• If you suffer from diabetes, obesity or a history of a family diabetes.
• If you suffer from high blood prolactin levels or a history of certain types of cancers like breast cancer, pancreas cancer, pituitary cancer, or even if you are at risk of getting breast cancer.
• If you are dehydrated, drink alcohol, or smoker, or if you are exposed to high temperatures.

Some of the drug that interacts with Zyprexa includes:

• Alpha blockers like doxazosin, diazepam, or medicine for high blood pressure as the drug results in low blood pressure or fainting.
• Anticholinergics like scopolamine, fluvoxamine, lorazepam as these drugs increase the risk side effects of the drug.
• Carbamazepine, HIV protease inhibitors like ritonavir, and other drugs like omeprazole or rifampin as they decrease the drug efficacy.
• Dopamine receptor agonists like pramipexole or levodopa as the drug reduces the drug effectiveness.