ZYPREXA (OLANZAPINE)

What to Expect from Zyprexa

Zyprexa or Olanzapine generic is an atypical antipsychotic medication that helps treat mental or mood conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. Atypical usually suggests there are fewer adverse effects. Zyprexa may also be used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy).The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Schizophrenia is a chronic, disabling brain disorder that may cause a person to hear voices and misinterpret reality. 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.

How Zyprexa Treats Psychotic Disorders

Zyprexa is thought to work by correcting the balance of neurotransmitters in your brain (chemicals that control the function of nerve pathways). To do this, Zyprexa blocks dopamine receptors in order to help reduce the activity of dopamine. This neurotransmitter is known to be involved with behavior, regulating moods, perception, and thinking. By blocking the receptors, there is less dopamine available in your brain to cause your symptoms of schizophrenia and mania.

Conditions Treated by Zyprexa

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.

Olanzapine is effective in relieving both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, whereas the conventional antipsychotics are usually less effective against the negative symptoms. Negative refers to things you have lost from your personality or how you see life; positive means new or added things to your personality.

Zyprexa may be used alone or in combination with other medications in the treatment of bipolar disorder or prescribed as a long-term mood stabilizer to prevent further manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder.

Before You Take Zyprexa

Ask your doctor about any risks with taking Zyprexa while you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. To determine if Zyprexa is safe for you, tell your doctor about other medical conditions or allergies you have and list any current OTC or Rx medications you take, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements.

Proper Use of Zyprexa

Zyprexa is not approved for treatment of psychotic conditions related to dementia. Regular blood tests may be required while taking Zyprexa, as it may cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or affect cholesterol levels. Refrain from taking part in any activities that require you to be alert until you know how you will react to Zyprexa.

Possible Side Effects of Zyprexa

• Stomach upset
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Weight gain

Tell your doctor right away if you experience serious side effects such as; difficulty swallowing, signs of infection, slow heartbeat, symptoms of high blood sugar, trouble urinating, abnormal movements, particularly of the face, lips, jaw and tongue, muscle stiffness, sweating, high fever.