Olanzapine

Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses. It is available in both generic and brand name forms. It works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that are responsible for psychotic symptoms.

Uses of Olanzapine

Olanzapine is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses. It can also be used to help patients with severe depression, Tourette’s Syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and autism.

Brand Name	Olanzapine
Type
Weight
Generic	Olanzapine
Manufacturer
Available in	English বাংলা

Mechanism of Action

Olanzapine works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that are responsible for psychotic symptoms. It increases the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Olanzapine can also block dopamine receptors in the brain, which can help reduce hallucinations or disorganized thinking.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

It typically takes a few weeks for olanzapine to start working. In some cases, it might take up to a few months for it to start working. The exact amount of time it takes to work varies for each individual.

Absorption

Olanzapine is rapidly and completely absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The peak plasma levels are reached in 2-4 hours.

Route of Elimination

The majority of olanzapine is excreted unchanged in the urine. A small fraction of olanzapine is metabolized to its active metabolite, 10-hydroxyolanzapine.

Dosage

Schizophrenia, combination therapy for Mania, Bipolar Disorder: The initial dose is 5-10 mg once daily. Daily dosage may subsequently be adjusted on the basis of individual clinical status within the range of 5-20 mg daily. Dosage greater than 10 mg daily only after reassessment. Maximum dose is 20 mg daily.

Monotherapy for Mania: Initially 15 mg once daily. Daily dosage may subsequently be adjusted on the basis of individual clinical status within the range of 5-20 mg daily. Dosage greater than 15 mg only after reassessment. Maximum dose is 20 mg daily.

The recommended starting dose of olanzapine is 5mg once a day. It can be increased up to 20mg per day. This should be done in increments of 5mg at a time. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your symptoms and response to the drug. It is important to take olanzapine exactly as prescribed and not to take more than your doctor has ordered.

Administration

Olanzapine is taken orally, typically once a day with or without food. Swallow the pills whole, do not crush, chew, or break the tablets.

Side Effects

Common side effects of olanzapine may include dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation, weight gain, and increased heart rate. Other side effects may include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, unusual thoughts or behavior, and trouble sleeping.

Toxicity

Olanzapine is considered a safe medication, but it may cause serious side effects. Symptoms of an overdose of olanzapine may include confusion, aggression, vomiting, and coma. If you suspect you have taken an overdose of olanzapine, contact emergency services immediately.

Precautions

Before taking olanzapine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Also tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Olanzapine may increase the risk of falls and other injuries.

Interaction

Olanzapine may interact with other medications, supplements, or herbal products. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before taking olanzapine. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose of olanzapine if you are taking any of the following medications: antibiotics, antifungals, antidepressants, blood thinners, diabetes medications, heart medications, seizure medications, HIV medication, and antipsychotics.

Drug Interactions

Olanzapine may interact with certain drugs. Drugs that may interact with olanzapine include: antifungals, antibiotics, antidepressants, cancer medications, blood thinners, HIV medications, seizure medications, antidiabetics, and heart medications.

Food Interactions

Olanzapine should be taken with food. Taking this medication with food may help to reduce stomach upset. Dairy products, high-fat meals, and antacids may reduce the absorption of olanzapine, so they should be avoided when taking this medication.

Pregnancy Use

Olanzapine is not recommended for use in pregnancy due to the potential for harm to the fetus. Speak to your doctor before taking olanzapine if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Lactation Use

The effects of olanzapine on breastfeeding infants is unknown. If you are breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor if olanzapine is right for you.

Acute Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose of olanzapine may include confusion, aggression, vomiting, and coma. If you suspect you have taken an overdose of olanzapine, contact emergency services immediately.

Contraindication

Olanzapine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any other components of the medication.

Use Direction

Take olanzapine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the pills whole, do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Do not take more than the prescribed dose. Take olanzapine with or without food.

Storage Condition

Store olanzapine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep this medication out of reach of children and pets.

Volume of Distribution

Olanzapine has a volume of distribution of 9-11 liters/kg.

Half Life

The half-life of olanzapine is approximately 21-53 hours, meaning that it takes 21-53 hours for the concentration of olanzapine in the bloodstream to be reduced by 50%.