Olzap

Olzap Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Olzap is a brand name. Its generic name is Olanzapine.

Olzap (Zyprexa)

Olzap 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 Olzap

Olzap 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.

Mechanism of Action

Olzap 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. Olzap 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

Olzap 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

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

Olzap 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

Olzap 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. Olzap may increase the risk of falls and other injuries.

Interaction

Olzap 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

Olzap 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

Olzap 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

Olzap 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

Olzap 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

Olzap 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%.

Clearance

Olzap has a clearance of 3-6 mL/min/kg.

Here you find in details version of Olzap

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Olzap

What is Olzap?

Olzap is an atypical antipsychotic drug commonly used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.

How does Olzap work?

Olzap works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that are associated with hallucinations and psychotic symptoms.

What are the side effects of Olzap?

Common side effects of Olzap include drowsiness, weight gain, dizziness, dry mouth, and constipation.

Can Olzap be used for anxiety?

Olzap is not approved for the treatment of anxiety but may be used off-label if other treatments have failed. It should be used with caution and monitored closely.

Can Olzap be used for depression?

Yes, Olzap is FDA approved for the treatment of depression when used in combination with another medication.

How long does it take for Olzap to work?

The effects of Olzap can vary depending on the individual. Generally, people may start to notice changes within a few weeks.

Can Olzap be taken at night?

Yes, Olzap can be taken at night. It is important to take it at the same time each day.

How is Olzap dispensed?

Olzap is available in tablets, disintegrating tablets, and oral solutions.

Is Olzap addictive?

No, Olzap is not considered to be addictive, but it can cause physical and psychological dependence. People should be monitored closely and tapered off the medication gradually.

What is Olzap used to treat?

Olzap is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.

Can Olzap cause weight gain?

Yes, Olzap can cause weight gain. People should be monitored closely and encouraged to eat a healthy diet and exercise to mitigate these effects.

Does Olzap lower blood pressure?

Yes, Olzap can lower blood pressure. People should be monitored closely to ensure their blood pressure remains within a safe range.

Does Olzap cause drowsiness?

Yes, Olzap can cause drowsiness. People should not drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

Does Olzap interact with other medications?

Yes, Olzap can interact with other medications. People should tell their doctor about all medications they are taking before starting Olzap.

Can Olzap be used in children?

Olzap is approved for use in adults and not recommended for use in children. Speak to a doctor before giving Olzap to a child.

How should Olzap be stored?

Olzap should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. It should be kept out of reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose of Olzap?

If you miss a dose of Olzap, take it as soon as possible. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule.

Does Olzap cause constipation?

Yes, Olzap can cause constipation. Drinking plenty of fluids and eating high-fiber foods may help to prevent this.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Olzap?

No, it is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Olzap as it can increase the risk of side effects.

Is Olzap used for schizophrena?

Yes, Olzap is commonly used to treat schizophrenia.

Is Olzap used for bipolar disorder?

Yes, Olzap is also commonly used to treat bipolar disorder.

Does Olzap cause dry mouth?

Yes, Olzap can cause dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candy may help to relieve this symptom.

Can I take Olzap while pregnant?

Olzap should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Speak to your doctor for more information.

Is Olzap approved by the FDA?

Yes, Olzap is FDA approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression when used in combination with another medication.

Are there any warnings associated with Olzap?

Yes, Olzap can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior, so people should be monitored closely for these effects.

How long should I take Olzap for?

The length of time Olzap should be taken for varies depending on the individual and should be discussed with a doctor.

Can Olzap cause changes in mood?

Yes, Olzap can cause changes in mood. People should be monitored closely for changes in mood or behavior.

Can Olzap cause blurred vision?

Yes, in some cases Olzap can cause blurred vision. People should report any changes in vision to their doctor.

Does Olzap take effect immediately?

No, Olzap does not take effect immediately. It may take several weeks for people to experience the full effects.

Can Olzap cause nausea?

Yes, Olzap can cause nausea. Eating small, frequent meals and avoiding foods that are high in fat may help to reduce the symptoms.

Are there any long-term side-effects of Olzap?

Yes, long-term use of Olzap can cause abnormal movements of the face and body such as tardive dyskinesia.

How can I reduce the side-effects of Olzap?

Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol can help to reduce the side-effects of Olzap.

Does Olzap cause sleepiness?

Yes, Olzap can cause sleepiness. People should not drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

Does Olzap cause changes in appetite?

Yes, Olzap can cause changes in appetite. Eating small, frequent meals and avoiding foods that are high in fat may help to reduce the symptoms.

Can Olzap cause headaches?

Yes, Olzap can cause headaches. Taking over-the-counter pain relief medications may help to reduce the symptoms.

Can Olzap be used in the elderly?

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Olzap. It should be used with caution and monitored closely in the elderly.

Does Olzap cause restless legs?

Yes, Olzap can cause restless legs. Taking hot baths or massage may help to reduce the symptoms.

Can I stop taking Olzap suddenly?

No, Olzap should not be stopped suddenly as it can cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea and dizziness. The dose should be gradually tapered off.

Can Olzap be used with other medications?

Yes, Olzap can be used with other medications. It is important to tell the doctor about all medications being taken before starting Olzap.

What are the risk factors of Olzap?

The risk factors of Olzap include the risk of weight gain and abnormal movements of the face and body.