| Zyprexa (Olanzapine) is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain. Zyprexa is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions, including hallucinations, delusions, and confusion. See table below. |  |
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Usage:Zyprexa is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain. Zyprexa is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions, including hallucinations, delusions, and confusion.
Directions: Take Zyprexa exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Zyprexa can be taken with or without food. Zyprexa is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. To take Zyprexa orally disintegrating tablets (Zyprexa Zydis): Using dry hands, open the sachet and peel back foil on blister. Do not push tablet through foil. Immediately upon opening the blister, remove the tablet and place it in the mouth. Tablet disintegration occurs rapidly in saliva so it can be easily swallowed with or without liquid. Do not stop taking Zyprexa without the approval of your doctor. It may be 4 weeks or more before you begin to feel better, and you may require continuous treatment for quite some time. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this medication.
Side EffectsIf you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Zyprexa and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zyprexa and talk to your doctor if you experience dizziness or drowsiness, agitation, an increased heart rate, constipation, dry mouth, or weight gain. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Precautions: Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Zyprexa may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Zyprexa. Avoid becoming overheated during Zyprexa therapy. It is easier to become dangerously dehydrated while you are taking Zyprexa. Use caution in hot weather and during exercise. Drink plenty of fluids.
Drug Interactions: Carbamazepine (Tegretol) can decrease the effects of Zyprexa. A change in your Zyprexa dosage may be necessary. Zyprexa may increase the effects of medicines that are used to control high blood pressure. This could lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and other symptoms. Tell your doctor if you are taking a medication to control your blood pressure or to treat another heart condition. Zyprexa may also increase the effects of drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (medicines that treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, and any other drug that makes you feel sleepy or relaxed. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves. Zyprexa may decrease the effects of levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa, Dopar), which is used to treat Parkinson's disease. This could lead to worsening parkinsonian symptoms. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Zyprexa. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
If You Take Too Much:Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an Zyprexa overdose include drowsiness and slurred speech.
Missed Dose:Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Storage: Store Zyprexa at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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