Case Evaluation

Zyprexa: Zyprexa Overview

Zyprexa Overview

What is Zyprexa?

Zyprexa (olanzapine) is in a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. Antipsychotic medicines are approved to treat symptoms of schizophrenia that may include hearing voices, seeing things, sensing things that are not there, mistaken beliefs, and unusual suspiciousness.

Zyprexa is approved to treat mixed or manic episodes in adults who have a condition called Bipolar I disorder, and may also be used with lithium or valproate for short-term treatment of acute manic episodes of bipolar disorder. Zyprexa is made by Eli Lilly and Company and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996.

Zyprexa FDA Alert

In April 2005, the FDA issued an alert stating that older patients treated with atypical antipsychotic medicines, such as Zyprexa, for dementia had a higher chance for death than patients who did not take the medicine. The FDA stated further that this is not an approved use and has asked the companies that make these medicines to change their labels to include this important information.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Zyprexa? Zyprexa is not for use in psychotic conditions that are related to dementia. Zyprexa has caused fatal heart attack and stroke in older adults with dementia-related conditions. Before taking Zyprexa, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver disease;
  • kidney disease;
  • heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems;
  • a history of heart attack or stroke;
  • a history of breast cancer; seizures or epilepsy;
  • a personal or family history of diabetes;
  • an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating;
  • glaucoma; or
  • trouble swallowing.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Zyprexa, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Zyprexa may cause you to have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Talk to your doctor if you have any signs of hyperglycemia such as increased thirst or urination, excessive hunger, or weakness. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking Zyprexa.

The olanzapine orally disintegrating tablet (Zyprexa Zydis) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of Zyprexa if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Zyprexa can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Interactions with Other Drugs or Foods

Because certain other medications can interact with Zyprexa, you should talk first with your healthcare professional about all prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking. Your healthcare professional may have to adjust your dose or watch you more closely if you take the following medications:

  • blood pressure medicines
  • levodopa and other medicines called dopamine agonists
  • omeprazole
  • rifampin
  • carbamazepine
  • fluvoxamine

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Zyprexa.

Is There Anything Else I Need to Know About Taking Zyprexa?

Dizziness (and sometimes fainting) caused by a drop in blood pressure may occur with Zyprexa, especially when you first start taking Zyprexa or when the dose is increased. Zyprexa may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. You should be careful when operating machinery, including automobiles, until you know how Zyprexa affects you. It is important to avoid overheating and dehydration while taking Zyprexa, because Zyprexa use may make it harder to lower your body temperature.

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