Drug Information: Olanzapine

Why is this medication prescribed?

Olanzapine is used to treat schizophrenia. Olanzapine is in a class of medications called antipsychotics. It works by decreasing unusually high levels of brain activity.

How should this medicine be used?

Olanzapine comes as a tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take olanzapine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To take the orally disintegrating tablet, use dry hands to peel back the foil packaging. Immediately take out the tablet and place it in your mouth. The tablet will quickly dissolve and can be swallowed with saliva. No water is needed to swallow disintegrating tablets.

Olanzapine helps treat schizophrenia but does not cure it. Continue to take olanzapine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking olanzapine without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking olanzapine,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to olanzapine or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially carbamazepine (Tegretol), heart medications, omeprazole (Prilosec), rifampin (Rifadin), sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease or a heart attack, seizures, breast cancer, liver or prostate disease, a bowel obstruction, or glaucoma.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking olanzapine, call your doctor.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.
• you should know that this drug may cause a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you have fever, very stiff muscles, change in mental function, sweating, or irregular heartbeat, call your doctor immediately.
• be aware that olanzapine may cause a condition called tardive dyskinesia. If you have any uncontrollable jerking movements, call your doctor immediately.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from olanzapine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• agitation
• drowsiness
• constipation
• dry mouth
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• seizures
• uncontrollable jerking movements
• fever
• very stiff muscles
• excess sweating
• fast or irregular heartbeat

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from moisture and heat (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to olanzapine.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ashpdisclaimer.html

The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.