Why is Zyprexa prescribed?

Zyprexa helps manage symptoms of schizophrenia, the manic phase of bipolar disorder, and other psychotic disorders. It is thought to work by opposing the action of serotonin and dopamine, two of the brain's major chemical messengers. The drug is available as Zyprexa tablets and Zyprexa Zydis, which dissolves rapidly with or without liquid.

How should this medicine be used?

Olanzapine comes as a tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet (tablet that dissolves quickly in the mouth) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take olanzapine at around the same time every 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.

Do not try to push the orally disintegrating tablet through the foil. Instead ,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 or without liquid.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of olanzapine and gradually increase your dose.

Olanzapine may help control your symptoms, but it will not cure your condition. It may take several weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of olanzapine. Continue to take olanzapine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking olanzapine without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably want to decrease your dose gradually.

How should you take Zyprexa?

Zyprexa should be taken once a day with or without food. To use Zyprexa Zydis, open the sachet, peel back the foil on the blister pack, remove the tablet, and place the entire tablet in the mouth. Do not push the tablet through the foil. The medication can be taken with or without water; the saliva in your mouth will cause the tablet to dissolve.

• If you miss a dose...
  Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

• Storage instructions...
  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Olanzapine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• restlessness
• unusual behavior
• depression
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• weakness
• difficulty walking
• constipation
• weight gain
• dry mouth
• pain in arms, legs, back, or joints

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section or the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:

• seizures
• changes in vision
• swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• unusual movements of your face or body that you cannot control
• fever
• very stiff muscles
• excess sweating
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• rash
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

Olanzapine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

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.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• drowsiness
• slurred speech
• agitation
• fast heartbeat
• sudden movements that you cannot control
• coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time)