About Using Zyprexa for Depression

Zyprexa, also known as Olanzapine, Zalasta, Zyprexa Zydis, and Zolafren, is an anti-psychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. If you are experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and are not responding to your current medication, you may want to ask your doctor about Zyprexa. Zyprexa is not FDA-approved for treating depression, but has been given to patients who have not responded to other antidepressants to see if they may have undiagnosed bipolar disorder. Zyprexa is only available with a prescription from your doctor.

History

• In 2005, the National Institute of Mental Health released a report stating that many patients who were taking Zyprexa experienced weight gain and risk of diabetes. Zyprexa was approved by the FDA to treat schizophrenia in 1996, bipolar disorder in 2004, and depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder in conjunction with the drug Symbyax in 2003.

Significance

• Zyprexa is similar to Clozapine, another anti-psychotic used to treat schizophrenia. Zyprexa is available in dissolvable tablets, pills, and fast-acting injections. Zyprexa is a sedating medication, so it is usually suggested by doctors to be taken once daily, before bed. Zyprexa has been used atypically to treat dementia, anorexia, Tourette's syndrome and depressive symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. However, Zyprexa is not approved by the FDA to be taken solely for depression except in conjunction with Fluoxetine, an antidepressant better known as Prozac.

Effects

• Side effects associated with taking Zyprexa include low blood pressure, impaired thinking and judgment, seizures, trouble swallowing, irritation, insomnia, sedation, aggressiveness, dizziness, weight gain, diabetes, increased appetite, runny nose, missed periods, lack of emotion or apathy, impaired thinking or motor skills, impaired response to senses and impaired spatial recognition. If you are experiencing a side effect and find it disruptive, talk to your doctor.

Benefits

• At the Third International Conference on Bipolar Disorder in Pittsburgh, a study was reported where a group of bipolar patients taking Zyprexa had experienced relief from depressive symptoms in conjunction with taking the drug. This, however, does not mean that Zyprexa can be treated solely for depression. Zyprexa will only be prescribed if you are experiencing bipolar disorder or schizophrenia in conjunction with depression; another prescription such as Prozac may be used in conjunction with Zyprexa.

Warning

• Zyprexa is known to cause diabetes. If you are experiencing symptoms of diabetes, including frequent urination, excessive thirst, fainting, blurry vision, excessive weight loss or irritability, see a doctor as soon as possible. It is reported that 90 percent of Zyprexa users experience weight gain or increased appetite, but check with your doctor to see if your increased appetite may be due to the onset of diabetes. If you are experiencing any disturbing or disruptive side effects due to Zyprexa, talk to you doctor immediately about adjusting your dose or trying an alternative medication.