Patient Information for Olanzapine

Olanzapine, marketed in the United States under the brand name Zyprexa, is an antipsychotic prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the mental illness schizophrenia. It is also sometimes used to help treat delusions associated with other mental conditions such as bipolar disorder. Olanzapine is available in pill form and also can be used as an intramuscular injection. However, injections are usually only given in a hospital setting.

Dosage

• Olanzapine is available as either a regular or orally disintegrating tablet, according to the Mayo Clinic. Adult schizophrenic patients usually start off at about 5 to 10 mg per day and usually do not exceed 20 mg per day. Those with bipolar disorder will usually need 5 to 15 mg per day, though as much as 20 mg may be needed to treat manic episodes. Olanzapine should not be taken with food.

Precautions

• The medication should not be used in elderly patients with dementia, according to the Mayo Clinic. The safety of olanzapine usage among children and pregnant or nursing women has not been studied, so caution is advised for such patients. In addition, those taking the mood stabilizer lithium and those who suffer from heart problems, glaucoma, breast cancer or diabetes may require special monitoring or perhaps another medication.

Common Side Effects

• Olanzapine does have the risk of side effects, and there are some that are common among patients using this medical treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic. People may experience one or more of the following side effects: blurred vision, other changes in vision, bloating of the arms, hands, feet, lower legs or face, clumsiness, problems talking and difficulty swallowing. Other possible common side effects associated with olanzapine treatment include drooling, balance problems, rapid weight gain and restlessness.

Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reaction or serious side effects associated with olanzapine require immediate medical intervention. These symptoms include itching, hives, difficulty breathing, confusion, seizures and fainting. Other possible serious side effects are as follows: excessive sweating, hallucinations, delusions, severe muscle stiffness, shaking, unusually pale skin and rapid heartbeat.

Cost

• Most insurance companies cover all or most of brand-name olanzapine treatment. The financial responsibility of each patient depends on the individual's health care plan. Local and national patient assistance programs are often available for uninsured people who cannot afford to buy olanzapine. As of August 2009, the cash cost of brand-name Zyprexa was about $413 for 30 10 mg tablets. A generic form of the drug was not available.