Olanzapine
Introduction To Olanzapine
Olanzapine is used in the treatment of schizophrenia (a mental disorder that can result in hallucinations or delusions and also adversely affects a person’s ability to think and behave) and mania.
Olanzapine is given under the supervision of a healthcare professional. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor and if you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. This medication mustn't be stopped suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may worsen your symptoms.
The most common side effects of this medicine include weight gain, sleepiness, orthostatic hypotension, and elevated plasma prolactin levels. Initially, this medicine may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when you change positions, so it is better to rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. As this medicine can cause dizziness and sleepiness, do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
You can manage weight gain caused due to this medicine by modifying your lifestyle such as having a healthy diet and exercising regularly. You should be cautious as in rare cases it may cause serious side effects like very high blood sugar levels or seizures. Thus, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels can be useful to avoid such effects.
Uses of Olanzapine
- Schizophrenia
- Treatment of Mania
Benefits of Olanzapine
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which a person’s thinking ability,
feelings and behavior become abnormal. Olanzapine helps restore the chemical
imbalances in the brain that are responsible for such changes. It improves
thoughts, behavior and enhances the quality of life.
Treatment of Mania
Mania means extremely excited or elevated mood. Olanzapine helps calm the mood
and relax the nerves. This stabilises the mood and prevents the symptoms of
mania from recurring again. Taking Olanzapine will ensure that you have a
better social life and are able to do daily activities more comfortably.
Side effects of Olanzapine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Tolaz
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing)
- Dryness in mouth
- Weight gain
- Increased prolactin level in blood
- Constipation
- Restlessness
- Tremors
- Muscle stiffness
How to use Olanzapine
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Olanzapine works
Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic. It works by affecting the levels of chemical messengers (dopamine and serotonin) to improve mood, thoughts and behavior.
Quick tips
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Olanzapine works well in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
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It is less likely to cause heart and movement problems as compared to other similar medicines.
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It may take 4 to 6 weeks to see full effects on thoughts and mood. Keep taking it as prescribed.
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Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Olanzapine can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
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It may increase your weight, blood sugar and cholesterol. Eat healthy, exercise regularly and monitor your blood levels regularly.
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To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
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Do not stop taking Olanzapine without talking to your doctor first as it may cause worsening of symptoms.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Olanzapine if I’m pregnant?
Olanzapine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Olanzapine if I’m breastfeeding?
Olanzapine is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Olanzapine safe?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Olanzapine.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Olanzapine?
Olanzapine may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Olanzapine if I have/had kidney diseases?
Olanzapine is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Olanzapine is recommended.
LiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Olanzapine if I have/had liver diseases?
Olanzapine is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Olanzapine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can Olanzapine be used for anxiety?
The treatment of anxiety with Olanzapine is not an approved indication. Olanzapine has been studied for treatment of anxiety disorders but the results have not been very convincing. However, it can be used along with anxiolytics in anxiety disorders for better results.
Q. Is Olanzapine a sleeping pill?
No, Olanzapine is not a sleeping pill. It belongs to the atypical antipsychotic class of medicines. It is used to treat schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions. Olanzapine also helps with bipolar disorder (manic depressive disorder). It is a disease that causes episodes of depression, mania, and other abnormal moods.
Q. What is the most important information that I should know about Olanzapine?
Olanzapine can cause serious side effects which include increased risk of death in elderly people who are confused, have memory loss and have lost touch with reality (dementia-related psychosis). It is important to know that it may increase blood sugar levels in diabetics and also in patients who never had diabetes. Furthermore, it may cause weight gain and high fat levels in the blood which is more common in teenagers.
Q. Can Olanzapine be taken during pregnancy?
Olanzapine should be avoided during pregnancy and should only be given if benefits outweigh the risk. Using Olanzapine during last 3 months of pregnancy may cause unwanted symptoms in the unborn baby. These symptoms include shaking, muscle stiffness and/or weakness, sleepiness, agitation, breathing problems, and difficulty in feeding.
Q. Can I stop taking Olanzapine if I am better?
You should not stop taking Olanzapine without consulting your doctor. This is because sudden discontinuation of the medicine may cause unpleasant side effects which include sweating, unable to sleep, tremor, anxiety or nausea, and vomiting. To avoid such effects, your doctor will reduce the dose gradually before stopping the treatment.
Q. Does smoking or alcohol interfere with working of Olanzapine?
Yes, smoking interferes with working of Olanzapine causing an increase in its metabolism. One should avoid alcohol while taking Olanzapine since it may cause more drowsiness. However, if you are a smoker then your doctor may increase your dose depending on your response to treatment.
Q. Is Olanzapine injection dangerous?
When Olanzapine injection is given, the medicine is usually released slowly over a period of time. However, in some cases, it may be released quickly which can cause Post-injection Delirium Sedation Syndrome (PDSS) as a serious side effect, which most likely occurs within the first three hours of injection. Therefore, you will be required to be in hospital for at least 3 hours after Olanzapine injection.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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