Olanzapine

The usual starting dose of olanzapine tablets for adults with schizophrenia is 5 mg to 10 mg once daily at the same time each day. If the daily dose is increased, it is usually raised not more than once a week, and in increments of 5 mg. The dosage range is 5 mg to 20 mg daily.

The usual starting dose of olanzapine tablets for adults with bipolar disorder is 10 mg daily (if olanzapine is used in combination with other medications that treat bipolar disorder) or 15 mg daily (if olanzapine is used alone). The dose may be increased up to 20 mg daily. For the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder, the dose ranges from 5 mg to 20 mg daily.

The orally disintegrating olanzapine tablet is placed into your mouth and begins dissolving within seconds. Once dissolved, it can be swallowed with or without liquid.

Because the orally disintegrating tablets break easily, they should be handled carefully with dry hands. You may also dissolve the tablet by placing and stirring it directly into 4 ounces (125 mL) of water, orange juice, apple juice, coffee, or milk. Drink all of the contents immediately.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

For Olanzapine to be effective, it is very important to use Olanzapine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue with your regular dosing schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Olanzapine at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may cause constipation - to prevent this, drink plenty of water or juice, and eat more dietary fibre; it may cause dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving; it may cause either drowsiness or excitability - use caution until you know how you will react; it may cause weight gain, mostly with prolonged use. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

2.5 mg
Each white, round, biconvex, film-coated tablet, marked "APO" on one side and "OLA" over "2.5" on the other, contains 2.5 mg of olanzapine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.

5 mg
Each white, round, biconvex, film-coated tablet, marked "APO" on one side and "OLA" over "5" on the other, contains 5 mg of olanzapine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.

7.5 mg
Each white, round, biconvex, film-coated tablet, marked "APO" on one side and "OLA" over "7.5" on the other, contains 7.5 mg of olanzapine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.

10 mg
Each white, round, biconvex, film-coated tablet, marked "APO" on one side and "OLA" over "10" on the other, contains 10 mg of olanzapine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.

15 mg
Each light blue, elliptical, biconvex, film-coated tablet, marked "APO" on one side and "OLA 15" on the other, contains 15 mg of olanzapine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, indigotine AL Lake 12-14%, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.

20 mg
Each light pink, elliptical, biconvex, film-coated tablet, marked "APO" on one side and "OLA 20" on the other, contains 20 mg of olanzapine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, red ferric oxide-orange shade#34690, titanium dioxide, and yellow ferric oxide.

Do not take Olanzapine if you are allergic to olanzapine or any ingredients of the medication.

There may be an interaction between olanzapine and any of the following:

• Abiraterone
• aclidinium
• alcohol
• Alfuzosin
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine)
• anaesthetics
• antiarrythmics (e.g., Amiodarone, Dronedarone, Flecainide, procainamide, quinidine)
• antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, Diphenhydramine, Hydroxyzine, Loratadine)
• anti-Parkinson's medications (e.g., amantadine, Apomorphine, Bromocriptine, levodopa, Pramipexole, Ropinirole)
• antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• antiseizure medications (e.g., Clobazam, Levetiracetam, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, primidone, Topiramate, Valproic acid, zonisamide)
• atropine
• azelastine
• "azole" antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, Voriconazole)
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital phenobarbital)
• belladonna
• benzodiazepines (e.g., Alprazolam, Diazepam, Lorazepam)
• benztropine
• botulinum toxin
• brimonidine
• Buspirone
• cannabis
• chloral hydrate
• chloroquine
• Cimetidine
• Cyproterone
• Darifenacin
• Deferasirox
• Degarelix
• Dextromethorphan
• diabetes medications (e.g., chlorpropamide, Glyburide, insulin, Metformin, Rosiglitazone)
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide, triamterene)
• Domperidone
• Donepezil
• ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine)
• efavirenz
• Famotidine
• Flavoxate
• Galantamine
• Gemfibrozil
• Glucagon
• glycopyrrolate
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
• hydroxychloroquine
• Indacaterol
• ipratropium
• ketotifen
• Loperamide
• Leuprolide
• lithium
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• magnesium sulfate
• Methadone
• methoxsalen
• Methylphenidate
• Metoclopramide
• mifepristone
• Mirabegron
• Mirtazapine
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., Moclobemide, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
• muscle relaxants (e.g., Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine, Tizanidine)
• Nabilone
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Codeine, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone)
• Nitroglycerin
• Octreotide
• oxybutynin
• pentamidine
• potassium supplements
• Primaquine
• quinine
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin)
• rifampin
• Rivastigmine
• Romidepsin
• St. John's wort
• salmeterol
• scopolamine
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• serotonin antagonists (anti-emetic medications; e.g., Granisetron, Ondansetron)
• serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
• Solifenacin
• Sotalol
• sulfamethoxazole
• Tacrolimus
• Tamoxifen
• Tapentadol
• tiotropium
• Tolterodine
• Tramadol
• Trazodone
• Tetrabenazine
• thalidomide
• thiazide diuretics (water pills; e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, Metolazone)
• tramadol
• trazodone
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Desipramine, Trimipramine)
• Trimethoprim
• "triptan" migraine medications (e.g., Eletriptan, Sumatriptan)
• tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., Dasatinib, imatinib, Nilotinib, Sunitinib)
• Tryptophan
• umeclidinium
• Vardenafil
• valerian
• vilanterol
• Zolpidem
• Zopiclone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Olanzapine. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Olanzapine.

Blood Clots: Olanzapine may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.

If you have a history of clotting you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as Heart Attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Olanzapine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Olanzapine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision, or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.

Body temperature: Olanzapine, like other antipsychotic medications, can disrupt the body's ability to control body temperature. If you exercise vigorously, are exposed to extreme heat, are dehydrated, or are taking anticholinergic medications (e.g., Benztropine, Oxybutynin) you are more at risk. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you feel very hot and are unable to cool down while taking Olanzapine.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Olanzapine may impair the mental and physical abilities required for driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Olanzapine, as it may produce extreme drowsiness.

Glaucoma: Olanzapine may cause the symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) to develop or become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Olanzapine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Olanzapine, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible while you are taking Olanzapine.

High blood sugar: Olanzapine, in rare instances, may cause an increase in blood sugar levels.

Your doctor will monitor you if you have Diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes. If you experience weakness, increased thirst, increased urination, and increased appetite while taking Olanzapine, contact your doctor.

Hypersensitivity reactions: A Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) called hypersensitivity syndrome has occurred for some people with the use of olanzapine. This reaction involves a number of organs in the body and may be fatal if not treated quickly. Stop taking the medication and get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including fever, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms with skin rash or blistering.

Liver disease: Olanzapine can affect liver function and cause liver problems.

If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Olanzapine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Olanzapine, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Olanzapine.

If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Low Blood Pressure: Olanzapine may cause low blood pressure, especially when moving from a lying or sitting position to a standing position. If you have heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, or conditions that increase the risk of developing low blood pressure (e.g., dehydration, treatment with blood pressure medications) you should be monitored by your doctor.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Olanzapine, like other antipsychotic medications, can cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you notice the symptoms of NMS such as high fever, confusion or loss of consciousness, racing or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, or sweating, get immediate medical attention.

Prolonged erection: In rare cases, use of Olanzapine by some men may cause them to develop priapism (a prolonged and painful erection). If you have an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours, contact your doctor.

Seizures: Olanzapine may increase the risk of seizures, especially if you have had seizures in the past. If you are at risk of seizures and take Olanzapine, you should be closely monitored by your doctor.

Suicidal or self-harm behaviour: People taking Olanzapine may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting Olanzapine. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Olanzapine, contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Olanzapine.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD): TD, a syndrome consisting of potentially irreversible, involuntary, repetitive movements of the face and tongue muscles, may develop in people who take certain antipsychotic medications including olanzapine.

Although TD appears most commonly in seniors, especially women, it is impossible to predict who will develop TD. The risk of developing TD increases with higher doses and long-term treatment. If your experience muscle twitching or abnormal movements of the face or tongue, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Urinary problems: Olanzapine can cause urinary retention. If you have a history of urinary retention or benign prostatic hypertrophy, or other prostate problems, discuss with your doctor how Olanzapine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Olanzapine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Weight gain: With long-term treatment, weight gain (averaging 5.4 kg) has occurred in people who take Olanzapine. Weight gain tends to level off after 6 to 8 months of treatment.

Pregnancy: Olanzapine should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Olanzapine, contact your doctor immediately.

Babies born to mothers that took Olanzapine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms after they are born, including breathing problems, difficulty feeding, or irritability. If you have been taking Olanzapine during pregnancy, make sure that everyone involved in caring for you and your baby are aware.

Breast-feeding: Olanzapine passes into breast milk. Women taking Olanzapine should not breast-feed.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Olanzapine have not been established for children under the age of 18.

Seniors: There may be a higher risk of strokes, heart attacks, and deaths associated with the use of olanzapine by seniors with Dementia. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice the signs and symptoms of a stroke (e.g., sudden weakness or numbness, speech problems, vision problems, dizziness, confusion, sudden severe headache) or a heart attack (e.g., discomfort or pain in the chest, back, neck, jaw, arms; sweating; shortness of breath; nausea; lightheadedness) or infection (e.g., pneumonia). Olanzapine should not be used in seniors with dementia.

This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Take it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. It is not advisable to stop using this product suddenly, particularly if you have been on it for several weeks. If you are considering stopping the medication, talk to your pharmacist first. This medication may be taken with or without food. This product may intensify the effect of alcohol. Limit alcohol consumption to an occasional intake.