Information About Olanzapine, Sold As Zyprexa

Type of Medication: Atypical Antipsychotic

Olanzapine is an Atypical Antipsychotic, or Neuroleptic (sometimes incorrectly called a 'major tranquilliser').

Variants include Zyprexa, Zyprexa Zydis.

Benefits of Olanzapine (Zyprexa) for Bipolar Disorder

Olanzapine is usually prescribed to help treat schizophrenia or acute manic episodes in Bipolar Disorder (described in the section on mood disorders).

Side Effects of Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

Please note that the following side effects include only some of the most common and somewhat less common but do not include rarer side effects; the list is not exhaustive. Many people taking Olanzapine (Zyprexa) experience none of these side effects. Please consult a physician about any unusual symptoms.

Common

Some of the more common side effects of Olanzapine (Zyprexa) include:

• hypotension (low blood pressure)
• constipation
• weight gain
• weight gain
• personality disorder
• akathisia ('restless legs')
• asthenia (weakness)
• dry mouth
• dyspepsia (upset stomach)
• increased appetite
• dizziness
• somnolence (drowsiness)
• tremor
• speech disorder
• increased salivation

Less Common

Some of the less common side effects of Olanzapine (Zyprexa) include:

• fever
• back pain
• abnormal gait
• amnesia
• paresthesia (skin sensations)

Olanzapine (Zyprexa) and Alcohol

The manufacturer recommends that alcohol should be avoided while taking Olanzapine (Zyprexa).

Stopping Olanzapine (Zyprexa): Discontinuation Effects or Withdrawal Symptoms

It is best to consult a physician before discontinuing an anti-psychotic or neuroleptic medication; one effect of stopping Olanzapine (Zyprexa) too quickly may be the reappearance of symptoms.

Should You Buy Olanzapine (Zyprexa) Online?

Particularly in the United States, many individuals choose to purchase medications online, either for reasons of cost savings, privacy, or both. Both brand-name Zyprexa and so-called 'generic Zyprexa' (i.e., Olanzapine without the Zyprexa brand name) can sometimes be purchased at deep discounts (and sometimes without a prescription) in this way. Before undertaking any purchase of medications online, however -- and certainly if you are contemplating doing so without a prior prescription -- please consider the integrity of the supplier and the national and/or local laws which may apply where you live.

» Please see our page on Buying Discount Drugs Online for recommendations as well as caveats… (Specific sites we mention include DrugsPark, MedBasket, and FrugalMed.)

Information Sources and Disclaimer

The information provided here has been summarized in good faith purely for educational purposes. It is not intended in any way to replace the advice of a qualified medical professional. Please do not take any action on the basis of information contained here without consulting a physician. Unless otherwise specified, information is intended to apply only to adult use of the medication. Drug interaction precautions have not been included; please consult another source for this information.

All registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Information sources:

• United States FDA-approved Product Insert for Zyprexa (PDF)
• Your Medicines -- Any Questions?
• British National Formulary