Zyprexa: Salient Aspects

Zyprexa is a prescription antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia. It is also used for maintaining treatment response in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, treating acute mania associated with bipolar I disorder in patients exhibiting manic or mixed episodes like monotherapy, and in combination with divalproex and lithium.

The generic name for Zyprexa is olanzapine.

This drug belongs to a class of medications called psychotropic drugs, which are used to treat the symptoms of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. Zyprexa is a new kind of antipsychotic medication known as ‘atypical antipsychotic’.

Zyprexa works by balancing chemicals naturally found in the brain. It blocks nerve receptors for several neurotransmitters and binds to alpha-1, dopamine, histamine H-1, muscarinic, and serotonin type 2 (5-HT2) receptors. This drug is manufactured by Eli Lilly & Co and was approved for usage by the FDA in 1996. At the moment Zyprexa has no generic substitute.

Important Information

• Zyprexa can cause uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs in some people. It is vital that you call the doctor immediately if you or someone experiences these symptoms.
• Zyprexa may cause dizziness or drowsiness, caution should be exercised when driving, operating machinery, or performing hazardous tasks. Dizziness is more likely to occur when rising from a sitting or lying position. To avoid this rise slowly.
• Use alcohol cautiously, when on Zyprexa as it increases drowsiness and dizziness.
• Also avoid becoming overheated when on Zyprexa, as you can become dangerously dehydrated. Be careful especially in hot weather and during exercise. Remember to drink plenty of fluids, to avert overheating.

Side Effects

Zyprexa like all medications has some side effects. These side effects vary from person to person, while some people experience no side effects at all. The most common side effects of Zyprexa include;

• akathisia (a feeling of an inability to sit still)
• constipation
• dizziness or drowsiness
• objectionable behavior
• orthostatic hypotension and
• weight gain

The likelihood of developing ‘extra-pyramidal effects’ and ‘tardive dyskinesia’ increases with prolonged treatment and use of Zyprexa. Extra-pyramidal effects involve sudden, often jerky, involuntary motions of the head, neck, arms, body, or eyes, while symptoms of tardive dyskinesia include; involuntary movements of the mouth, tongue, jaw, or eyelids. In some cases these effects can be irreversible.

There is also an increased risk of high blood sugar levels and diabetes with Zyprexa. During treatment regular blood sugar tests are advised. Additionally, people with risk factors for diabetes, including obesity or family history, should have their blood sugar levels tested before starting treatment and periodically throughout treatment.

Before taking this drug, you need to inform you doctor if you have;

• liver disease or liver problems
• heart disease, or high blood pressure, have had a heart attack or an irregular heart beat
• seizures
• an enlarged prostrate
• glaucoma
  If you suffer from any of the above conditions, you may need to take special precautions while on Zyprexa. It is not known if Zyprexa can harm an unborn child or can pass into breast milk. Speak to your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while on Zyprexa.

Zyprexa also interacts with other drugs like;

• Carbamazepine. This drug can significantly reduce the concentrations of Zyprexa in the blood. If you are on Carbamazepine you may probably need a higher dose of Zyprexa. Prilosec, Rifampin also have the same affect on Zyprexa.
• Tagamet, Cipro, Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac, erythromycin and Luvox, which all increase the concentrations of Zyprexa in the blood.
• Diazepam or ethanol, which can bring on orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure upon rising (getting up) that may cause dizziness.
• Levodopa. Zyprexa may decrease the effectiveness of this drug and lead to worsening of Parkinson’s disease symptoms in some cases.

Zyprexa may also increase the effects of drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, antihistamines, sedatives, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, and any other drug that makes you feel sleepy. Inform your doctor about all medication that you are on and do not take any medicine unless approved by the doctor.