Zyprexa: Description, Chemistry, Ingredients, Side Effects

Zyprexa is the brand name of olanzapine. It is a psychotropic drug that belongs to the thienobenzodiazepine class of medications, and is used in the treatment of emotional and mood disorders, including schizophrenia and acute mania in bipolar patients. The chemical name of olanzapine is; 2-methyl-4-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-10H-thieno [2, 3-b] [1, 5] benzodiazepine, and its chemical formula is; C17H20N4S6-2½H2O.

As with all other antipsychotic drugs, the exact working of Zyprexa is not known. It is thought that this drug works on the brain’s neurotransmitters by blocking serotonin and dopamine receptors.

New type of psychotropic, Zyprexa is considered an ‘atypical antipsychotic’. In general this medication has fewer side effects than the standard antipsychotic drugs on the shelves at the moment. And it is also more effective against negative symptoms of schizophrenia, though Zyprexa improves both positive and negative symptoms.

The full effect of Zyprexa can be felt within a week of usage for most.

Description, Chemistry, Ingredients

Zyprexa is available in tablet, soluble tablet and injectable form. It is a yellow crystalline solid, which is practically insoluble in water.

Zyprexa tablets are intended for oral usage only. Each tablet contains olanzapine equivalent to 2.5 mg (8 mmol), 5 mg (16 mmol), 7.5 mg (24 mmol), 10 mg (32 mmol), 15 mg (48 mmol), or 20 mg (64 mmol). Inactive ingredients are carnauba wax, crospovidone, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and other inactive ingredients.

The color coating contains Titanium Dioxide (all strengths), FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake (15 mg), or Synthetic Red Iron Oxide (20 mg). The 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 mg tablets are imprinted with edible ink which contains FD&C Blue No.2 Aluminum Lake.

Zyprexa Zydis are orally disintegrating tablets intended for oral use only. Each orally disintegrating tablet contains olanzapine equivalent to 5 mg (16 mmol), 10 mg (32 mmol), 15 mg (48 mmol) or 20 mg (64 mmol).

Zyprexa Zydis begins disintegrating in the mouth within seconds, allowing it to be swallowed with or without liquid. It also contains inactive ingredients of: gelatin, mannitol, aspartame, sodium methyl paraben and sodium propyl paraben.

Zyprexa IntraMuscular is an injection intended for intramuscular use only. Each vial provides for the administration of 10 mg (32 µmol) olanzapine with inactive ingredients 50 mg lactose monohydrate and 3.5 mg tartaric acid. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may have been added during manufacturing to adjust pH.

Side Effects

Side effects of Zyprexa should be reported to the doctor immediately especially if you experience:

• difficulty swallowing
• stiff arms or legs and/or
• trembling and shaking of hands and fingers

Less common side effects include;

• chest pain
• inability to move eyes
• lip smacking or puckering
• muscle spasms of face, neck, and back
• rapid movements of tongue
• twitching movements
• uncontrolled chewing movements
• uncontrolled movements of arms or legs

Rare side effects of Zyprexa include;

• confusion
• mental or physical sluggishness
• swelling of face
• trouble in breathing

Most common side effects that usually go away during treatment include;

• dizziness and/or drowsiness
• constipation
  
• weight gain and
• restlessness

If any side effects become particularly bothersome, check with your doctor right away. Some people also experience; abdominal pain; fast heartbeat; increased appetite; increased cough; joint pain; loss of bladder control; low blood pressure; muscle tension; nausea; sore throat; stuttering; thirst; trouble in sleeping; trouble in speaking or slurred speech; and weight loss, while on Zyprexa.

Warnings

Zyprexa is not recommended for use in children under the age of 18, as its safety and effectiveness of has not established in them.

Zyprexa can cause sleepiness, loss of coordination, and vision problems. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery or perform any hazardous tasks while on Zyprexa or until its effects on each individual is fully known.

Zyprexa also impairs the body's ability to adapt to heat. While on this drug avoid saunas or other very hot environments, as you can get dehydrated easily.

As it is not known whether Zyprexa is passed into breast milk; Zyprexa is not recommended for nursing mothers. It is also not recommended for pregnant women.

Avoid alcohol while on Zyprexa, as it increases dizziness.

Precautions

Before taking this drug you need to be aware that of the following may occur while on Zyprexa.

Hyperglycemia, diabetes, and ketoacidosis – Zyprexa is known to cause diabetes or hyperglycemia in certain people. People predisposed to or have an increased risk of developing diabetes, should exercise extreme caution while on this drug. Blood sugar levels should be check at regular intervals while on Zyprexa treatment.

Zyprexa side effects have included serious events, including

Orthostatic Hypotension – Patients should be advised of the risk of orthostatic hypotension, especially during the initial period of Zyprexa. Orthostatic hypotension is lowered blood pressure when a person changes from a setting/lying to an erect position. Zyprexa should be used with particular caution in patients with known cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and conditions which would predispose patients to hypotension.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) – Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a potentially fatal side effect that has been reported with administration of antipsychotic drugs, including Zyprexa. Symptoms of NMS include; hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and evidence of autonomic instability i.e. irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis and cardiac dysrhythmia, and acute renal failure.

Tardive Dyskinesia – This syndrome is a potentially irreversible symptom. Symptoms include involuntary, dyskinetic movements. The risk of developing tardive dyskinesia increases with prolonged treatment. Tardive Dyskinesia has no cure.
Cognitive and Motor Impairment – Sleepiness and drowsiness are commonly reported side effects associated with Zyprexa treatment. This drug has the potential to impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills.