Olanzapine

Expert Advice

Dosage Forms Available

• Olanzapine is available in various dosage forms for use via the oral (tablets and orally disintegrating tablets) and intramuscular (intramuscular injection) routes.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Olanzapine is primarily meant for adults and patients above 18 years of age.

Contraindications

• Olanzapine is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Olanzapine or any components in the formulation.

• Caution should be exercised when prescribing to patients with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Lewy body dementia due to increased sensitivity to antipsychotics.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Olanzapine may interact with proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole), antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, rifampin), and CNS depressants like benzodiazepines (e.g., clonazepam, diazepam) and opioids (e.g., codeine, oxycodone).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Olanzapine can cause severe mental changes such as restlessness, hallucinations, or confusion. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

• If you miss a dose of Olanzapine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• For side effects such as constipation or dry mouth, increasing water intake can help.

• If dizziness occurs, sitting or lying down until the feeling passes can be beneficial.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Olanzapine may cause drowsiness and affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. If you feel dizzy or sleepy after taking this medicine, avoid driving or operating machinery.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Olanzapine should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit to the mother justifies the potential risk to the foetus. This can be discussed with your doctor, who will advise you accordingly.

• It is not known if Olanzapine is excreted in human breast milk. Consult your doctor before using this medicine during breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with liver disease should exercise caution when taking Olanzapine as it is metabolised in the liver.

• Patients with a history of seizures or conditions that lower the seizure threshold should also exercise caution.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Because one of the common side effects of Olanzapine is weight gain, a balanced diet low in processed foods and high in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help manage weight.

• Regular physical activity can also assist in managing weight gain associated with Olanzapine use.

• Adequate sleep and stress management techniques such as yoga or meditation may help manage underlying conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Frequently asked questions

Terms & Conditions