Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
written by
Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic. It slows down the effects of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, so that anxiety and other symptoms of psychosis decrease. For as long as you take the medicine, the chance of psychosis recurring is reduced.
Condition for which this medication is usually prescribed
Schizophrenia
back to the listShort description of this condition
Schizophrenia is a psychological disorder that is characterized by abnormal social and emotional behaviour, and disturbed thinking processes. The disorder expresses itself as a reduced ability to distinguish reality from fantasy, particularly with short episodes of hearing voices, suspicious delusions (paranoia) and unconnected thinking processes, or in other words psychosis.
back to the listEffect of this medication
Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic. It slows down the effects of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, so that anxiety and other symptoms of psychosis decrease. For as long as you take the medicine, the chance of psychosis recurring is reduced.
back to the listAdvice on this condition
Do not just stop taking this medicine. When stopping too early or reducing the use of this drug too quickly, there is a strong possibility that psychosis may return alongside the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
back to the listCommon side effects
Weight gain, drowsiness/fatigue, reduced libido, unusual or uncontrollable movements.
back to the listAdvice with regard to these side effects
Weight gain and increased appetite are common side effects of this medicine, which is why it is important that you pay extra attention to your diet. Your feelings of drowsiness and fatigue will reduce as you become accustomed to the medicine. Possible unusual or uncontrollable movements, such as not being able to sit still, facial muscle contractions or muscle stiffness will pass quickly. If you still experience any of these after a few days, discuss it with your doctor as it may be that the dose can be reduced or you can switch to another medicine.
back to the listAny other expert information?
Olanzapine is also prescribed for other psychological disorders, in particular mania, anxiety, tics and posttraumatic stress disorders.