General Health

Olanzapine

Olanzapine is used for short-term treatment of agitation caused by schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Use Olanzapine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Olanzapine is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Olanzapine at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Olanzapine . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.

Do not use Olanzapine if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
If you miss a dose of Olanzapine , contact your doctor right away.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Olanzapine.

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic. Exactly how it works is not known. It is thought to affect certain substances in the brain.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Do NOT use Olanzapine if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Olanzapine

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of seizures, heart problems (eg, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; heart failure), abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), heart attack, stroke or mini-stroke, blood vessel problems, high blood cholesterol levels, high or low blood pressure, or low white blood cell levels
• if you have a history of liver problems, stomach or bowel problems (eg, decreased muscle movement), enlarged prostate, narrow-angle glaucoma, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), aspiration pneumonia, or suicidal thoughts or attempts
• if you have Alzheimer disease, bowel blockage, dementia, or trouble swallowing
• if you have diabetes or are very overweight, or if a family member has had diabetes
• if you have had high blood prolactin levels or a history of certain types of cancer (eg, breast, pancreas, pituitary), or if you are at risk for breast cancer
• if you are dehydrated, drink alcohol, or smoke, or you will be exposed to high temperatures

• Alpha blockers (eg, doxazosin), diazepam, or medicine for high blood pressure because the risk of low blood pressure and fainting may be increased
• Anticholinergics (eg, scopolamine), benzodiazepines (eg, lorazepam), or fluvoxamine because they may increase the risk of Olanzapine 's side effects
• Carbamazepine, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), omeprazole, or rifampin because they may decrease Olanzapine 's effectiveness
• Dopamine receptor agonists (eg, pramipexole) or levodopa because their effectiveness may be decreased by Olanzapine
  This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Olanzapine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.