Zyprexa (Olanzapine) Benefits, Risks, and Uses

When is Zyprexa used?

Zyprexa is commonly used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and mood disturbances. Zyprexa can also be used as a maintenance treatment to prevent future mood episodes seen in bipolar disorder. Zyprexa may be prescribed alongside other antidepressants to treat depression, especially in patients who have not responded to antidepressant medications alone. This combination is often used for treatment-resistant depression. Zyprexa is sometimes prescribed for other conditions like postpartum psychosis, OCD, Huntington’s Disease, and to treat dementia related symptoms. 

What are Zyprexa’s main benefits?

Zyprexa is effective in treating schizophrenia by helping to manage symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and mood disturbances. It is also used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, aiding in mood stabilization and alleviating symptoms like agitation, irritability, and impulsivity. Zyprexa can improve mood and overall functioning in individuals with major depressive disorder. For patients who do not respond to other treatments, Zyprexa can offer relief by stabilizing mood and managing symptoms of postpartum psychosis and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), thereby enhancing quality of life and enabling better daily functioning.

What are Zyprexa’s most common side effects?

Zyprexa’s most common side effects include orthostatic hypotension, hypercholesterolemia, hyperprolactinemia, increased LDL cholesterol, elevated serum glucose, increased serum triglycerides, and weight gain. Gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation, dyspepsia, increased appetite, and xerostomia may also occur. Changes in liver function may be observed, including decreased serum bilirubin and increased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Other reported side effects include akathisia, asthenia, dizziness, drowsiness, extrapyramidal reactions, fatigue, headache, insomnia, parkinsonism, and a sedated feeling. Some side effects may subside as the body adjusts to the medication.

How does Zyprexa work?

Olanzapine blocks certain receptors in the brain, including those for serotonin, dopamine, histamine, and others. This helps to reduce symptoms of conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It’s main effects are due to dopamine receptor blockade.

How is Zyprexa commonly dosed?

The typical dosing range for Zyprexa is between 5 mg and 20 mg per day. In some cases, doses up to 40 mg may be required. The appropriate dosage depends on the patient’s specific condition and should always be determined in consultation with a physician.

What are other common names for Zyprexa?

Other common names for the brand name Zyprexa include the generic name, olanzapine.