Xyprexa

Zyprexa^® (olanzapine) is a drug that is licensed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. When combined with the antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac^®), it is also approved to treat bipolar depression and treatment-resistant depression.

 

In clinical studies of Zyprexa for schizophrenia, people taking the medication experienced improvements in their schizophrenia symptoms (including hallucinations and suspiciousness), compared to those not taking it. In previous studies, it was also shown to be effective for bipolar disorder treatment. In these studies, Zyprexa was shown to be effective when used alone or with other bipolar disorder medications.

 

This medicine comes in tablet form. It is also available in tablets that are meant to dissolve rapidly in the mouth. These tablets are called Zyprexa Zydis^® tablets. They do not need to be taken with water. Injectable forms are also available.

 

Most people tolerate the drug well. However, as with any medication, there are possible side effects with Zyprexa. Some of the more common side effects seen with this drug include dizziness, drowsiness, and constipation.