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Zyprexa (Olanzapine) Drug Information
There is a lot of information about the prescription drug Zyprexa® (olanzapine) that you should be aware of before starting treatment. Although the medication is effective at controlling symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, it is important to know that it is not a cure for either condition.
Zyprexa belongs to a group of medications called atypical (or second-generation) antipsychotic medications. It is not entirely known how it works for the treatment of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, it is known that it blocks or lessens the effects of several chemicals in the brain. These brain chemicals (such as dopamine and serotonin) may be elevated in people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Zyprexa. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Common side effects of Zyprexa include, but are not limited to:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Dry mouth (see Zyprexa and Dry Mouth)
- Weight gain (see Zyprexa and Weight Gain)
- Insomnia (see Zyprexa and Insomnia).
(Click Zyprexa for more information, including details about the medication's effects, dosing guidelines, other potential side effects, and warnings.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD