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Zyprexa Alternatives
Zyprexa is generally effective at treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, it is possible that the medicine may not work well enough to control a person's symptoms, or that bothersome side effects of Zyprexa may occur. In these situations, a healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to Zyprexa. These Zyprexa alternatives can include therapy and other medications, such as haloperidol.
An Overview of Zyprexa Alternatives
Zyprexa® (olanzapine) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat the following conditions:
When combined with the antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac®), Zyprexa is also approved to treat bipolar depression and treatment-resistant depression.
Zyprexa is part of a group of atypical antipsychotics or second-generation antipsychotics. For most people, Zyprexa is effective at treating symptoms of these conditions (see Bipolar Disorder Symptoms or Symptoms of Schizophrenia).
Most people also tolerate the medication well. However, as with all medicines, it is possible that side effects will occur during treatment with Zyprexa. Also, in some situations, the medicine may not adequately control a person's symptoms. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to Zyprexa for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia treatment, including:
- Therapy
- Other medications.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD