Zyprexa is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company.
(Click Zyprexa Uses for more information on what Zyprexa is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Zyprexa belongs to a group of medications called atypical (or second-generation) antipsychotic medications. It is not entirely known how Zyprexa works for the treatment of schizophrenia or
bipolar disorder. However, it is known that Zyprexa 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 (also known as
manic depression).
In previous clinical studies of Zyprexa for the treatment of schizophrenia, people taking Zyprexa experienced improvements in their schizophrenia symptoms (including hallucinations and suspiciousness), compared to those not taking Zyprexa. Longer studies also showed that Zyprexa can help people from needing to be hospitalized and can help symptoms from returning.
Previous clinical studies have also shown Zyprexa to be effective for
bipolar disorder treatment. In these studies, Zyprexa was effective when used alone or with other bipolar disorder medications.