Zyprexa

Zyprexa is a drug that is licensed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The medication works by blocking or lessening the effects of several chemicals in the brain. Zyprexa comes in tablet form and is usually taken once a day. As with any drug, there are possible side effects with Zyprexa. Some of the more common side effects seen with this drug include dizziness, drowsiness, and constipation.

 

What Is Zyprexa?

Zyprexa® (olanzapine) is a prescription medication that is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
 

Who Makes Zyprexa?

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.)
 

How Does Zyprexa Work?

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).
 
Zyprexa is not a cure for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. It only helps to control symptoms (see Symptoms of Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder Symptoms).
 

Zyprexa Effects

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.
 
(Zyprexa Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;