Zyprexa (Olanzapine)

Information about Generic Zyprexa

Generic Zyprexa is used for treating schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Generic Zyprexa is an atypical antipsychotic. Exactly how it works is not known. It is thought to affect certain substances in the brain. This medication may also be used for other medical conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use Generic Zyprexa :

Use Generic Zyprexa as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Do not use Generic Zyprexa if:

Contact your doctor right away if any of these apply to you.

Before taking Generic Zyprexa:

Some medical conditions may interact with Generic Zyprexa. Tell your pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are breast-feeding, planning to become pregnant, or are pregnant
• if you are taking any herbal preparation, dietary supplement, prescription or nonprescription medicines
• if you have allergies to medicines, or foods
• if you have a history of seizures, heart problems (eg, heart failure; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat), abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), heart attack, stroke, blood vessel problems, high blood cholesterol levels, or high or low blood pressure
• if you have a history of liver problems, stomach or bowel problems (eg, decreased muscle movement), enlarged prostate, narrow-angle glaucoma, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), aspiration pneumonia, or suicidal thoughts or attempts
• if you have Alzheimer disease, dementia, or trouble swallowing
• if you have diabetes or are very overweight, or if a family member has had diabetes
• if you have had high blood prolactin levels or a history of certain types of cancer (eg, breast, pancreas, pituitary), or if you are at risk for breast cancer
• if you are dehydrated, drink alcohol, or smoke, or you will be exposed to high temperatures

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Generic Zyprexa. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines. Ask your pharmacist if Generic Zyprexa may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

• Generic Zyprexa may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or decreased vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Generic Zyprexa with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using Generic Zyprexa.
• Talk with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Generic Zyprexa; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Generic Zyprexa may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.
• Generic Zyprexa may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Generic Zyprexa. Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
• Some patients who take Generic Zyprexa may develop muscle movements that they cannot control. This is more likely to happen in elderly patients, especially women. The chance that this will happen or that it will become permanent is greater in those who take Generic Zyprexa in higher doses or for a long time. Muscle problems may also occur after short-term treatment with low doses. Tell your doctor at once if you have muscle problems with your arms; legs; or your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (eg, tongue sticking out, puffing of cheeks, mouth puckering, chewing movements) while taking Generic Zyprexa.
• Lab tests, including fasting blood sugar levels and liver function, may be performed while you use Generic Zyprexa. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Generic Zyprexa with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially uncontrolled muscle movements.
• Generic Zyprexa should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Generic Zyprexa while you are pregnant. Generic Zyprexa is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Generic Zyprexa.