Zyprexa

olanzapine

Zyprexa (Olanzapine) is a psychotropic agent that belongs to the thienobenzodiazepine class. Zyprexa is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia and works by changing the activity of specific natural substances in the brain.

Some common symptoms observed in patients taking Zyprexa include:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• restlessness
• unusual behavior
• depression
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• weakness
• difficulty walking
• constipation
• weight gain
• dry mouth
• pain in arms, legs, back, or joints

Patients who experience any of the following serious side effects should call their doctors immediately:

• seizures
• changes in vision
• swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• unusual movements of your face or body that you cannot control
• fever
• very stiff muscles
• excess sweating
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• rash
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

Zyprexa has been linked to Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a potentially fatal symptom complex and Tardive Dyskinesia, a syndrome of potentially irreversible, involuntary, dyskinetic movements.

Source: Medwatch Safety Information on Zyprexa, Food and Drug Administration, July 2003; “Olanzapine,” MedlinePlus Drug Information Sheet, April 1, 2007.*