Uses of Olanzapine

Olanzapine is used to treat schizophrenia (with symptoms such as hearing, seeing or sensing things which are not there, mistaken beliefs, unusual suspiciousness, and becoming withdrawn) and bipolar disorders (mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs).

Therapeutic Category

Olanzapine: Antipsychotics

How Olanzapine works

Olanzapine exerts its action primarily on certain chemical messengers in the nervous system (dopamine and serotonin). It blocks the action of dopamine, allowing for normal dopamine neurotransmission which leads to a decrease in positive symptoms in patients like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech, thought, and behaviour. It also blocks the action of serotonin, helping in decrease of negative symptoms like poor speech, being unable to express emotions, low motivation, and poor attention.

Common side effects of Olanzapine

• weight gain
• sleepiness
• feel dizzy (with a slow heart rate), especially while getting up from a lying or sitting position
• restlessness, tremor, unusual movements (dyskinesias)
• constipation, dry mouth
• rashes
• loss of strength, extreme tiredness, feeling more hungry
• water retention leading to swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet
• fever, joint pain
• sexual dysfunctions (decreased libido in males and females or erectile dysfunction in males)

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• in case of accidental overdosage
• if you experience unusual movement of face or tongue
• if you experience excessive sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, disorientation, difficulty talking, difficulty walking, muscle stiffness or shaking, weakness, irritability, aggression, anxiety, increase in blood pressure, or convulsions that can lead to unconsciousness

Health Tips for Olanzapine

• Avoid alcohol consumption while taking olanzapine, as it increases the risk of drowsiness and impaired judgement
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by following a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain adequate hydration and alleviate dry mouth symptoms