Olanzapine is a medication used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia, such as thinking disorders, changes in behavior, hallucinations, or delusions. This medicine should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.
Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic that works by balancing natural chemicals in the brain. Olanzapine will affect the work and the amount of dopamine and serotonin in the brain so that the symptoms of schizophrenia can subside.
In addition to relieving the symptoms of schizophrenia, this drug can also be used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Please note that this drug cannot be used to treat symptoms of psychosis due to dementia.
Olanzapine trademark: Olanzapine, Olzan, Onzapin, Remital, Sopavel, Zyprexa
What is Olanzapine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antipsychotic |
| Benefit | Treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Olanzapine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Olanzapine is absorbed into breast milk, should not be used during breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Tablets, Injections |
Precautions Before Using Olanzapine
The following are some things you should pay attention to before using olanzapine:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Olanzapine should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had psychosis associated with dementia. Olanzapine should not be given to patients with these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, breast cancer, sleep apnea, diabetes, epilepsy, high cholesterol, enlarged prostate, heart disease, paralytic ileus, thyroid disease,
- Tell your doctor if you have ever attempted suicide or have thoughts of hurting yourself.
- Avoid doing activities in the sun or hot temperatures for a long time, while undergoing treatment with olanzapine, because this drug can increase the risk of developingheat stroke.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while taking olanzapine, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. Use effective contraception while on treatment with this medicine.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products,
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effect after using olanzapine.
Dosage and Use of Olanzapine
The following is the dose of olanzapine for adults based on the condition to be treated and the dosage form of the drug:
Tablet form
- Condition: Schizophrenia
The initial dose is 10 mg, then the dose can be adjusted to 5–20 mg per day, based on the patient's response after 24 hours.
- Condition: Bipolar disorder
Initial dose is 10–15 mg daily as single therapy or 10 mg daily as combination therapy with other drugs, such as lithium or valproate. The dose can be adjusted based on the patient's response after 24 hours. The maintenance dose is 5–20 mg per day.
Injection form
- Condition: Acute agitation in schizophrenia
Initial dose of 5–10 mg, followed by 5–10 mg 2 hours thereafter. The maximum dose is 20 mg per day.
Method Using Olanzapine Correctly
Always follow your doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before using olanzapine.
Olanzapine injectable form will be given by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor at a hospital. Olanzapine will be injected into the muscle (intramuscularly/IM).
Olanzapine tablets can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the olanzapine tablet whole with the help of a glass of water. Take olanzapine at the same time each day.
If you are taking olanzapine orodispersible tablets, place the medication in your mouth and allow it to melt. In addition, you can also take olanzapine orodispersible tablets by dissolving the drug in a drink, such as water, orange juice, apple juice, milk, or coffee.
Take olanzapine regularly. Do not start or stop taking the drug or increase or decrease the dose of the drug without consulting your doctor first.
If you forget to take olanzapine tablet, take it as soon as you remember if the distance to the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store olanzapine in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, and at room temperature. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Olanzapine Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several interactions that can occur if olanzapine is used together with other drugs, namely:
- Decreased blood levels of olanzapine when used with carbamazepine
- Increased risk of seizures when used with bupropion
- Increased risk of developing disorders of the brain that can lead to coma, respiratory distress, and even death when used with codeine or fentanyl
- Increased risk of orthostatic hypotension when used with diazepam or lorazepam
- Increased blood levels of olanzapine when used with fluvoxamine
- Increased effect of antihypertensive drugs in lowering blood pressure
Olanzapine Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can appear after using olanzapine, including:
- Dizziness or feeling floating
- Dry mouth or nausea
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Back pain
- Swelling, pain, or redness at the injection site
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't improve or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or a more serious side effect, namely:
- Restless or confused
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the feet and hands
- Unusual fatigue
- Tremor
- Jaundice or severe abdominal pain
- Seizures
- Tardive dyskinesia
- Menstrual cycle disorders
- Decreased sex drive or breast enlargement in men
Although rare, olanzapine can cause neurolepticsc malignant syndrome characterized by symptoms such as fever, muscle stiffness, irregular heartbeat, infrequent urination, or very little urine.
