Zyprexa and/or Equivalents
| Drug | Related Drug Names |
|---|---|
| Zyprexa 2.5mg and/or Equivalents | Mylan-Olanzapine, Olanzapine, Zypine, Zyprexa |
| Zyprexa 5mg and/or Equivalents | Apo-Olanzapine, Olanzapine, Zypine, Zyprexa |
| Zyprexa 7.5mg and/or Equivalents | Olanzapine, Zypine, Zyprexa |
| Zyprexa 10mg and/or Equivalents | Apo-Olanzapine, Olanzapine, Zypine, Zyprexa |
| Zyprexa 15mg and/or Equivalents | Apo-Olanzapine, Olanzapine, Zyprexa |
| Zyprexa 20mg and/or Equivalents | Apo-Olanzapine, Olanzapine, Teva-Olanzapine, Zyprexa |
Zyprexa (olanzapine)
Zyprexa Description
Zyprexa is one of the trade names of the drug Olanzapine. This atypical antipsychotic that has been approved by the FDA for treating bipolar disorder and schizophrenia is widely used in most parts of the world. While Olanzapine is similar structurally to clozapine, it is categorized as a thienobenzodiazepine. Formulations of this drug are produced and marketed by Eli Lily and Company (pharmaceutical company). Their patent for the drug expires in 2011. Zyprexa was sold for $2.2bn in the United States in 2008. In combination with fluoxetine, Zyprexa has been known to treat resistant depression. The drug has been approved for treating adolescents (13 to 17 years of age) and in the elderly subject to certain stipulations as detailed in the rest of the article. There has been no approval for using the drug in children below 13 years of age. Zyprexa drug comes in three forms: tablets, disintegrating wafer meant for oral use and as intramuscular injections.
Conditions Treated By Zyprexa
Olanzapine or popularly referred to as Zyprexa is an atypical antipsychotic that has been approved by the FDA for treating bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Zyprexa has been used for treating schizophrenia and mixed and acute manic episodes of bipolar disorder as well as in the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. When combined with fluoxetine, Zyprexa aids in the treatment of acute depressive episodes related to resistant depression especially in adults. The drug has also been approved for treating long term bipolar disorder.
Zyprexa has been considered for treatment of certain anxiety spectrum disorders such as post traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. However, there is neither any proven study to establish this nor a FDA approval for such indications. Some of the other off label conditions that are considered to be treated by this drug includes treating eating disorders like anorexia nervosa as well as certain major depressive disorders that do not have psychotic features. Stuttering and Tourette syndrome are other conditions that Zyprexa supposedly treats. 2.5 to 5 mg of this drug is sometimes prescribed as a sleep aid clinically because of its zero addictive properties and low abuse profile.
Zyprexa Dosage Information
a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations
Olanzapine or Zyprexa is available, commercially, as a tablet in strengths of 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15 and 20 mg. There also is available an orally disintegrating wafer called Zydis. This formulation dissolves on your tongue. Yet another form in which this medication is available is in the form of a 10 mg vial. This kind of intramuscular injection acts quickly and can be used for short term. Dosage depends upon how a patient responds and reacts to the drug. Oral form of the drug should be given only once in a day and preferably before bedtime since it is quite sedating. However, sedation will reduce as treatment pursues. 5 to 10 mg is the usual recommendation in the initial stages with a target dose of 10 mg every day. Zyprexa is not recommended for dosages above 20 mg every day.
b.) Missing A Dose
If you realize that you have missed a dose of Zyprexa, take it at a time you remember. However, if this time coincides with the timeline of your subsequent scheduled dose, do not take it. Taking extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose is not advised and should not be done.
c.) Overdosing
It is important to contact the Poison helpline or get emergency medical attention if you have been overdosed. Some of the prominent symptoms of Zyprexa overdosing include fainting, trouble in breathing, muscle movements that are uncontrollable or jerky, catapulted heart rate, confusion, slurred speech, aggression, agitation and drowsiness besides many others.
Zyprexa Warnings
Zyprexa has been shown to cause pneumonia, sudden death and heart failure in adults who are patients of dementia. If you are allergic to the drug, you should stay away from it. If you are a teenager, there are chances for you to gain weight or get high triglycerides and cholesterol. The drug can cause increased blood sugar and hence diabetics should conduct frequent blood tests. The drug can impair reactions and thinking and hence you are advised not to drive after consuming Zyprexa. Alcohol should not be mixed with this medication and also drink a lot of fluids to avoid getting dehydrated. If you have certain conditions such as liver or heart disease, blood pressure, low white blood cell count, high cholesterol, stroke or heart attacks, history of breast cancer, epilepsy or seizures, diabetes, enlarged prostate, bowel problems and glaucoma (narrow angle), your doctor will make necessary adjustments to the dosage that you need to take.
Zyprexa Side Effects
Typical side effects that arise as a result of an allergic reaction from consumption of Zyprexa include:
- swelling on throat, tongue, lips or face
- difficulty in breathing and hives
There are also good possibilities of other side effects such as:
- rigid and stiff muscles
- drowsiness
- slow heart rate or uneven heart beats
- sweating
- tremors
- confusion and high fever
- Trouble in sweating and swallowing
- uncontrollable or jerky movements of limbs and face
- dry mouth
- urinating less often
- increased blood sugar and associated side effects
- sudden weakness or confusion
- flu symptoms such as:
- body aches chills and fever
- personality changes such as hallucinations
- unusual behavior
- upper stomach pain and loss of appetite
Possible Drug Interactions With Zyprexa
When you are asked to have Zyprexa, you need to inform your doctor if you are consuming any other kinds of medication that make you sleepy or bring down your breathing. Medicines that are used to treat anxiety, depression, seizures, muscle spasms, allergy or cold and narcotic pain medicines as well as sleeping pills can interfere with Zyprexa and add to the side effects. Some of the medicines you may need to watch out for while using Zyprexa include:
- Rifadin (rifampin)
- Prilosec (omeprazole)
- Luvox(fluvoxamine)
- Symbyax (Olanzapine/fluoxetine)
- Prozac(fluoxetine)
- Valium (diazepam)
- Tegretol (carbamazepine)
Medications used to treat Parkinsons disease such as:
- Requip (ropinirole)
- Mirapex (pramipexole)
- Eldepryl(selegiline)
- levodopa and medication for blood pressure
If you have any questions about buying discount Zyprexa online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.
Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Zyprexa and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information
