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Olanzapine Oral Tablet (OLANZAPINE - ORAL)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • bipolar disorder
  • depression
  • nausea and vomiting
  • schizophrenia

Brand Name(s): Zyprexa

Generic Name: Olanzapine

Instructions

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.

Drink plenty of water while on this medicine.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

This medicine may cause higher blood sugar levels or diabetes. Please follow your doctor's instructions and check your blood sugar level regularly while on this medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting, especially after exercising or in hot weather. Be very careful when standing or sitting up quickly.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Avoid becoming overheated during exercise or other activities. Try to stay cool in hot weather.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • increased appetite
  • constipation
  • dizziness or drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • high blood sugar
  • low blood pressure
  • lightheadedness
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain
  • weight gain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • decreased awareness or responsiveness
  • loss of balance
  • breast pain or swelling
  • breathing interruption during sleep
  • confusion
  • fainting
  • lack of energy and tiredness
  • high fever
  • swelling in the neck or throat
  • fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
  • irritability
  • menstruation changes (missed or fewer periods)
  • uncontrollable movement of face, tongue, arms or legs
  • muscle pain
  • tight or rigid muscles
  • muscle trembling or weakness
  • seizures
  • symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
  • suicidal thoughts
  • sweating
  • dark urine

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.