Olanzapine

About olanzapine

Schizoprenia is associated with the overactivity of chemicals involved in the transmission of messages in the brain. Olanzapine works by blocking the receptors in the brain that are involved in transmitting these messages between the nerve cells. This helps to control any overactivity.

Before taking olanzapine

Before taking olanzapine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from liver, kidney or prostate problems.
• If you have had a heart attack, suffer from angina, have low blood pressure or any other heart problems.
• If you have recently had heart surgery.
• If you have ever had a stroke.
• If you suffer from epilepsy, diabetes or glaucoma.
• If you suffer from any blood disorders.
• If you have Parkinson's disease.
• If you suffer from dementia.
• If you suffer from constipation.
• If you have an intolerance to some sugars (tablets contain lactose).
• If you have a condition called phenylketonuria (orosdispersible [melt-in-the-mouth] tablets contain aspartame which may be a problem in patients with this condition).

• Olanzapine is not recommended in patients under 18 years of age.

How to take olanzapine

• Take olanzapine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take olanzapine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember then continue taking it at the usual times. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose and continue as normal. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate.
• If you are taking the orodispersible (melt-in-the-mouth) tablets, these are placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve or alternatively they can be dissolved in water, orange juice, apple juice, milk or coffee before drinking.
• Do not stop taking olanzapine without speaking to your doctor first.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointment with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking olanzapine.
• Olanzapine can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Try to avoid alcohol as it will increase feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Olanzapine may cause lightheadness and dizziness when getting up from a lying or sitting position, particularly when you begin treatment. Getting up slowly should help.
• Olanzapine can occasionally cause some people's skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it usually is. Try to avoid the sun or use a suncream higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.

Can olanzapine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Other side-effects may include weight gain, increased appetite, water retention, restlessness, stiffness or uncontrollable movements of the body, swollen legs and ankles, sexual problems, speech problems, stomach pain, fever or sickness. If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Important: If you experience swelling of the mouth or throat, or a rash and/or itching consult your doctor immediately.

Important: If you suddenly stop taking olanzapine you may experience sweating, difficulty sleeping, tremor, anxiety, nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may want you to reduce the dose gradually before stopping treatment.

How to store olanzapine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines