medicationszyprexaZyprexa dosage

Zyprexa Dosage, forms & strengths

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Zyprexa (olanzapine) is a brand-name atypical antipsychotic that is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. It is available as an oral tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet, and an intramuscular injection. Zyprexa is FDA-approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and the maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder. It is also approved to treat manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder alone or along with valproate or lithium.

How does Zyprexa work?

The exact mechanism of action of Zyprexa in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder has not been determined. Researchers think it could be due to its activity at dopamine and serotonin receptors in your brain. These chemicals are thought to play an important role in controlling your thoughts, mood, and behaviors.

Zyprexa dosage forms and strengths

  • 2.5mg tablet
  • 5mg tablet
  • 7.5mg tablet
  • 10mg tablet
  • 15mg tablet
  • 20mg tablet

Zyprexa dosage

  • Schizophrenia in adults: Starting dose is 5mg to 10mg once a day with a target daily dose of 10mg per day.
  • Schizophrenia in adolescents 13 years of age and older: Starting dose is 2.5mg to 5mg once a day with a target daily dose of 10mg per day.
  • Bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed episodes) in adults as monotherapy: Starting dose is 10mg to 15mg once a day.
  • Bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed episodes) with lithium or valproate in adults: Starting dose is 10mg once a day.
  • Bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed episodes) in adolescents 13 to 17 years of age: Starting dose is 2.5mg to 5 mg once a day with a target daily dose of 10mg per day.
  • Depressive episodes with bipolar I disorder in adults: Starting dose is 5mg of Zyprexa and 20mg of fluoxetine once a day.
  • Depressive episodes with bipolar I disorder in children and adolescents 10 to 17 years of age: Starting dose is 2.5mg of Zyprexa and 20mg of fluoxetine once a day.
  • Treatment-resistant depression in adults: Starting dose is 5mg of Zyprexa and 20mg of fluoxetine once a day.

Zyprexa dosage restrictions

  • There is no dosage adjustment necessary for patients with renal (kidney) or hepatic (liver) impairment.

How to take Zyprexa

  • Read the Full Prescribing Information with Boxed Warning, and Medication Guide that comes with Zyprexa.
  • Take Zyprexa exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to. Do not change your dose or stop taking Zyprexa without talking with them. Suddenly stopping Zyprexa can lead to severe adverse effects and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Zyprexa is usually taken by mouth once a day, with or without food. The typical starting dose of Zyprexa is 5mg to 10mg once a day. The maximum dose of Zyprexa is 20mg once a day.
  • If you miss a dose of Zyprexa, take it right away. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take it at its regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra doses of Zyprexa to make up for a missed dose.
  • Store Zyprexa at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), away from light and moisture.

Zyprexa dosage FAQs

What are some side effects of Zyprexa?

Some common adverse reactions to Zyprexa in clinical trials include:

  • Excessive drowsiness (somnolence)
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Increased appetite
  • Weight gain
  • Weakness
  • Increased core body temperature
  • Orthostatic hypotension
  • Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
  • Increased lipid levels
  • Increased prolactin levels

Zyprexa can sometimes cause more serious side effects, including:

  • Severe allergic reactions (hives, swelling, and trouble breathing)
  • Increased risk of stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
  • Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
  • Seizures
  • Parkinsonism
  • Tardive dyskinesia
  • Liver impairment

Contact your doctor for medical advice about any side effects you experience while taking Zyprexa. You can report your side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What are some drug interactions with Zyprexa?

The use of Zyprexa with other medications can change how they work or increase the frequency and severity of side effects. Make sure your healthcare professional is aware of all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are currently taking, including:

  • Benzodiazepines such as diazepam or lorazepam
  • Sedatives
  • Antidepressants
  • Blood pressure medicines
  • Anticholinergics
  • Strong CYP2C9 inhibitors
  • Carbamazepine
  • Fluvoxamine
  • Levodopa and dopamine agonists

Are there any contraindications or precautions with Zyprexa?

Zyprexa is contraindicated in patients who have a known hypersensitivity to olanzapine or any of the inactive ingredients in this product. You should also let your doctor know if you have medical conditions such as heart problems, high blood glucose, high or low blood pressure, seizures, high triglycerides or cholesterol, liver disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, Alzheimer’s disease, prostate problems, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, or are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Is it safe to use Zyprexa while pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you take Zyprexa during the third trimester, it can increase the risk of extrapyramidal (tremors and abnormal muscle movements) or withdrawal symptoms after delivery. These adverse effects can be mild or could require ICU support and hospitalization. There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors outcomes in women taking Zyprexa while pregnant. You can register by calling 1-866-961-2388 or by visiting http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/.

Zyprexa is present in breast milk. Because there is a possibility of adverse effects on your baby, Zyprexa is should not be used during lactation. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

How does Zyprexa make you feel?

When you first start Zyprexa, you may start to feel calmer and more relaxed. You can see an improvement in other symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, and unorganized thoughts in the first few weeks. Most people have to take Zyprexa for 2 to 3 months to see the full benefit.

Does smoking affect Zyprexa?

In general, smoking is not good for your overall health. Zyprexa clearance is about 40% higher in smokers than in nonsmokers, although dose adjustments are not typically recommended.

Will Zyprexa affect your birth control?

Zyprexa does not affect any form of contraception, including the combination pill or emergency contraception.

What is the cost of Zyprexa?

The average cost of #30, 5mg generic Zyprexa tablets is around $200.

What is the maximum dose of Zyprexa?

The maximum dose of Zyprexa is 20mg by mouth once a day.

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The content on this website is intended for information purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information on this website should not be relied upon and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always speak to your doctor regarding the risks and benefits of any treatment.