Olanzapine
Also sold as: Zyprexa, Oleanz
Prescription neededAntipsychotics
Comes as:Tablet
Usual adult dose
Dose is set by your doctor. It is usually taken once a day, between 5 mg and 20 mg.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- drowsiness
- big increase in appetite and weight
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- constipation
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- high blood sugar (great thirst
- passing a lot of urine)
- high fever with stiff muscles and confusion
- seizures
- fainting
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Older people with dementia
- Narrow-angle glaucoma (use with caution)
- Diabetes or overweight (blood sugar and weight should be checked)
- Enlarged prostate (use with caution)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Moderate3 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine lowers olanzapine levels, so it may work less well.
- Diazepam
Together they increase drowsiness and can lower blood pressure.
- Levodopa + Carbidopa
Olanzapine can reduce the effect of levodopa.