olanzapine

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
Antipsychotics	zyprexa	Adult

olanzapine - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can olanzapine cause?

Potential side effects

All medicines may cause side effects. However, many people do not experience them.

Most of the side effects listed here will improve with time. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if they persist, become bothersome or worsen.

Side effects	What to do about it
Increased appetite and weight gain	Maintain a healthy diet. Exercise regularly.
Constipation	Increase your intake of fluids and include more fibre (vegetables and fruits) in your diet. Incorporate some exercise in your daily routine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you require any laxatives.
Dry mouth	Sip water regularly. Sucking on sugar-free sweets or ice chips may help alleviate symptoms. Avoid caffeine as it may worsen dry mouth.
Headache	Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you need any painkillers
Drowsiness	Do not drive or operate any machinery. Discuss with your doctor if you can take your medicine at a different time of the day.
Dizziness	Get up slowly from a lying or sitting position

Serious side effects

If you experience signs of allergy such as rashes, swelling of lips/face/throat and difficulty breathing, stop this medicine immediately and seek medical attention.

Olanzapine may cause unusual movements involving the face or tongue, muscle stiffness, shakiness and unsteadiness on your feet. Please notify your doctor if this happens while taking this medicine.

If you have symptoms such as changes in weight, passing of large amounts of urine and feelings of thirst and hunger all the time while taking this medicine, consult your doctor.

A condition known as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome may occur rarely. Symptoms include but are not limited to fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental state/ consciousness and/or irregular blood pressure, heart rhythm and palpitations. If you develop any of these symptoms or other unexplained symptoms while taking this medicine consult your doctor immediately, otherwise consult your doctor if you require further information regarding this condition.

Take note that the side effects listed here are not exhaustive. Do seek medical attention if you develop any unusual or other symptoms while taking this medicine.

Before taking olanzapine , what precautions must I follow?

What do I need to tell my doctor before I take this medicine?

Drug allergies
Pre-existing medical conditions such as prior stroke, heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, seizures, blocked intestines, liver or kidney diseases, blood disorders, and prostate problems
Whether you are taking any other medicines, supplements or traditional medicines. Some of them may affect how this medicine works.
For women: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding or have plans to become pregnant. If you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, your doctor would have discussed the potential benefits and side-effects with continuing/starting this medication but should you have further questions or concerns, do consult your doctor.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take olanzapine ?

This medicine may interact with a number of other medicines. Inform your doctor if you are taking or intend to start taking other medicines or supplements.

olanzapine - Additional Information

What are the things I need to know or look out for while on this medicine?

Avoid driving or any other activities that requires concentration until you see how this drug affects you.
Be careful in hot weather or while being active. Drink lots of fluids to stop fluid loss.
Inform your other healthcare professionals that you are on this medicine as well.
Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before you take any other medicines or natural products.
Do not share your medicines with others.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about your medicine.