Deprex

Indications

Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medicine used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic or mixed episodes). It is also used to help prevent new episodes of bipolar disorder in people whose mania responded to it. Specialists sometimes use it together with other medicines for hard-to-treat depression.

How It Works

It blocks the action of dopamine and serotonin, chemical messengers in the brain that affect thinking and mood. This reduces symptoms such as hallucinations, unusual beliefs, agitation and over-excited mood.

Dosage and Administration

Adults, schizophrenia: usually 10 mg once a day to start; the doctor may adjust the dose within 5 to 20 mg a day. Mania: often 10 to 15 mg once a day. Older people and people with liver or kidney problems usually start on a lower dose such as 5 mg. Take once a day at the same time, with or without food. Mouth-dissolving tablets can be placed on the tongue. Injections are given by a doctor or nurse, as prescribed. Do not stop suddenly; the doctor will lower the dose gradually.

Interactions

• Alcohol, sleeping pills, Benzodiazepines (such as Diazepam) and other sedating medicines increase drowsiness.
• Fluvoxamine and Ciprofloxacin can raise olanzapine levels; smoking and Carbamazepine can lower them.
• It can weaken Levodopa and other Parkinson's disease medicines.
• Extra care with blood pressure medicines and medicines that affect heart rhythm.
• The injection should not be given at the same time as an injected Benzodiazepine.

Contraindications

Allergy to olanzapine or any ingredient of the product. People at known risk of narrow-angle glaucoma (a type of raised eye pressure) should not take it.

Side Effects

Common: weight gain and increased appetite, drowsiness, dizziness on standing, dry mouth, constipation, swollen ankles, and raised blood sugar, cholesterol and prolactin (a hormone that can cause breast changes or period changes).

Get urgent medical help for:

• High fever with stiff muscles, sweating and confusion.
• Fainting, chest pain, or a fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Extreme thirst, passing a lot of urine, or feeling very weak (very high blood sugar).
• Fits (seizures), or uncontrolled movements of the face, tongue or limbs.
• Swelling of the face or throat, or a severe skin rash.
• A painful swollen leg, sudden breathlessness or chest pain (possible blood clot).

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use in pregnancy only if the doctor decides the benefit is greater than the risk. Babies exposed in the last three months may have shakiness, stiffness, drowsiness or feeding problems after birth. It passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding is usually not advised while taking it; discuss with your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

• Not for behaviour problems in older people with dementia, as it raises the risk of stroke and death in this group.
• Weight, blood sugar and cholesterol should be checked regularly.
• Tell the doctor about heart disease, low blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, long-term constipation, liver disease or a low blood count.
• It can cause drowsiness; do not drive or use machines until you know how it affects you. Avoid alcohol.
• Avoid overheating and dehydration.

Overdose

Signs include severe drowsiness, agitation, fast heartbeat, slurred speech, unusual movements, fits and loss of consciousness. Get emergency medical help at once.

Therapeutic Class

Atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.