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Increase Your Awareness with Basic Facts About Olanzapine (Zyprexa®)
Nikki and Anne Heart ♥ May 12, 2026
*Picture displayed is a general pill and should not be used as a pill identifier.
The following highlights the facts. More information can be obtained through the sites listed below as well as many other informational sites regarding prescription drugs. Medication facts can change. Make sure you have all up-to-date information.
Quick facts YOU Need to Know
Olanzapine, Brand name:
- Zyprexa®
- Zyprexa® Zydis
Olanzapine, Brand names of combination products:
- Symbyax® (containing Fluoxetine, Olanzapine )
Olanzapine is in a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics.
Olanzapine may help control your symptoms, but it will not cure your condition
Olanazpine is used to treat:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar 1 disorder
Possible side effects of Olanazpine:
- restlessness
- unusual behavior
- depression
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- weakness
- constipation
- increased appetite, weight gain
- dry mouth
- pain in arms, legs, back, or joints
- breast enlargement or discharge
- late or missed menstrual periods
- decreased sexual ability
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your healthcare provider immediately:
- seizures
- changes in vision
- swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- unusual movements of your face or body that you cannot control
- problems with coordination or increased falls
- sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
- fever; stiff muscles; sweating; confusion; sweating; or fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- rash that may occur with fever
- swollen glands
- swelling of the face
- hives, skin redness or peeling
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
IMPORTANT WARNING:
Older adults with dementia (loss of memory and brain function) may have an increased chance of death if treated with antipsychotic medications such as olanzapine. Older adults with dementia may also have a greater chance of having a stroke or mini-stroke during treatment with antipsychotics.
Olanzapine is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of behavior disorders in older adults with dementia.
Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving olanzapine.
- Know Olanzapine may help control your symptoms, but it will not cure your condition.
- Realize alcohol and cigarette smoking may change Olanzapine
- Be Aware of eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking Olanzapine
- Do not try to push the orally disintegrating tablet through the foil. Instead, use dry hands to peel back the foil packaging. Immediately take out the tablet and place it in your mouth. The tablet will quickly dissolve and can be swallowed with or without liquid.
- Some medications should not be taken with olanzapine.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, if you plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
- You should know that olanzapine may make it harder for your body to cool down when it gets very hot.
Sources used:
- MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine, accessed March 16, 2026..
- Accessdata FDA, accessed March 16, 2026.
- Eli Lilly and Company, Zyprexa, accessed March 16, 2026
Learn More
♥
Live Healthier
Journey through Zyprexa
Journey through Zoloft
Journey through Wellbutrin
Note: All information in “Nikki’s Story” are based on detail journals covering seven years of Nikki’s life on prescription drugs.
Medical Disclaimer:
We share informational resources that are intended to help you with your self-care plan. We are not professionals. We write based on personal experience and personal research.
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