Olanzapine

Zyprexa®; Zydis® Logo

Brand name(s): Zyprexa®; Zydis®

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking olanzapine,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to olanzapine or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially carbamazepine (Tegretol), heart medications, omeprazole (Prilosec), rifampin (Rifadin), sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease or a heart attack, seizures, breast cancer, liver or prostate disease, a bowel obstruction, glaucoma, or if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had diabetes.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking olanzapine, call your doctor.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.
• you should know that you may have increases in your blood sugar (hyperglycemia) while you are taking this medication, even if you do not already have diabetes. If you have schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions), you are more likely to develop diabetes than people who do not have schizophrenia, and taking olanzapine or similar medications may increase this risk. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms while you are taking olanzapine: extreme thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, blurred vision, or weakness.It is very important to call your doctor as soon as you have any of these symptoms, because high blood sugar can cause more serious symptoms, such as dry mouth, upset stomach and vomiting, shortness of breath, breath that smells fruity, or decreased consciousness,and may become life-threatening if it is not treated at an early stage.
• you should know that this drug may cause a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you have fever, very stiff muscles, change in mental function, sweating, or irregular heartbeat, call your doctor immediately.
• be aware that olanzapine may cause a condition called tardive dyskinesia. If you have any uncontrollable jerking movements, call your doctor immediately.

Last Revised: 01/01/2005

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