Zyprexa is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia and related psychoses. Zyprexa is also used in the treatment of bipolar affective disorder in the period of acute mixed or manic episodes. Exactly how it works is not known. It is thought to work by changing the actions of certain chemicals in the brain. Zyprexa is sometimes used together with other antipsychotic medications or antidepressants.
Before taking Zyprexa
To make sure you can safely take Zyprexa, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Tell your doctor before taking Zyprexa, if:
you have liver disease.
you have a history of heart failure, heart attack, or stroke.
you are allergic to any medicines.
you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, or you are breast-feeding.
you have diabetes.
you have heart disease, high or low blood pressure.
you have glaucoma.
you have high cholesterol or triglycerides.
What other drugs will affect Zyprexa?
Before using Zyprexa, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines, Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
Tegretol
Omeprazole
Cipro
Diazepam
Rifadin
Eldepryl
Fluvoxamine
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Zyprexa. Tell your doctor about all medications you use.
Common side effects of Zyprexa: Dizzy, fever, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, feeling tired or restless, stomach pain, constipation, loss of appetite, body aches, rash, problems with eyesight, trouble breathing.
Less side effects of Zyprexa: Back pain, pain in your arms or legs, chest pain, numbness or tingly feeling, breast swelling, confusion, hallucinations, dry skin, swelling in your hands or feet.
What other information should I know?
There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as stroke, heart failure) when this medication is used in elderly patients with dementia.
Zyprexa often cause drowsiness and can affect the speed of your reactions. Try to refrain from driving and performing jobs that require quick response and high concentration especially at the beginning of treatment and with increased dose.
If you are a smoker, you should also tell your doctor (smoking is a factor, which may require dose reduction).
