Olanzapine is a generic prescription medication used to treat certain mental health conditions. Specifically, it’s approved to treat:

  • schizophrenia in adults and children ages 13 years and older
  • manic and mixed episodes related to bipolar I disorder in adults and children ages 13 years and older
  • depressive episodes related to bipolar I disorder in adults and children ages 10 years and older
  • resistant depression in adults (depression that hasn’t got better after trying at least two antidepressants)

For manic and mixed episodes related to bipolar disorder, you may use olanzapine on its own or with lithium or valproate.

For depressive episodes related to bipolar disorder and treatment-resistant depression, you may use olanzapine with fluoxetine (Prozac). (Note that a combination medication containing olanzapine and fluoxetine is available. This comes as the brand-name medication Symbyax and as a generic version. Your doctor can tell you more about this.)

To learn more about olanzapine uses, see “Olanzapine oral tablets uses” below.

Drug details

Olanzapine belongs to a drug class called atypical or second generation antipsychotics.

It comes as an oral tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet. Olanzapine also comes in an injectable form, but this article does not cover it. Your doctor can tell you more about this form.

Olanzapine tablets are available in the following strengths:

  • oral tablets: 2.5 milligrams (mg), 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg
  • orally disintegrating tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg

Brand-name versions

The brand-name version of olanzapine is Zyprexa.

Olanzapine is a generic drug. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Zyprexa is the brand-name medication that olanzapine is based on. A generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If you’re interested in using Zyprexa instead of olanzapine, talk with your doctor. They can tell you if Zyprexa comes in forms and strengths suitable for your condition. If you have insurance, you’ll also need to check whether your plan will cover Zyprexa.

To learn more about how generics compare with brand-name drugs, see this article.

Olanzapine can cause mild or serious side effects (also known as adverse effects). The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking olanzapine. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of olanzapine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may concern or bother you.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with olanzapine, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Below is a partial list of mild side effects of olanzapine. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view the drug’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of olanzapine can include:

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about allergic reaction and olanzapine, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from olanzapine aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects can include:

* Olanzapine has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is a serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Olanzapine oral tablets precautions” section below.
† For details about allergic reaction and olanzapine, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Side effects in children

Children ages 10 years and older can take olanzapine. The medication can cause the same side effects in adults and children. Examples of these are listed above. However, certain side effects may affect adolescents more than adults.

For example, in clinical trials, children ages 13 years and older experienced more weight gain and sleepiness with olanzapine than adults who took the drug. Children also had larger increases in cholesterol, triglyceride, and prolactin levels than adults. These changes may have long-term health risks.

Due to these risks, doctors may only prescribe olanzapine for adolescents if other drugs have not worked to treat their condition.

If you’re concerned about the risk of olanzapine side effects in children, talk with the child’s doctor.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking olanzapine. This side effect was not reported by people taking olanzapine in clinical trials of this drug but has occurred since the drug was approved.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to olanzapine, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

The olanzapine dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using olanzapine to treat
  • your age
  • the form of olanzapine you take
  • other medical conditions you may have

Forms

Olanzapine comes as an oral tablet and orally disintegrating tablet.

Strengths

Olanzapine tablets are available in the following strengths:

  • oral tablets: 2.5 milligrams (mg), 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg
  • orally disintegrating tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg

Dosage details

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for schizophrenia

Here’s olanzapine dosage information for treating schizophrenia in adults. Oral tablets and orally disintegrating tablets are suitable for this indication. For details about strengths for each form, see the “Strengths” section above.

Olanzapine for schizophrenia
Starting dose5 mg to 10 mg
Usual dose range10 mg to 20 mg
Maximum dose20 mg
How oftenonce a day
Administered byself

Dosage for manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder

Here’s olanzapine dosage information for treating manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults. Oral tablets and orally disintegrating tablets are suitable for this indication. For details about strengths for each form, see the “Strengths” section above.

Olanzapine for manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder
Starting dose when used alone10 mg to 15 mg
Starting dose when used with lithium or valproate10 mg
Usual dose range5 mg to 20 mg
Maximum dose20 mg
How oftenonce a day
Administered byself

Dosage for depression

Here’s olanzapine dosage information for treating depression in adults. Oral tablets and orally disintegrating tablets are suitable for this indication. For details about strengths for each form, see the “Strengths” section above.

Olanzapine for depression
Starting dose (with fluoxetine)*5 mg
Usual dose range (with fluoxetine)*5 mg to 12.5 mg
Maximum dose (with fluoxetine)*18 mg
How oftenonce a day
Administered byself

* Olanzapine is always used with fluoxetine (Prozac) for depression. (Note that a combination medication containing olanzapine and fluoxetine is available. This comes as the brand-name medication Symbyax and as a generic version. Your doctor can tell you more about this.)

Dosage for depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder

Here’s olanzapine dosage information for treating depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults. Oral tablets and orally disintegrating tablets are suitable for this indication. For details about strengths for each form, see the “Strengths” section above.

Olanzapine for depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder
Starting dose (with fluoxetine)*5 mg
Usual dose range (with fluoxetine)*5 mg to 12.5 mg
Maximum dose (with fluoxetine)*18 mg
How oftenonce a day
Administered byself

* Olanzapine is always used with fluoxetine (Prozac) for depressive episodes. (Note that a combination medication containing olanzapine and fluoxetine is available. This comes as the brand-name medication Symbyax and as a generic version. Your doctor can tell you more about this.)

Children’s dosage

In children, olanzapine is used to treat:

  • schizophrenia in children ages 13 years and older
  • manic and mixed episodes related to bipolar 1 disorder in children ages 13 years and older
  • depressive episodes related to bipolar 1 disorder in children ages 10 years and older

Dosage for schizophrenia

Here’s olanzapine dosage information for treating schizophrenia in children. Oral tablets and orally disintegrating tablets are suitable for this indication. For details about strengths for each form, see the “Strengths” section above.

Olanzapine for schizophrenia
Starting dose2.5 mg to 5 mg
Usual dose range2.5 mg to 20 mg
Maximum dose20 mg
How oftenonce a day
Administered byself

Dosage for manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder

Here’s olanzapine dosage information for treating manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in children. Oral tablets and orally disintegrating tablets are suitable for this indication. For details about strengths for each form, see the “Strengths” section above.

Olanzapine for manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder
Starting dose2.5 mg to 5 mg
Usual dose range2.5 mg to 20 mg
Maximum dose20 mg
How oftenonce a day
Administered byself

Dosage for depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder

Here’s olanzapine dosage information for treating depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in children. Oral tablets and orally disintegrating tablets are suitable for this indication. For details about strengths for each form, see the “Strengths” section above.

Olanzapine for depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder
Starting dose (with fluoxetine)*2.5 mg
Usual dose range (with fluoxetine)*2.5 mg to 12 mg
Maximum dose (with fluoxetine)*12 mg
How oftenonce a day
Administered byself

* Olanzapine is always used with fluoxetine (Prozac) for depressive episodes. (Note that a combination medication containing olanzapine and fluoxetine is available. This comes as the brand-name medication Symbyax and as a generic version. Your doctor can tell you more about this.)

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, and it’s a few hours until your next scheduled dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible. Then continue with your usual dosing schedule. But if you miss a dose and it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then continue with your usual dosing schedule.

Don’t take two doses together or any extra doses to make up for missing doses. This can cause serious side effects.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Olanzapine is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that olanzapine is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as olanzapine to treat certain conditions. Olanzapine oral tablets may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use is when a doctor prescribes an FDA-approved drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Olanzapine for schizophrenia

Olanzapine is FDA-approved to treat schizophrenia in adults and children ages 13 years and older.

Schizophrenia explained

Schizophrenia is a serious long-term mental health condition that affects how you think, feel, and behave. It can cause you to lose touch with reality.

Symptoms of schizophrenia can include:

  • hallucinating (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
  • feeling paranoid (suspicious and mistrustful of other people)
  • having delusions (beliefs that aren’t true)
  • having trouble showing emotions and communicating with others
  • having trouble concentrating and remembering things
  • having low energy
  • losing interest in things you used to enjoy

Olanzapine helps improve the function of nerve pathways in your brain that help regulate your thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

Olanzapine for manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder

Olanzapine is FDA-approved to treat manic and mixed episodes related to bipolar I disorder. It’s approved for this use in adults and children ages 13 years and older.

For this use, you may use olanzapine on its own or with lithium or valproate. Lithium and valproate are mood stabilizers that doctors prescribe as maintenance (long-term) treatments for bipolar I disorder.

When using olanzapine on its own to treat a manic or mixed episode, you can continue to use it as a maintenance treatment.

Manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder explained

Bipolar I disorder is a mental health condition that causes episodes of mania (high mood) and episodes of depression (low mood). These episodes may last a few weeks, with depressive episodes usually lasting longer. Some people also have mixed episodes, where their mood swings rapidly between high and low in the same day or even the same hour.

Symptoms of a manic episode can include:

  • feeling very excited, happy, or joyful
  • feeling highly self-confident
  • having racing thoughts
  • talking very fast and more than usual
  • feeling full of energy
  • feeling restless, wired, or jittery
  • sleeping less than usual
  • acting impulsively that may lead to impaired judgement

Symptoms of a mixed episode include swinging rapidly between manic symptoms, such as those listed above, and depressive symptoms, such as:

  • feeling very sad, gloomy, or hopeless
  • losing self-confidence and having low self-esteem
  • losing interest in things you usually enjoy
  • having trouble concentrating
  • having trouble sleeping
  • having low energy
  • feeling irritable or anxious
  • having suicidal thoughts

People with a severe manic or mixed episode may also have symptoms of psychosis, such as:

  • losing of touch with reality
  • having delusions (beliefs that are not true)
  • hallucinating (seeing or hearing things that are not real)

Olanzapine helps improve the function of nerve pathways in your brain that help regulate your thoughts, emotions, and behavior. It helps control a manic or mixed episode. Taken long-term, it also works as a mood stabilizer that helps prevent future episodes of high or low mood.

You can learn more about this condition in our bipolar disorder hub.

Olanzapine for depression

Olanzapine is FDA-approved to treat depression in adults that has not got better with at least two different antidepressants. This is called treatment-resistant depression.

You will take olanzapine with an antidepressant called fluoxetine (Prozac) for this use. (Note that a combination medication containing olanzapine and fluoxetine is available. This comes as the brand-name medication Symbyax and as a generic version. Your doctor can tell you more about this.)

Depression explained

Depression is a mental health condition that causes a persistent low mood. It affects your thoughts, behavior, and daily life, and can also cause physical symptoms. Depression is also called major depressive disorder.

Symptoms of depression can include:

  • feeling very sad, gloomy, or hopeless
  • losing self-confidence and having low self-esteem
  • losing interest in things you usually enjoy
  • having trouble concentrating
  • having sleep problems, such as having trouble falling asleep, or waking earlier than usual
  • having low energy
  • feeling irritable or anxious
  • eating more or less than usual
  • having suicidal thoughts

Depression is usually treated with antidepressant medications. However, if at least two different antidepressants haven’t helped your depression, your doctor may recommend trying olanzapine and fluoxetine. This combination can help improve the function of nerve pathways in your brain involved in regulating your mood, thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

You can learn more about this condition in the depression hub.

Olanzapine for depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder

Olanzapine is FDA-approved to treat depressive episodes related to bipolar I disorder in adults and children ages 10 years and older.

Olanzapine is used with an antidepressant called fluoxetine (Prozac) for this use. (Note that a combination medication containing olanzapine and fluoxetine is available. This comes as the brand-name medication Symbyax and as a generic version. Your doctor can tell you more about this.)

Depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder explained

Bipolar I disorder is a mental health condition that causes episodes of mania (high mood) and episodes of depression (low mood). These episodes may last a few weeks, with depressive episodes usually lasting longer.

Symptoms of depressive episodes can include:

  • feeling very sad, gloomy, or hopeless
  • losing self-confidence and having low self-esteem
  • losing interest in things you usually enjoy
  • having trouble concentrating
  • having trouble sleeping
  • having low energy
  • feeling irritable or anxious
  • having suicidal thoughts

Olanzapine helps improve the function of nerve pathways in your brain that help regulate your mood, thoughts, emotions, and behavior. When taken with the antidepressant fluoxetine, it can help resolve a depressive episode.

You can learn more about this condition in our bipolar disorder hub.

Olanzapine and children

Olanzapine is FDA-approved for use in children to treat:

  • schizophrenia in children ages 13 years and older
  • manic and mixed episodes related to bipolar 1 disorder in children ages 13 years and older
  • depressive episodes related to bipolar 1 disorder in children ages 10 years and older

To learn more about these conditions, see just above.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Find more links and local resources.

Was this helpful?

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about olanzapine.

Can olanzapine be used for sleep, anxiety, or nausea?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved olanzapine to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and treatment-resistant depression. The FDA has not approved it for sleep, anxiety, or nausea. However, doctors may sometimes prescribe olanzapine off-label for nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy. Off-label use refers to taking a drug for a use other than that approved by the FDA.

Typically, people do not take olanzapine off-label for sleep or anxiety. However, insomnia (trouble sleeping) and anxiety can be symptoms of bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia, which olanzapine is approved to treat. Olanzapine has a sedating effect that can help improve these symptoms.

To find out more about using olanzapine off-label for nausea associated with chemotherapy, talk with your doctor.

If I stop taking olanzapine, will I experience withdrawal symptoms?

No that’s not likely. Withdrawal symptoms are symptoms you may have if you suddenly stop taking a drug that your body depends on to function normally. Suddenly stopping olanzapine isn’t known to cause withdrawal symptoms. However, it could cause the symptoms of your mental health condition to come back. This is called a relapse.

If you want to stop taking olanzapine, you should talk with your doctor first. If you and your doctor agree that you should stop treatment, your doctor will likely recommend that you do so gradually. Coming off treatment too quickly is more likely to lead to a relapse of your condition.

How does olanzapine compare with other similar drugs, such as clozapine or aripiprazole?

Olanzapine belongs to a group of similar drugs called atypical antipsychotics. There are several other drugs in this group, including clozapine (Clozaril), aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel).

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved all these drugs to treat schizophrenia. And all except clozapine are also approved for manic episodes of bipolar disorder. However, not all are approved for the same other mental health conditions. For example, olanzapine and quetiapine are approved for depressive episodes of bipolar disorder. And olanzapine and aripiprazole are approved for treatment-resistant depression.

Atypical antipsychotics can cause similar side effects, but some side effects occur more often with certain drugs than others. For example, olanzapine and clozapine commonly cause weight gain, whereas aripiprazole rarely causes this problem.

Olanzapine is more likely to cause sexual problems than aripiprazole or quetiapine. However, clozapine is most likely to cause problems with white blood cells. And clozapine and quetiapine cause most problems with postural hypotension (drops in blood pressure upon getting up).

If you’d like to find out more about how olanzapine compares with other similar drugs, talk with your doctor. They can help you determine if there are alternatives to olanzapine that may be a better fit for you.

What is olanzapine’s half-life?

A drug’s half-life is the length of time it takes your body to break down and remove half a dose of the drug. It usually takes about five half-lives for your body to remove the full dose.

Olanzapine has a half-life of about 21 to 54 hours. This means it takes your body about 4 to 11 days to fully clear a dose of olanzapine from your system.

Do the different strengths of olanzapine, such as 5 mg or 10 mg, cause different side effects?

No, different strengths of olanzapine don’t cause different side effects. All strengths can cause similar side effects, but as with many drugs, higher doses of olanzapine may be more likely to cause side effects than lower doses.

If you’re concerned about your risk of side effects with the dosage of olanzapine your doctor prescribes, talk with your doctor.

Is olanzapine a controlled substance?

No, olanzapine is not a controlled substance. Controlled substances are drugs that the federal government regulate because they have a high risk for misuse and addiction. Misuse refers to using a drug in a way that’s not prescribed, usually for a rewarding effect. It can lead to addiction, which is where you have trouble stopping using a drug, even if it’s causing harm. There are special rules around the prescribing of controlled substances.

Olanzapine does not have a high risk for misuse and is not addictive. So it is not subject to these rules.

Olanzapine can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe. Drug-condition interactions can also cause certain effects. For information about these interactions, see the “Olanzapine oral forms precautions” section below.

Olanzapine and other medications

Before taking olanzapine, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Below is a table of medications that can interact with olanzapine. This table does not contain all drugs that may interact with olanzapine.

Medication type or medication nameMedication examples
benzodiazepines• alprazolam (Xanax)
diazepam (Valium)
• lorazepam (Ativan)
blood pressure medicationsdoxazosin (Cardura)
lisinopril (Zestril)
furosemide (Lasix)
anticholinergics• glycopyrrolate
oxybutynin (Oxytrol, Ditropan XL, others)
trihexyphenidyl
opioids• hydrocodone (Hysingla ER)
• morphine (MS Contin, Kadian, others)
oxycodone (Oxycontin, Roxicodone, others)
carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, others)
fluvoxamine (Luvox)
omeprazole (Prilosec)
rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide you with more information about the interactions between these medications and olanzapine. If you have questions about any drug interactions that may affect you, your doctor or pharmacist can also address those.

Other interactions

Olanzapine is not known to interact with herbs, supplements, foods, lab tests or vaccines. The manufacturer did not list any interactions in the drug’s prescribing information.

However, this does not mean that interactions won’t be recognized in the future. Before starting olanzapine treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. If you need any lab tests or vaccines while taking olanzapine, tell your healthcare professional that you are taking this medication. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

There have not been any reports that olanzapine interacts with alcohol. However, olanzapine and alcohol can cause some of the same side effects. Drinking alcohol with olanzapine could increase these side effects.

Examples of olanzapine side effects that alcohol may increase include:

  • sleepiness
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • sleepiness, trouble thinking clearly, impaired judgement, and slowed reaction times that could affect your ability to drive safely
  • increased risk of falls

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much (if any) is safe to drink with olanzapine.

Here’s some safety information about taking olanzapine during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Olanzapine and pregnancy

It’s unknown if olanzapine is safe to take during pregnancy. The medication has not been specifically studied in people who are pregnant.

Research has not found any increased risk of congenital anomalies (commonly known as birth defects) or pregnancy loss related to olanzapine use during pregnancy. However, taking olanzapine in the last trimester of pregnancy could cause certain side effects in the newborn baby. These include:

  • agitation
  • tremor
  • excessive sleepiness
  • breathing problems
  • feeding problems

Note that if you have untreated schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression during pregnancy, this can have serious risks for you and your baby. Olanzapine is used to treat these mental health conditions.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking olanzapine.

If you take olanzapine during pregnancy, talk with your doctor about joining the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics. This registry collects health information that can help doctors determine whether medications such as olanzapine are safe to use during pregnancy.

Olanzapine and fertility

It is unknown if olanzapine affects fertility. However, the medication can sometimes increase the level of the hormone prolactin in your body. In females*, this can cause your periods to stop. In males*, it can cause erectile dysfunction. These effects usually go away when you stop taking the medication.

If you’re concerned that olanzapine may affect your ability to have children, talk with your doctor.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “male” and “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Olanzapine and breastfeeding

Olanzapine can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who’s breastfed. Examples of these side effects include:

  • excessive sleepiness
  • trouble feeding
  • irritability
  • tremor
  • abnormal muscle movements

If you’re breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your child. If you decide to breastfeed while taking olanzapine, tell your doctor if your child develops any of the side effects noted above.

Olanzapine and birth control

It’s unknown if olanzapine is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using olanzapine.

For more information about taking olanzapine during pregnancy, see the “Olanzapine and pregnancy” section above.

This drug comes with several precautions. These are considered drug-condition interactions.

FDA warning: Increased risk of death in certain older adults

This drug has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Olanzapine increases the risk of death in older adults (ages 65 years and older) with psychosis (loss of touch with reality) related to dementia. It also increases the risk of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA, or ministroke) in this group of people. Olanzapine is not approved for older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Due to this risk, doctors typically don’t prescribe olanzapine for this group of people unless there are no suitable alternatives.

Other precautions

In addition to the boxed warnings mentioned above, olanzapine has other warnings.

If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors apply to you, be sure to talk with your doctor before taking olanzapine.

  • if you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant
  • if you’re breastfeeding or thinking about breastfeeding
  • if you’ve had an allergic reaction to either drug or any of its ingredients
  • if you have a history of seizures or convulsions
  • if you have a history of low white blood cell counts
  • if you have a history of heart problems or stroke
  • if you have a history of breast cancer
  • if you have a history of urinary retention (being unable to fully empty your bladder)
  • if you have an enlarged prostate gland
  • if you have severe constipation or a history of bowel blockage
  • if you have diabetes or high blood sugar
  • if you have high cholesterol or triglycerides
  • if you have high or low blood pressure

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of olanzapine, see the “Olanzapine oral tablets side effects” section above.

As with all medications, the cost of olanzapine can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of olanzapine. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company.

Before approving coverage for olanzapine, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide whether the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need prior authorization for olanzapine, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

Financial assistance to help you pay for olanzapine may be available.

Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds are two websites offering resources that may help reduce the price you pay for olanzapine. They also offer tools to help you find low cost healthcare, as well as educational resources. To learn more, visit their sites.

Mail-order pharmacies

Olanzapine may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of olanzapine, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

You should take olanzapine according to the instructions your doctor gives you.

You must swallow olanzapine oral tablets, which is usually easier with a drink of water.

Olanzapine orally disintegrating tablets dissolve in your mouth. Your saliva will help you swallow them without needing a drink.

If you take olanzapine for treatment-resistant depression or a depressive episode of bipolar I disorder, you’ll take it with the antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac). (Note that a combination medication containing olanzapine and fluoxetine is available. This comes as the brand-name medication Symbyax and as a generic version. Your doctor can tell you more about this.)

When to take

You’ll typically take olanzapine once a day. Take it at the same time each day. If you take olanzapine with fluoxetine, you should take both medications together in the evening. If you take olanzapine on its own, you can take it any time of day.

Taking the medication around the same time of day helps keep a steady level of the drug in your body. This helps olanzapine work effectively.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Accessible labels and containers

If your prescription label is hard to read, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to direct you to one that does.

If you have trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist if they can put olanzapine in an easy-open container. They also may be able to recommend tools that can make it simpler to open lids.

Taking olanzapine with food

You can take olanzapine either with or without food.

Can olanzapine be crushed, split, or chewed?

No, olanzapine tablets aren’t meant to be crushed, split, or chewed. If you have trouble taking the tablets, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Using more than the recommended dosage of olanzapine can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more olanzapine than your doctor recommends. (For information on the recommended dosages of olanzapine, see the “Olanzapine oral tablets dosage” section above.)

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

  • slurred speech
  • drowsiness
  • agitation
  • aggression
  • fast heart rate
  • involuntary movements
  • reduced consciousness
  • irregular heartbeat
  • respiratory depression
  • seizures
  • high or low blood pressure

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

When you get olanzapine from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store it.

Olanzapine oral tablets and orally disintegrating tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly sealed container away from light. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take olanzapine and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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