Zyprexa (Olanzapine) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Zyprexa

Prescription Anxiety Medications »

What are anxiety medications and how do they work?

Anxiety is both a normal and useful response to potentially stressful or dangerous situations. It helps by increasing our awareness of what's going on around us and in other ways. For most people, the anxiety is short lived and normally goes away once the situation has passed. But that is not the case for an estimated 40 million adults in the United States who have some type of anxiety disorder and experience ongoing and unwarranted psychological distress. That distress may also manifest itself in physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, or chest pain.

Anxiety medications include multiple types of drugs that are used to treat the symptoms of anxiety disorders. The three most commonly prescribed types of anxiety medication are antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications -- also known as anxiolytics -- and beta-blockers. The first two types of anxiety medications work primarily by affecting the ba...

Read the Prescription Anxiety Medications article »

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Zyprexa User Reviews >>

Zyprexa

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Zyprexa Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

OLANZAPINE - ORAL

(oh-LAN-zuh-peen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zyprexa

WARNING: 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. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for dementia-related behavior problems, with your doctor.

If you are using olanzapine in combination with other medication to treat depression, also carefully read the drug information for the other medication.

USES: This medication is used to treat certain mental/mood conditions (such as schizophrenia, bipolar mania). It may also be used in combination with other medication to treat depression. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).

Some of the benefits of continued use of this medication include feeling less nervous, better concentration, and reduced episodes of hallucinations.

Talk to the doctor about the risks and benefits of treatment (especially when used in teenagers). See also Precautions section.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication may also be used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy).

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking olanzapine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take as directed, usually once a day by mouth with or without food. Stand up slowly, especially when starting this medication, to avoid dizziness.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.