Olanzapine

Olanzapine is a atypical antipsychotic medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Treatment of schizophrenia.
• Treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.
• Maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder, when considered appropriate by the prescriber.
• In some settings, use with fluoxetine for bipolar depression or treatment-resistant depression, only when specifically prescribed.

For adults, Olanzapine is usually taken once daily, with or without food. The starting dose and dose increases depend on the condition being treated, age, other medicines, response and side effects; many adults are treated within a low-to-moderate daily dose range, and higher doses require careful supervision. Follow the exact dose and schedule prescribed by the doctor, and do not stop suddenly without medical advice.

• Common: sleepiness, dizziness, increased appetite, weight gain, dry mouth, constipation, indigestion and tiredness.
• Metabolic effects: raised blood sugar, new or worsening diabetes, increased cholesterol or triglycerides and weight gain.
• Movement-related effects: tremor, stiffness, restlessness, abnormal movements or, rarely, tardive dyskinesia.
• Serious: severe allergic reaction, neuroleptic malignant syndrome with fever and muscle stiffness, seizures, fainting or low blood pressure, liver problems, low white blood cell count and blood clots.
• Older people with dementia-related psychosis have an increased risk of stroke and death with antipsychotic medicines.

Use Olanzapine carefully in people with diabetes or risk factors for diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, heart disease, low blood pressure, liver problems, seizures, enlarged prostate, bowel obstruction, glaucoma, history of low white blood cells, or in older adults. It may impair alertness, so avoid driving or operating machinery until its effects are known. Regular monitoring of weight, blood sugar, lipids and other clinical parameters may be needed. Use only under a registered doctor's or pharmacist's guidance.

• Alcohol, sleeping tablets, opioids, sedating antihistamines and other CNS depressants can increase drowsiness and breathing or coordination problems.
• Antihypertensive medicines may have stronger blood-pressure-lowering effects.
• Smoking and medicines that induce CYP1A2, such as carbamazepine, may reduce olanzapine levels.
• CYP1A2 inhibitors such as fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin may increase olanzapine levels and side effects.
• Levodopa and dopamine agonists may have reduced effect because olanzapine blocks dopamine activity.
• Use with other medicines that affect the heart rhythm or cause sedation should be assessed by a doctor.

• Known hypersensitivity to olanzapine or any component of the product.
• It should not be used for dementia-related psychosis unless a specialist determines that benefits outweigh serious risks.

During pregnancy, Olanzapine should be used only if the expected benefit justifies the potential risk. Use in the third trimester may cause newborn symptoms such as abnormal muscle tone, sleepiness, agitation, breathing or feeding difficulties. Olanzapine passes into breast milk; breastfeeding mothers should discuss risks, infant monitoring and alternatives with their doctor.

Store at room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture and direct light. Keep tablets in the original packaging until use, especially orally disintegrating tablets, and keep all medicines out of the reach of children.