Brand Name
Zyprexa Zydis
Common Name
olanzapine
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02243087 | ZYPREXA ZYDIS 10MG OD TABLET |
| 02243088 | ZYPREXA ZYDIS 15MG OD TABLET |
| 02243089 | ZYPREXA ZYDIS 20MG OD TABLET |
| 02243086 | ZYPREXA ZYDIS 5MG OD TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Olanzapine belongs to group of medications known as antipsychotic/antimanic agents. Olanzapine is used to treat schizophrenia and related mental disorders, as well as bipolar disorder.
Schizophrenia can cause symptoms such as hallucinations (e.g., hearing, seeing, or sensing things that are not there), delusions, unusual suspiciousness, and emotional withdrawal. People with this condition may also feel depressed, anxious, or tense.
Bipolar disorder causes alternating periods of depression and mania (abnormally elevated or irritable mood) or "mixed episodes" where people have symptoms of both depression and mania. Olanzapine may be used, alone or in combination with other medications, to treat the manic or mixed episodes (but not the depression) of bipolar disorder.
Medications like olanzapine are thought to work by correcting the balance of neurotransmitters (chemicals that control the function of nerve pathways) in the brain.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The usual starting dose of olanzapine tablets for adults with schizophrenia is 5 mg to 10 mg once daily at the same time each day. If the daily dose is increased, it is usually raised not more than once a week, and in increments of 5 mg. The dosage range is 5 mg to 20 mg daily.
The usual starting dose of olanzapine tablets for adults with bipolar disorder is 10 mg daily (if olanzapine is used in combination with other medications that treat bipolar disorder) or 15 mg daily (if olanzapine is used alone). The dose may be increased up to 20 mg daily. For the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder, the dose ranges from 5 mg to 20 mg daily.
The orally disintegrating olanzapine tablet is placed into your mouth and begins dissolving in the mouth within seconds. Once dissolved, it can be swallowed with or without liquid.
Because the orally disintegrating tablets break easily, they should be handled carefully, with dry hands. You may also dissolve the tablet by placing and stirring it directly into 4 ounces (125 mL) of water, orange juice, apple juice, coffee, or milk. Drink all of the contents immediately.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
For this medication to be effective, it is very important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose by a few hours, take it as soon as you remember and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If most of the day has passed, skip that dose, wait until your next scheduled dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store the medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
5 mg
Each yellow, round, oral disintegrating tablet contains olanzapine 5 mg (16 µmol). Nonmedicinal ingredients: aspartame, gelatin, mannitol, sodium methyl paraben, and sodium propyl paraben.
10 mg
Each yellow, round, oral disintegrating tablet contains olanzapine 10 mg (32 µmol). Nonmedicinal ingredients: aspartame, gelatin, mannitol, sodium methyl paraben, and sodium propyl paraben.
15 mg
Each yellow, round, oral disintegrating tablet contains olanzapine 15 mg (48 µmol). Nonmedicinal ingredients: aspartame, gelatin, mannitol, sodium methyl paraben, and sodium propyl paraben.
20 mg
Each yellow, round, oral disintegrating tablet contains olanzapine 20 mg (64 µmol). Nonmedicinal ingredients: aspartame, gelatin, mannitol, sodium methyl paraben, and sodium propyl paraben.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Olanzapine should not be used by anyone who is allergic to olanzapine or to any of the ingredients of the medication.
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