Olanzapine oral forms.pdf

Olanzapine
(pronounced oh - lanz- a-peen)

Why has olanzapine been prescribed?
Olanzapine is an antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and some similar conditions.

What are the benefits of taking olanzapine?
Antipsychotics  are  effective  in  reducing  the  symptoms  of  psychosis.    They  also  shorten  the  time  to  recovery  and  help  prevent
relapses.

Are there any precautions with olanzapine?
Olanzapine is suitable for most people. As with all medicines, however, there are precautions.  Your prescriber will usually check
that  it  is  safe  to  prescribe  olanzapine,  but  let  your  prescriber  know  if  any  of  the  following  apply  to  you,  as  extra  care  may  be
needed:

a)  if you suffer from diabetes, glaucoma, heart, liver, kidney, prostate trouble or Parkinson’s disease.
b)  if you are taking any other medication, especially antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antibiotics, cimetidine and
medication for anxiety or insomnia.  Also, tell your prescriber if you buy any medicine ‘over the counter’ from a
pharmacy or supermarket. Please also tell your prescriber if you take any alternative or complimentary medicine such as
Chinese herbal medicines.
c)  if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or wish to become pregnant.
d)  if  you  have  an  intolerance  to  lactose  as  this  is  an  ingredient  of  olanzapine  tablets  and  some  brands  of  the  dispersible
tablets.

What is the usual dose of olanzapine?
The  starting  dose  is  usually  10mg  a  day.    The  usual  dose  of  olanzapine  is  between  5mg  and  20mg.  Some  people  may  receive
higher doses. It may take a few weeks to get to the dose that is most suitable.

How should olanzapine be taken?
Olanzapine is usually taken once a day. However, you and your prescriber may decide that it is better for you to take the medicine
in some other way.

What form does olanzapine come in?
Olanzapine is available in tablet and injection form. The tablets are available as 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg and 15mg film coated
tablets.  They are also available as dispersible tablets in strengths of 5mg, 10mg, 15mg and 20mg.  The injection is 5mg per ml.

What should be done if a dose is missed?
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, as long as it is within a few hours of the usual time.  If you miss a whole
day’s dose – just carry on as normal with the usual dose.  If you miss more than a day’s dose, speak to your prescriber.

What will happen when olanzapine is first taken?
Olanzapine,  like  many  medicines,  does  not  work  straight  away.  For  example,  it  may  take  several  days  or  even  weeks  for  some
symptoms to improve. To begin with some people find that olanzapine makes them feel more relaxed and calm. Later, (usually in
two or three weeks) other symptoms should begin to improve.  Many people do not experience any side effects.  However some
people may experience side effects.  We have listed potential side effects in the table below, whether or not they are likely to be
short or long-term and what measures can be taken is also described. There are other possible side effects – we have listed only
the most important ones.  Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are worried about anything else that you think might be a
side effect. Further information on side effects is available in the official manufacturer’s leaflet.

Reporting side effects
The ‘Yellow Card’ scheme encourages patients to report any side effects that they feel may be caused by their medication.  Ask
your doctor, pharmacist or nurse for the forms if you wish to report any side effects.  Alternatively, telephone 0808 100 3352 or
go to www.mhra.gov.uk.

Is olanzapine addictive?
No,  olanzapine  is  not  addictive.    However,  if  you  stop  taking  the  medicine  suddenly,  you  may  experience  unpleasant  physical
feelings.

©   South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust,   www.slam.nhs.uk,  2015

What about alcohol?
It  is  recommended  that  people  taking  olanzapine  should  not  drink  alcohol.  This  is  because  both  antipsychotics  and  alcohol  can
cause drowsiness.  If the two are taken together, severe drowsiness can result. This can lead to falls and accidents. As well as this,
drinking  alcohol  may  make  psychosis  worse.    However,  once  people  are  used  to  taking  medication,  then  very  small  amounts  of
alcohol may not be harmful. It pays to be very careful, because alcohol affects people in different ways, especially when they are
taking medication.  Never drink alcohol and drive. Discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

Is it OK to stop taking olanzapine when symptoms go away?
No.  If  you  stop  taking  olanzapine,  your  original  symptoms  are  very  likely  to  return.    Most  people  need  to  be  on  olanzapine  for
quite  a  long  time,  sometimes  years.  You  should  always  discuss  any  plans  you  have  to  reduce  or  stop  any  of  your  prescribed
medicines with your prescriber.

Are there any alternatives to olanzapine?
Yes, there are alternatives available. Overall, antipsychotics have broadly similar therapeutic effects, except for clozapine which is
effective  when  other  antipsychotics  have  failed.    Antipsychotics  differ  in  their  side  effects.  With  the  range  of  medicines  now
available, a suitable and acceptable antipsychotic can usually be found for everyone.

Summary of side effects

Side effect
Side effect
Drowsiness - Common
Weight gain - Common
(trembling, muscle spasms)

What can be done about it?
What can be done about it?
Drowsiness tends to wear off over
Olanzapine  makes  people  feel
time.  Speak  to  your  prescriber
hungry  and  eat  more.  Try  to  eat
about  changing  the  dose  or  dose
healthily  and  take  plenty  of
timings.
exercise.
(Other less common) side effects
How common is it and what can be done about it?
Low blood pressure
Uncommon

This can be troublesome when standing up. You may feel dizzy or faint. This tends to wear off
in time.
Constipation
Uncommon

Eat  lots  of  fibre  -  fruit  and  vegetables  are  good  sources.  Drink  plenty  of  fluids.  If  necessary
your prescriber may prescribe a laxative.
Dry mouth
Uncommon

This tends to wear off. Sugar-free boiled sweets, chewing gum or eating citrus fruits may help.

If this persists report it to your prescriber.
Dyslipidaemia (too much fat in the
Uncommon
blood stream)
Your  doctor  will  monitor  changes  in  lipid  levels.    If  lipid  levels  increase  you  may  need  to
switch to another drug treatment or start an additional drug called a statin.
Tachycardia (palpitations)
Very rare

Some people have a fast heart beat. This is most common in the first few weeks of treatment.
See your prescriber if you experience fast heart beat.
Abnormal movements
Very rare
(also known as tardive dyskinesia)
This occurs only after long term treatment. It usually begins with unusual movements of the

mouth and tongue.  Symptoms may go away when switched to another medicine.
Diabetes
Very rare
It may be necessary to switch to another medicine. Symptoms may go away when switched to
another medicine.
Very common
=  almost everyone affected
Common
=  many people affected
Uncommon
=
some people affected
Rare
=  few people affected
Very rare
=  very few or no one affected

Disclaimer
This  leaflet  is  to  help  you  understand  more  about  your  medication.  This  is  not  an  official  manufacturer’s  Patient  Information
Leaflet (see http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/).  Remember, leaflets like this can only describe some of the effects of medication.
You may also find other books or leaflets useful.  If you have access to the internet you may find a lot of information there as well,
but be careful, as internet based information is not always accurate. If in doubt consult your GP or a health care professional.

This leaflet has been supplied by:
Medicines Information, Pharmacy Department, Maudsley Hospital, London SE5 8AZ  |  Telephone:  020 3228 2317

Artwork by Oscar Millar
www.millarstration.co.uk