MedDataToolOlanzapine is a medication used to treat conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder, which includes episodes of mania or mixed symptoms. It works by helping to balance certain chemicals in the brain that affect mood and behavior. The medication is taken as a tablet once a day, starting at 5 to 10 mg for adults with schizophrenia, with a maximum dose of 20 mg, and starting at 2.5 to 5 mg for adolescents, with a target of 10 mg. It's important to note that olanzapine can cause weight gain and other metabolic changes, especially in adolescents, so doctors may consider other options first for younger patients. Additionally, if you are taking fluoxetine, a common antidepressant, be cautious, as the combination of these two medications requires careful monitoring for safety.
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Uses
- Schizophrenia in adults.
- Schizophrenia in adolescents (ages 13-17).
- Acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults.
- Acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adolescents (ages 13-17).
- Maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder.
- Adjunct to valproate or lithium in bipolar I disorder.
- Depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.
- Treatment resistant depression.
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Dosage
Schizophrenia in adults: Start at 5-10 mg once daily, target 10 mg/day.
Schizophrenia in adolescents: Start at 2.5-5 mg once daily, target 10 mg/day.
Bipolar I disorder in adults: Start at 10-15 mg once daily.
Bipolar I disorder in adolescents: Start at 2.5-5 mg once daily, target 10 mg/day.
Administer without regard to meals.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
weight gaindizzinesssedationincreased appetitedry mouth
Serious
increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
- Not approved for dementia-related psychosis.
- Increased potential for weight gain and dyslipidemia in adolescents.
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Drug interactions
- Diazepammay increase risk of low blood pressureCaution
- Alcoholmay increase risk of low blood pressureCaution
- Carbamazepineincreases clearance of olanzapineMonitor
- Fluvoxaminemay increase olanzapine levelsCaution
Ask about this drug
Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
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Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).