Olanzapine brands and prices in Pakistan

About Olanzapine

Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medicine. It works on brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin. It does not cure the condition it treats, but it can help control the symptoms. It is a prescription medicine, and it comes as tablets, tablets that melt in the mouth (orodispersible tablets) and an injection. It is not addictive, and it is not known to change your personality.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not take it if you have had an allergic reaction to olanzapine or any of its ingredients.
• Do not take it if you have been told you have certain types of glaucoma.
• Tell your doctor if you have heart problems or an uneven heartbeat, low blood pressure, or have had a stroke or mini-stroke.
• Tell your doctor if you or a close relative have had blood clots.
• Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood sugar, or if you have a family history of diabetes.
• Tell your doctor if you have epilepsy or have had fits.
• Tell your doctor if you have Parkinson's disease. Olanzapine can make the symptoms worse.
• Tell your doctor if you have had problems controlling your tongue, mouth or face, or have had a serious reaction called neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, prostate problems, a blocked bowel or severe constipation, or have had a low white blood cell count.
• Tell your doctor if you have high prolactin levels or a tumour that may depend on prolactin.
• Older people with dementia: not recommended, because of the risk of stroke and death.
• Teenagers may have a higher risk of weight gain, higher blood fats and liver problems (MedlinePlus). The UK and Irish leaflets say it is not for people under 18.
• Orodispersible tablets contain a source of phenylalanine, which matters for people with phenylketonuria (PKU). The standard tablets contain lactose.
• Pregnancy: sources differ. The NHS says it is generally considered safe in pregnancy and is not thought to harm the baby, and that you should not stop it unless a doctor advises it. The UK and Irish leaflets say to ask your doctor first. Babies whose mothers took it in late pregnancy may have shaking, stiffness, sleepiness, breathing problems or feeding problems. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant, and do not stop it by yourself.
• Breastfeeding: sources differ. The NHS says some people can breastfeed if the baby is healthy, after checking with a pharmacist or doctor, and to watch the baby for poor feeding, sleepiness, irritability, tremors or rashes. The UK and Irish leaflets say not to breastfeed because small amounts pass into breast milk. Ask your doctor.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Carbamazepine (an epilepsy medicine)
• Fluvoxamine (an antidepressant)
• Ciprofloxacin (an antibiotic)
• Medicines for Parkinson's disease
• Medicines that make you calm or sleepy, such as benzodiazepines, morphine, tramadol, sleeping tablets and some antihistamines like chlorphenamine, and some antidepressants. These can add to drowsiness.
• Allergy medicines and omeprazole are also listed by MedlinePlus as medicines that may interact.
• Cannabidiol (CBD): the NHS says not to take it with olanzapine.
• Alcohol: it adds to sleepiness and unsteadiness, and it can make symptoms worse.
• Tobacco smoking may make it work less well (MedlinePlus).
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: talk to your doctor first (MedlinePlus).
• Some herbal remedies and supplements, especially ones that cause sleepiness or dizziness, may be a problem. Check with a pharmacist.

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.
• It can take a while for symptoms to get better. You may feel calmer or sleepier at first.
• Keep taking it even when you feel better. Do not stop suddenly, because your symptoms may come back and you may get withdrawal symptoms such as feeling sick, sweating and trouble sleeping. If you need to stop, your doctor will lower the dose slowly.
• You can take it with or without food. Swallow standard tablets whole with water. Orodispersible tablets can dissolve on your tongue, or be mixed in a drink, as your pharmacist shows you.
• If you forget a dose, ask your pharmacist or read the leaflet. Never take a double dose to make up for it. Contact your doctor if you miss more than one.
• If you take too much, call emergency services or go to A&E, or call your local urgent advice line. Take the pack with you, and do not drive yourself.
• Your doctor will check your weight, blood sugar and cholesterol with blood tests before and during treatment.
• Eat a balanced diet, avoid high-calorie snacks and be careful with portion sizes, because your appetite may grow.
• Stand up slowly to avoid feeling dizzy. In very hot weather, take care, as the body may not cool down as well (MedlinePlus).
• Do not drive, ride a bike or use machines until you know how it affects you.
• Do not drink alcohol, especially when you first start.

Common questions

How does olanzapine make me feel, and when will I feel better?
The NHS says you may feel calmer at first. It can take a while for symptoms to ease, and your doctor may need time to find the right dose for you. Talk to your doctor if you do not feel better.

Will olanzapine make me put on weight?
Weight gain is very common because it can make you hungrier. A balanced diet, avoiding high-calorie snacks and regular exercise can help. Your doctor will check your weight and your blood sugar and cholesterol with blood tests.

Can I drink alcohol?
It is best not to, especially when you first start. Alcohol can make you more sleepy and unsteady, can make symptoms worse and can make the medicine work less well.

Can I stop olanzapine when I feel better?
No, not without talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly can bring your symptoms back and cause withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will lower the dose slowly if you need to stop.

Does olanzapine affect contraception?
The NHS says it does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception. But it can affect hormones, so tell your doctor if you have changes to your periods or sex drive.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.