Additional facts about Zyprexa (Olanzapine) medication
It is known that Zyprexa (Olanzapine) drug is effective in treating of schizophrenia, acute mixed and manic episodes of bipolar I disorder. This medicine is widely prescribed for adults in the United States.
However, there are some cases to be cautious taking Olanzapine tablets.
First, this kind of schizophrenia medication is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. For example, in elderly patients with dementia-related there was a significantly higher incidence of cerebrovascular adverse events psychosis, besides such pateints are at an increased risk of death.
Second, it has been reported that in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics, including Zyprexa 10 mg appears Hyperglycemia, in some cases associated with ketoacidosis, coma, or death.
Third, it has become evident that a potentially fatal condition called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is related with Olanzapine tablets. The signs of NMS involve muscle rigidity, hyperpyrexia, altered mental status and evidence of autonomic instability (cardiac dysrhythmia , tachycardia, irregular pulse or blood pressure, and diaphoresis).
Forth, it is necessary to pay great attention in patients with known cerebrovascular diseases, cardiovascular disease, or those predisposed to hypotension, because Olanzapine drug may induce orthostatic hypotension associated with dizziness, bradycardia, tachycardia, and in some patients, syncope.
Fifth, after short-term schizophrenia and bipolar mania trials it was revealed that somnolence is the most common treatment-emergent adverse event associated with Zyprexa medication use in adults. Other common events were dizziness, weight gain, constipation, personality disorder (COSTART term for nonaggressive objectionable behavior), akathisia, dry mouth, postural hypotension, tremor, asthenia, dyspepsia, and increased appetite.
Thus, physicians should consider the risks and benefits when prescribing Zyprexa 5 mg to patients with an established diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, or having borderline increased blood glucose level. In addition, patients taking Zyprexa antipsychotic medicine should be monitored regularly. They also should undergo fasting blood glucose testing at the beginning of treatment and periodically during treatment. Patients who develop symptoms of hyperglycemia during treatment should undergo fasting blood glucose testing.
Patients receiving Olanzapine medication should receive regular monitoring of weight.
