Most important fact about Zyprexa
At the start of Zyprexa therapy, the drug can cause extreme low
blood pressure, increased heart rate, dizziness, and, in rare cases, a
tendency to faint when first standing up. These problems are more
likely if you are dehydrated, have heart disease, or take blood
pressure medicine. To avoid such problems, your doctor may start with a
low dose of Zyprexa and increase the dosage gradually.
How should you take Zyprexa?
Zyprexa should be taken once a day with or without food. To use
Zyprexa Zydis, open the sachet, peel back the foil on the blister pack,
remove the tablet, and place the entire tablet in the mouth. Do not
push the tablet through the foil. The medication can be taken with or
without water; the saliva in your mouth will cause the tablet to
dissolve.
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If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do
not take 2 doses at once.
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Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in
intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can
determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Zyprexa.
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Side effects may include:
Agitation, change in personality, constipation, dizziness, dry
mouth, increased appetite, indigestion, low blood pressure upon
standing, sleepiness, tremor, weakness, weight gain
Why should Zyprexa not be prescribed?
If Zyprexa gives you an allergic reaction, you cannot take the drug.
Special warnings about Zyprexa
Certain antipsychotic drugs, including Zyprexa, are associated with
an increased risk of developing high blood sugar, which on rare
occasions has led to coma or death. See your doctor right away if you
develop signs of high blood sugar, including dry mouth, unusual thirst,
increased urination, and tiredness. If you have diabetes or have a high
risk of developing it, see your doctor regularly for blood sugar
testing.
Use Zyprexa with caution if you have any of the following
conditions: Parkinson's disease, trouble swallowing, narrow angle
glaucoma (high pressure in the eye), an enlarged prostate, heart
irregularities, heart disease, heart failure, liver disease, or a
history of heart attack, seizures, or intestinal blockage.
Zyprexa should not be used to treat elderly patients who have
dementia because the drug could increase the risk of stroke. In
addition, antipsychotic drug treatment has been associated with
swallowing and breathing problems in older people and those with
Alzheimer's disease.
Drugs such as Zyprexa sometimes cause a condition called Neuroleptic
Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Symptoms include high fever, muscle rigidity,
irregular pulse or blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating,
and changes in heart rhythm. If these symptoms appear, contact your
doctor right away. You'll have to discontinue using Zyprexa while the
condition is under treatment.
There is also a risk of developing tardive dyskinesia, a condition
marked by slow, rhythmical, involuntary movements. This problem is more
likely to surface in older adults, especially elderly women. When it
does, use of Zyprexa is usually stopped.
Animal studies suggest that Zyprexa may increase the risk of breast
cancer, although human studies have not confirmed such a risk. If you
have a history of breast cancer, see your doctor regularly for checkups.
People at high risk of suicide attempts should be prescribed the
lowest dose possible to reduce the risk of intentional overdose.
Zyprexa sometimes causes drowsiness and can impair your judgment,
thinking, and motor skills. Use caution while driving and don't operate
dangerous machinery until you know how the drug affects you.
Medicines such as Zyprexa can interfere with regulation of the
body's temperature. Do not get overheated or become dehydrated while
taking Zyprexa. Avoid extreme heat and drink plenty of fluids.
Zyprexa can cause low blood pressure upon standing, resulting in
dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and fainting, especially at the start of
therapy. Let the doctor know if you develop this problem; your dosage
can be adjusted to reduce the symptoms.
If you have phenylketonuria and must avoid the amino acid
phenylalanine, you should not take Zyprexa Zydis, which contains this
substance.
The safety and effectiveness of Zyprexa have not been studied in children.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zyprexa
Avoid alcohol while taking Zyprexa. The combination can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.
If Zyprexa is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
can be increased, decreased, or altered. Ask your doctor before taking
any prescription or over-the-counter drugs. It is especially important
to check before combining Zyprexa with the following:
- Blood pressure medications
- Benzodiazepines
- Carbamazepine
- Diazepam
- Drugs that boost the effect of dopamine, such as Parkinson's medications
- Fluvoxamine
- Levodopa
- Omeprazole
- Rifampin
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. Zyprexa should be used during pregnancy only if absolutely
necessary. The drug may appear in breast milk; do not breastfeed while
on Zyprexa therapy.
Recommended dosage for Zyprexa
ADULTS
Schizophrenia
The usual starting dose is 5 to 10 milligrams once a day. If you
start at the lower dose, after a few days the doctor will increase it
to 10. After that, the dosage will be increased no more than once a
week, 5 milligrams at a time, up to a maximum of 20 milligrams a day.
Those most likely to start at 5 milligrams are people who are weak,
people prone to low blood pressure, and nonsmoking women over 65
(because they tend to have a slow metabolism).
Manic Episodes in Bipolar Disorder
The usual starting dose is 10 to 15 milligrams once a day. If
needed, the dose can be increased every 24 hours by 5 milligrams a day,
up to a maximum daily dose of 20 milligrams. After the person is
stabilized, the doctor may continue maintenance therapy at a dosage
range of 5 to 20 milligrams a day. If Zyprexa is being combined with
lithium or valproate, the usual starting dose is 10 milligrams once a
day.
Overdosage
An overdose of Zyprexa is usually not life-threatening, but
fatalities have been reported. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical
attention immediately.
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Symptoms of Zyprexa overdose may include:
Agitation, drowsiness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, slurred or disrupted speech, stupor
Overdoses of Zyprexa have also led to breathing difficulties,
changes in blood pressure, excessive perspiration, fever, muscle
rigidity, cardiac arrest, coma, and convulsions.
