Olanzapin Ratiopharm
This medicine is used to treat schizophrenia and moderate to severe manic episodes, and it can also prevent these symptoms from returning in bipolar disorder.
Form
tabletti
Strength
10 mg
Active Ingredient
Olanzapine
Manufacturer
ratiopharm GmbH
How to Use
Dosage
The typical dose is 5-20 mg per day.
Method
Take the tablets once a day at the same time, with or without food. Swallow them whole with water.
Important
The maximum daily dose is 20 mg.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Weight gain
- •Drowsiness
- •Increased prolactin levels in blood
- •Dizziness or faintness, especially when standing up from lying or sitting position, which usually resolves itself
- •Changes in blood cell counts and fat levels
- •Temporary increase in liver enzyme levels
- •Increased blood and urine sugar levels
- •Increased uric acid and creatine kinase levels
- •Increased appetite
- •Restlessness
- •Tremor
- •Unusual movements (dyskinesia)
- •Constipation
- •Dry mouth
- •Rash
- •Weakness
- •Extreme tiredness
- •Fluid retention (swelling of hands, ankles, or feet)
- •Fever
- •Joint pain
- •Sexual problems, such as decreased libido in men and women, or erectile dysfunction in men
RARE
- •Allergic reaction, such as swelling of the mouth/throat, itching, or rash
- •Blood clots in veins, especially in the legs, which can cause swelling, pain, and redness. These clots can travel to the lungs, causing chest pain and difficulty breathing.
- •Onset or worsening of diabetes, sometimes with ketoacidosis (ketones in blood and urine) or coma
- •Seizures (convulsions), generally in patients with a history of seizures (epilepsy)
- •Muscle stiffness or spasms (including eye movements)
- •Restless legs syndrome
- •Speech difficulties, such as stuttering
- •Slow heart rate
- •Sensitivity to sunlight
- •Nosebleeds
- •Abdominal bloating
- •Drooling
- •Memory problems or forgetfulness
- •Urinary incontinence or difficulty urinating
- •Hair loss
- •Missed or light menstruation
- •Breast changes in men and women, such as abnormal milk production or breast enlargement
- •Decreased body temperature
- •Abnormal heart rhythm
- •Unexplained sudden death
- •Pancreatitis, with symptoms like severe stomach pain, fever, and vomiting
- •Liver disease, causing yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
- •Muscle disease, causing unexplained aches and pains
- •Prolonged and/or painful erection
- •Severe allergic reactions like DRESS syndrome (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms), starting with flu-like symptoms and rash on the face, followed by widespread rash, high fever, swollen lymph nodes, elevated liver enzymes, and increased white blood cells (eosinophils)
Important Warnings
- Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to olanzapine or any other ingredient, or if you have a certain type of glaucoma (high eye pressure).
- This medicine is not recommended for elderly patients with dementia, as it can cause serious side effects.
- This medicine can cause unusual movements, especially of the face or tongue. Tell your doctor if this happens.
- Rarely, this type of medicine can cause a severe syndrome with fever, fast breathing, sweating, stiff muscles, and drowsiness. Contact your doctor immediately if this occurs.
- Weight gain is common. Your weight should be checked regularly by you and your doctor.
Show 5 more warnings
- This medicine can cause high blood sugar and fat levels. Your doctor will monitor these with blood tests before and during treatment.
- Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of blood clots, as this medicine can increase the risk.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can increase drowsiness.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a baby, ask your doctor before using this medicine. Do not breastfeed, as small amounts may pass into breast milk.
- This medicine can cause drowsiness. Do not drive or use machines if you feel drowsy.
Use in Elderly Patients
Category D
Avoid use in older adults. Anticholinergic. Sedative. For treatment of psychosis only. Increases the risk of cardiovascular events, QT prolongation and orthostatic hypotension. Increases risk of falls, extrapyramidal symptoms and cognitive impairment. Reduces the effectiveness of drugs for Alzheimer’s disease. (updated 15.1.2024)