Olanzapine

Product Description

Olanzapine is a second-generation antipsychotic medication with a wide spectrum of pharmacological activity that affects several neurotransmitter receptors in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin. It is commonly prescribed to manage severe psychiatric conditions by stabilizing mood, reducing hallucinations, and improving cognitive and emotional functioning. The drug’s multifaceted mechanism of action makes it suitable for both acute symptom control and long-term maintenance therapy. Olanzapine is available in oral form and is well absorbed, with peak plasma concentrations typically reached within 5 to 8 hours after administration.

Indications for Use

Olanzapine is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults, including both acute episodes and long-term maintenance to prevent relapse. It is effective in managing psychotic disorders that present with positive symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and thought disturbances, as well as negative symptoms like emotional withdrawal and reduced social engagement. In bipolar affective disorder, Olanzapine may be used as monotherapy or in combination with lithium or valproic acid to treat acute manic or mixed episodes. It is also prescribed to prevent recurrence in patients with a history of manic episodes and is used in combination with fluoxetine to treat depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder.

Safety Information

The typical starting dose of Olanzapine ranges from 10 to 15 mg per day, and the exact dosage is adjusted individually based on the patient’s clinical response and tolerability. Food intake does not affect the absorption of the drug, making administration flexible. Olanzapine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and it is not recommended during breastfeeding unless breastfeeding is discontinued. The drug is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity, in children under 18 years of age, and during lactation.

Side Effects

Olanzapine, like many antipsychotic agents, may cause side effects, though most are mild to moderate in intensity and manageable under medical supervision. Common central nervous system effects include drowsiness, gait disturbances (especially in elderly patients with dementia), dizziness, and in rare cases, seizures. Metabolic changes such as weight gain and peripheral edema may occur, along with occasional increases in prolactin levels or rare events like hyperglycemia and diabetic complications. Cardiovascular effects such as orthostatic hypotension and, less frequently, bradycardia have been reported. Gastrointestinal symptoms may include constipation, dry mouth, and increased appetite, and some patients may experience liver enzyme elevation. Rare side effects include skin reactions, priapism, blood cell count changes, and asthenia. The likelihood of more severe symptoms increases with overdose, which can lead to tachycardia, aggression, speech disturbances, extrapyramidal symptoms, and even loss of consciousness or coma in extreme cases.