Olanzapine

Olanzapine (brand name, Zyprexa) is an atypical antipsychotic medication manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company approved as monotherapy for the acute and maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adults as well as for the acute and maintenance treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. Olanzapine is also approved to be used in combination with fluoxetine for the treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults and treatment-resistant depression.

Eli Lilly and Company, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the world with a mission to develop innovative medicines at a lower cost. The company is dedicated to research and development, with facilities in over 8 countries and clinical studies conducted in over 50 countries.

Schizophrenia affects more than 2 million people annually, and medication is important for improving symptoms and quality of life. The effectiveness of olanzapine for the treatment of schizophrenia has been demonstrated in several short- and long-term trials, as measured by several instruments designed to assess psychiatric signs and symptoms. Olanzapine has been shown to improve positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions, as well as negative symptoms, such as apathy and social withdrawal. Although effective, olanzapine has been associated with side effects such as sleepiness, lack of energy, increased appetite, changes in behavior, dizziness, tremors, dry mouth, restlessness, and difficulty with stools.

Other available medications for schizophrenia include iloperidone, paliperidone, aripiprazole, ziprasidone, quetiapine, and risperidone. Approved medications for the treatment of bipolar mania and/or depression include aripiprazole, carbamazepine, chlorpromazine, divalproex, lithium, quetiapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone.

Eli Lilly and Company also markets a combination tablet of olanzapine and fluoxetine (brand name, Symbyax). Olanzapine is available as tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and an intramuscular injection in variable strengths. For schizophrenia, the recommended dose is 10 mg once daily. Olanzapine should not be administered to elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis due to an increased risk of death.

Author: C. Anders, BiPolar Disorder Product Reviews