Olanza

Olanza Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Olanza is a brand name. Its generic name is Olanzapine.

Olanza (Zyprexa)

Olanza is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses. It is available in both generic and brand name forms. It works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that are responsible for psychotic symptoms.

Uses of Olanza

Olanza is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses. It can also be used to help patients with severe depression, Tourette’s Syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and autism.

Mechanism of Action

Olanza works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that are responsible for psychotic symptoms. It increases the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Olanza can also block dopamine receptors in the brain, which can help reduce hallucinations or disorganized thinking.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

It typically takes a few weeks for olanzapine to start working. In some cases, it might take up to a few months for it to start working. The exact amount of time it takes to work varies for each individual.

Absorption

Olanza is rapidly and completely absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The peak plasma levels are reached in 2-4 hours.

Route of Elimination

The majority of olanzapine is excreted unchanged in the urine. A small fraction of olanzapine is metabolized to its active metabolite, 10-hydroxyolanzapine.

Dosage

The recommended starting dose of olanzapine is 5mg once a day. It can be increased up to 20mg per day. This should be done in increments of 5mg at a time. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your symptoms and response to the drug. It is important to take olanzapine exactly as prescribed and not to take more than your doctor has ordered.

Administration

Olanza is taken orally, typically once a day with or without food. Swallow the pills whole, do not crush, chew, or break the tablets.

Side Effects

Common side effects of olanzapine may include dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation, weight gain, and increased heart rate. Other side effects may include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, unusual thoughts or behavior, and trouble sleeping.

Toxicity

Olanza is considered a safe medication, but it may cause serious side effects. Symptoms of an overdose of olanzapine may include confusion, aggression, vomiting, and coma. If you suspect you have taken an overdose of olanzapine, contact emergency services immediately.

Precautions

Before taking olanzapine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Also tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Olanza may increase the risk of falls and other injuries.

Interaction

Olanza may interact with other medications, supplements, or herbal products. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before taking olanzapine. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose of olanzapine if you are taking any of the following medications: antibiotics, antifungals, antidepressants, blood thinners, diabetes medications, heart medications, seizure medications, HIV medication, and antipsychotics.

Drug Interactions

Olanza may interact with certain drugs. Drugs that may interact with olanzapine include: antifungals, antibiotics, antidepressants, cancer medications, blood thinners, HIV medications, seizure medications, antidiabetics, and heart medications.

Food Interactions

Olanza should be taken with food. Taking this medication with food may help to reduce stomach upset. Dairy products, high-fat meals, and antacids may reduce the absorption of olanzapine, so they should be avoided when taking this medication.

Pregnancy Use

Olanza is not recommended for use in pregnancy due to the potential for harm to the fetus. Speak to your doctor before taking olanzapine if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Lactation Use

The effects of olanzapine on breastfeeding infants is unknown. If you are breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor if olanzapine is right for you.

Acute Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose of olanzapine may include confusion, aggression, vomiting, and coma. If you suspect you have taken an overdose of olanzapine, contact emergency services immediately.

Contraindication

Olanza is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any other components of the medication.

Use Direction

Take olanzapine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the pills whole, do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Do not take more than the prescribed dose. Take olanzapine with or without food.

Storage Condition

Store olanzapine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep this medication out of reach of children and pets.

Volume of Distribution

Olanza has a volume of distribution of 9-11 liters/kg.

Half Life

The half-life of olanzapine is approximately 21-53 hours, meaning that it takes 21-53 hours for the concentration of olanzapine in the bloodstream to be reduced by 50%.

Clearance

Olanza has a clearance of 3-6 mL/min/kg.

Here you find in details version of Olanza

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Olanza

What is Olanza?

Olanza is an atypical antipsychotic drug commonly used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.

How does Olanza work?

Olanza works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that are associated with hallucinations and psychotic symptoms.

What are the side effects of Olanza?

Common side effects of Olanza include drowsiness, weight gain, dizziness, dry mouth, and constipation.

Can Olanza be used for anxiety?

Olanza is not approved for the treatment of anxiety but may be used off-label if other treatments have failed. It should be used with caution and monitored closely.

Can Olanza be used for depression?

Yes, Olanza is FDA approved for the treatment of depression when used in combination with another medication.

How long does it take for Olanza to work?

The effects of Olanza can vary depending on the individual. Generally, people may start to notice changes within a few weeks.

Can Olanza be taken at night?

Yes, Olanza can be taken at night. It is important to take it at the same time each day.

How is Olanza dispensed?

Olanza is available in tablets, disintegrating tablets, and oral solutions.

Is Olanza addictive?

No, Olanza is not considered to be addictive, but it can cause physical and psychological dependence. People should be monitored closely and tapered off the medication gradually.

What is Olanza used to treat?

Olanza is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.

Can Olanza cause weight gain?

Yes, Olanza can cause weight gain. People should be monitored closely and encouraged to eat a healthy diet and exercise to mitigate these effects.

Does Olanza lower blood pressure?

Yes, Olanza can lower blood pressure. People should be monitored closely to ensure their blood pressure remains within a safe range.

Does Olanza cause drowsiness?

Yes, Olanza can cause drowsiness. People should not drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

Does Olanza interact with other medications?

Yes, Olanza can interact with other medications. People should tell their doctor about all medications they are taking before starting Olanza.

Can Olanza be used in children?

Olanza is approved for use in adults and not recommended for use in children. Speak to a doctor before giving Olanza to a child.

How should Olanza be stored?

Olanza should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. It should be kept out of reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose of Olanza?

If you miss a dose of Olanza, take it as soon as possible. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule.

Does Olanza cause constipation?

Yes, Olanza can cause constipation. Drinking plenty of fluids and eating high-fiber foods may help to prevent this.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Olanza?

No, it is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Olanza as it can increase the risk of side effects.

Is Olanza used for schizophrena?

Yes, Olanza is commonly used to treat schizophrenia.

Is Olanza used for bipolar disorder?

Yes, Olanza is also commonly used to treat bipolar disorder.

Does Olanza cause dry mouth?

Yes, Olanza can cause dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candy may help to relieve this symptom.

Can I take Olanza while pregnant?

Olanza should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Speak to your doctor for more information.

Is Olanza approved by the FDA?

Yes, Olanza is FDA approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression when used in combination with another medication.

Are there any warnings associated with Olanza?

Yes, Olanza can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior, so people should be monitored closely for these effects.

How long should I take Olanza for?

The length of time Olanza should be taken for varies depending on the individual and should be discussed with a doctor.

Can Olanza cause changes in mood?

Yes, Olanza can cause changes in mood. People should be monitored closely for changes in mood or behavior.

Can Olanza cause blurred vision?

Yes, in some cases Olanza can cause blurred vision. People should report any changes in vision to their doctor.

Does Olanza take effect immediately?

No, Olanza does not take effect immediately. It may take several weeks for people to experience the full effects.

Can Olanza cause nausea?

Yes, Olanza can cause nausea. Eating small, frequent meals and avoiding foods that are high in fat may help to reduce the symptoms.

Are there any long-term side-effects of Olanza?

Yes, long-term use of Olanza can cause abnormal movements of the face and body such as tardive dyskinesia.

How can I reduce the side-effects of Olanza?

Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol can help to reduce the side-effects of Olanza.

Does Olanza cause sleepiness?

Yes, Olanza can cause sleepiness. People should not drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

Does Olanza cause changes in appetite?

Yes, Olanza can cause changes in appetite. Eating small, frequent meals and avoiding foods that are high in fat may help to reduce the symptoms.

Can Olanza cause headaches?

Yes, Olanza can cause headaches. Taking over-the-counter pain relief medications may help to reduce the symptoms.

Can Olanza be used in the elderly?

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Olanza. It should be used with caution and monitored closely in the elderly.

Does Olanza cause restless legs?

Yes, Olanza can cause restless legs. Taking hot baths or massage may help to reduce the symptoms.

Can I stop taking Olanza suddenly?

No, Olanza should not be stopped suddenly as it can cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea and dizziness. The dose should be gradually tapered off.

Can Olanza be used with other medications?

Yes, Olanza can be used with other medications. It is important to tell the doctor about all medications being taken before starting Olanza.

What are the risk factors of Olanza?

The risk factors of Olanza include the risk of weight gain and abnormal movements of the face and body.