Olanzapine

Synonyms 2-Methyl-4-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-10H-thieno[2,3-b][1,5]benzodiazepine; Lanzac; Zyprexa

Molecular Formula C17H20N4S

Molecular Weight 312.43

CAS Registry Number 132539-06-1

DRUG DESCRIPTION
Olanzapineis an a typical antipsychoticfor the treatment of: schizophreniadepressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder, as part of the Symbyax formulationacute manic episodes and maintenance treatment in bipolar disorder.

Olanzapine is a yellow crystalline solid, which is practically insoluble in water.Each tablet contains olanzapine equivalent to 2.5 mg (8 µmol), 5 mg (16 µmol), 7.5 mg (24 µmol), 10 mg (32 µmol), 15 mg (48 µmol), or 20 mg (64 µmol). Inactive ingredients are carnauba wax, crospovidone, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and other inactive ingredients.

Olanzapine is a medication that is used to treat schizophrenia and acute manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. Olanzapine belongs to a drug class known as atypical antipsychotics. Other members of this class include clozapine (Clozaril), risperidone (Risperdal), aripiprazole (Abilify) and ziprasidone (Geodon). The exact mechanism of action of olanzapine is not known. It may work by blocking receptors for several neurotransmitters (chemicals that nerves use to communicate with each other) in the brain. It binds to alpha-1, dopamine, histamine H-1, muscarinic, and serotonin type 2 (5-HT2) receptors.

DOSAGE
The usual oral dose for treating schizophrenia is 10 mg once daily. Therapy is initiated with 5-10 mg/day and the dose may be increased by 5 mg a day in weekly intervals. Doses greater than 10 mg daily have not been shown to be more effective than 10 mg daily. The safety and efficacy of doses greater than 20 mg daily have not been evaluated.

Treatment of bipolar disorder usually is initiated with oral doses of 10-15 mg once daily. The dose may be increased by 5 mg daily at 24 hour intervals. Doses greater than 20 mg daily have not been evaluated. In clinical trials, doses of 5-20 mg daily were effective.

The usual dose for treating agitation due to schizophrenia or bipolar disorder is 10 mg administered by intramuscular injection. Additional 10 mg doses may be administered, but the efficacy of total daily doses greater than 30 mg daily have not been adequately evaluated.

Olanzapine is eliminated from the body more quickly in young people than in older (over age 60) individuals, in men than in women, and in smokers faster than in non-smokers. Dosage adjustments may be needed based upon individual patient characteristics.

SIDE EFFECTS
Olanzapine may cause side effects.
* drowsiness
* dizziness
* restlessness
* unusual behavior
* depression
* difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
* weakness
* difficulty walking
* constipation
* weight gain
* dry mouth
* pain in arms, legs, back, or joints

Some side effects can be serious.
* seizures
* changes in vision
* swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
* unusual movements of your face or body that you cannot control
* fever
* very stiff muscles
* excess sweating
* fast or irregular heartbeat
* rash
* hives
* difficulty breathing or swallowing