Olanzapine Tablets contain olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic medicine used in the management of schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. It works on several neurotransmitter systems in the brain, particularly dopamine and serotonin receptors, helping to regulate symptoms associated with psychotic and mood disorders.
How Olanzapine Works
Olanzapine acts primarily as an antagonist at several neurotransmitter receptors, including dopamine and serotonin receptors. By modifying signalling through these systems, it can help reduce symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and disorganised thinking in schizophrenia and help stabilise symptoms associated with manic episodes.
Precautions and Warnings
Olanzapine can cause drowsiness and dizziness, particularly when treatment is started or the dose is increased. Patients should be cautious when driving or operating machinery until they know how the medicine affects them.
Olanzapine is also associated with important metabolic effects, including weight gain and changes in blood glucose and blood lipids. Patients receiving longer-term treatment may require monitoring of weight, blood glucose and lipid levels.
Other clinically important adverse effects can include increased appetite, constipation, dry mouth and postural hypotension.
Olanzapine should be used carefully in patients with diabetes or risk factors for metabolic disease. Alcohol and other medicines that cause drowsiness may increase central nervous system effects.
Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should discuss olanzapine treatment with their healthcare professional before use.
Possible Side Effects
Commonly reported adverse effects include:
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Postural hypotension
- Increased blood glucose or lipid levels
