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What is Zyprexa
 Zyprexa
is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions
of chemicals in your brain.
Zyprexa
is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions, including
hallucinations, delusions, and confusion.
Zyprexa
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Zyprexa
Call your doctor immediately if you have uncontrollable
movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Zyprexa may cause
dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Dizziness may
be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or
lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible
fall.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase
drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Zyprexa.
Avoid becoming overheated during Zyprexa therapy. It is
easier to become dangerously dehydrated while you are taking
Zyprexa. Use caution in hot weather and during exercise.
Drink plenty of fluids.
What you should find out before taking Zyprexa Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- liver disease or other problems with your
liver;
- heart disease or other heart problems such
as high blood pressure, a previous heart attack, or irregular
heartbeats;
- seizures or epilepsy;
- an enlarged
prostate or difficulty urinating; or
- glaucoma.
You may not be able to take Zyprexa, or you may require
a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you
have any of the conditions listed above.
The form
orally disintegrating tablet (Zyprexa Zydis) form of this
medication contains phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before
using this formulation if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Zyprexa is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This
means that it is not known whether Zyprexa will harm an
unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking
to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not
known whether Zyprexa passes into breast milk. Do not take
Zyprexa without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Zyprexa Take Zyprexa exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
Zyprexa can be taken
with or without food.
Zyprexa is usually taken once
a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
To take
Zyprexa orally disintegrating tablets (Zyprexa Zydis):
-
Using dry hands, open the sachet and peel back foil on blister.
Do not push tablet through foil.
- Immediately upon
opening the blister, remove the tablet and place it in the
mouth.
- Tablet disintegration occurs rapidly in
saliva so it can be easily swallowed with or without liquid.
Do not stop taking Zyprexa without the approval of
your doctor. It may be 4 weeks or more before you begin
to feel better, and you may require continuous treatment
for quite some time. Talk to your doctor before you stop
taking this medication.
Store Zyprexa at room temperature
away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose,
skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed.
Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of an Zyprexa overdose include drowsiness and slurred speech.
Avoid while taking Zyprexa Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Zyprexa may cause
dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Dizziness may
be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or
lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible
fall.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase
drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Zyprexa.
Avoid becoming overheated during Zyprexa therapy. It is
easier to become dangerously dehydrated while you are taking
Zyprexa. Use caution in hot weather and during exercise.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Possible side effects of Zyprexa If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Zyprexa and seek emergency medical
attention:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or
face; or hives); or
- uncontrollable movements of
the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs.
Other,
less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take Zyprexa and talk to your doctor if you experience
- dizziness or drowsiness,
- agitation,
-
an increased heart rate,
- constipation,
-
dry mouth, or
- weight gain.
Side effects
other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that
is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Zyprexa Carbamazepine (Tegretol) can decrease the effects
of Zyprexa. A change in your Zyprexa dosage may be necessary.
Zyprexa may increase the effects of medicines that
are used to control high blood pressure. This could lead
to very low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and other
symptoms. Tell your doctor if you are taking a medication
to control your blood pressure or to treat another heart
condition.
Zyprexa may also increase the effects
of drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants,
alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (medicines that treat
insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants,
and any other drug that makes you feel sleepy or relaxed.
Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking
and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.
Zyprexa may decrease the effects of levodopa (Sinemet,
Larodopa, Dopar), which is used to treat Parkinson's disease.
This could lead to worsening parkinsonian symptoms.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Zyprexa.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
