Zyprexa is the trade name for Olanzapine and is produced by Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical, a U.S. based company with over 130 years of market experience.
According to the manufacturer, the product is recommended to treat manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder and in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Zyprexa’s antipsychotic properties and efficiency have been tested through several clinical trials. A long list of side-effects is known to be associated with the product. Special precautions refer to administrating the drug to adolescents, diabetes patients, and elderly people.
The drug contains Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic which affects various neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin (5HT) and dopamine. These 2 neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating mood and behavior.
This is an FDA approved prescription drug and should be taken after a complete medical evaluation has been performed.
1) Quick Overview
The drug has been successfully used in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The producer mentions several clinical tests conducted on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients, for two age groups: adults (over 17 years old) and adolescents (13-17 years old).
The safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been established for children under the age of 13.
Therefore, for pediatric patients, the medication should be prescribed only after a thorough diagnostic evaluation and careful consideration of the potential risks.
Pregnant and nursing women are advised not to use the product unless the product benefits justify the fetus’s high potential risk.
2) Zyprexa Nutrition Facts
Zyprexa contains the following active ingredient: Olanzapine.
Inactive ingredients include carnauba wax, crospovidone, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, and other inactive ingredients.
3) Does Zyprexa Work?
Zyprexa is a very powerful antipsychotic. As stated above, this drug is aimed to treat the severe forms of schizophrenia and manic disorder. According to the manufacturer, this drug can reduce social withdrawal, hallucinations, apathy, and delusions.
It is recommended to take Zyprexa daily, even if the patient starts to feel better. However, this appears to be a slow-acting drug. According to the producing company, it may take up to six weeks for the first improvements to occur.
One of the common side effects that have been noted with the use of Zyprexa (Olanzapine) is weight gain. For some individuals, this can increase the risk of diabetes or heart disease.
It can also cause symptoms of depression as the pounds accumulate. This is why the use of this medication is only recommended under the careful watch of a doctor.
Regular checkups to ensure that the blood sugar level is normal can help reduce diabetes chances. Other reported side effects include dry mouth, changes in appetite, and dizziness.
It isn’t recommended for anyone with signs of dementia to take Zyprexa (Olanzapine). If a user experiences swelling of the face or mouth, hives, high fever, or changes in a heartbeat, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention due to the possibility of an allergic reaction.
4) Zyprexa Health Benefits
- Good manufacturer reputation;
- Successfully used as a treatment for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder;
- FDA approved;
- Clear use directions;
- Clinically tested.
5) Precautions of Zyprexa Use
- Long list of potentially harmful side-effects;
- A relatively high price.
6) Zyprexa Price
Zyprexa is a costly drug. However, most doctors will first offer a free sample to observe how the treatment will affect a patient.
Unfortunately, not all health insurance plans will cover the cost of Zyprexa. We advise our readers first to contact their insurance company and ask for details.
If you cannot afford the treatment, you can apply for a co-pay program that may cover the treatment costs.
7) Zyprexa Serving Size
A wide range of side effects has been associated with Zyprexa. Most common refer to hyperlipidemia, weight gain, seizures, mouth dryness, constipation, increased appetite, dizziness, fatigue, and cognitive and motor impairment.
8) Our Verdict on Zyprexa
Zyprexa is currently one of the most popular antipsychotic prescription drugs in the world. Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals has a yearly sales income of approximately 3 billion dollars from Zyprexa sales exclusively.
The drug’s efficacy principle is simple: Olanzapine, the active ingredient, corrects imbalances of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, imbalances, which lead to manic depression and schizophrenia.
There are many side-effects and precautions associated with the product. Health condition, current medication, the severity of the condition being treated, age, and other factors influence the recommended daily dosage. Therefore a prior treatment medical evaluation is mandatory.
The product is relatively expensive, but doctors may offer free samples before starting actual treatment.
