Perhaps you or someone in your family has been prescribed a medication called Olanzapine by your doctor. This medication is used to treat certain mental health conditions. The special thing about this medication is that it is a disintegrating tablet. So you can take it without water. So, let's talk about this medication, what it does, and what you need to be careful about while using it.
What exactly is this medicine called Olanzapine?
Simply put, Olanzapine is a medication used to treat mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder . In these conditions, there is an imbalance in the activity of certain chemicals in our brain, especially the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin . This medication works by controlling that imbalance and helping to keep your mood, behavior, and thoughts in a healthy state.
This belongs to a class of drugs called antipsychotics . Don't be alarmed by the name. Doctors use this class of drugs to treat a wide range of mental health conditions. This medication may also be prescribed for other conditions, so if you have any questions, ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before you start taking Olanzapine, it is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. This is because this medicine may interact with certain medical conditions or habits. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Your condition or habit | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes or high blood sugar levels | This medicine may cause blood sugar levels to rise further. |
| A history of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or stroke | This medicine can affect heart rate and blood pressure. |
| Liver disease | Because the liver processes medications, liver disease can have an impact. |
| Seizures or convulsions | This medicine may sometimes increase the risk of seizures. |
| Forgetfulness diseases such as dementia | This drug may increase risks in elderly dementia patients. |
| Cigarette smoker | Smoking can change the rate at which this drug is eliminated from the body. |
| Constipation or bowel blockage | This medication may increase constipation. |
| Swallowing difficulties, glaucoma, prostate problems | These conditions may be aggravated by some of the side effects of the medication. |
| Being pregnant or trying to conceive, breastfeeding | You should consult your doctor about the use of medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes | It is important to let us know if you are allergic to Olanzapine or any other substance. |
How exactly do I use this pill?
Since this is a pill that dissolves in the mouth, it is very important to know the correct way to use it.
- Take on time: Take this medicine at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not open the pack until you are ready to take the pill: Keep the pill in the sealed pack until you are ready to take it.
- Use dry hands: When opening the pack and taking out the pill, your hands should be completely dry. If you touch it with wet hands, the pill may start to dissolve.
- Handle with care: The tablet is very delicate. So take it out carefully. If the tablet breaks or crumbles, throw it away and get a new one.
- Dissolve in mouth: Place the tablet on your tongue. It will dissolve in a few seconds. Then swallow. Do not chew, break, or crush this tablet.
- No water required: You don't need water to take this pill.
- Don't stop: Keep taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Stopping it suddenly can cause you to have problems.
The most important thing is that this medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to anyone else , even if that person has the same symptoms as you.
What to do if the dose increases (overdose)?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Don't delay.
What to do if you miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
Other medications that may interact with Olanzapine
Olanzapine can interact with other medications. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the other medications you are taking. This includes over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, vitamins, and even dietary supplements.
| Never take Olanzapine with these medications. | |
|---|---|
| - Dronedarone | - Pimozide |
| - Cisapride | - Thioridazine |
| - Metoclopramide | |
| Problems can also occur with these drugs and substances. | |
| - Alcohol | - Medications for Parkinson's disease (e.g. Levodopa) |
| - Drugs like Carbamazepine, Rifampin | - Blood pressure medication |
| - Medicines for depression, anxiety, or sleep | - Drugs used for anesthesia during surgery |
| - Some medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines) | - Drugs like Omeprazole, Fluvoxamine |
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful when standing or sitting up suddenly, especially if you are elderly. This can reduce the risk of dizziness and falling.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol may change the effects of this medication and increase drowsiness. Therefore , avoid alcohol completely.
- Dry mouth: Medication can cause a dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, and drinking plenty of water can help.
- Body temperature control: This medication may affect your body's ability to regulate temperature. This means that your body may be less able to tolerate extreme heat and cold. Therefore, stay out of the sun as much as possible, avoid excessive exercise, and wear warm clothing if the weather is very cold.
- Blood sugar: This medicine may increase your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, you should be especially careful about this. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Smoking: Tell your doctor if you smoke, as smoking can affect the way this medicine works. If you are thinking about quitting smoking, tell your doctor about it too.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Olanzapine can cause side effects. Some are normal, but there are some things we need to be very careful about.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) Symptoms | Very high fever, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion. |
| Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) Symptoms | Uncontrollable movements, muscle stiffness or tremors, restlessness, difficulty walking. |
| Stroke symptoms | Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, difficulty speaking, severe headache. |
| Symptoms of high blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Other serious symptoms | Fever and skin rash accompanied by swollen lymph nodes, seizures, suicidal thoughts, difficulty swallowing. |
| These are usually not dangerous, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| - Constipation | - Dry mouth |
| - Sleepiness | - Weight gain |
| - Dizziness | - Headache |
Take-Home Message
- Olanzapine is a drug that balances brain chemicals and treats conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
- Before starting the medication, be sure to tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, other medications you are taking, and habits.
- When using this dissolvable tablet, hold it with dry hands, let it dissolve on your tongue, and swallow. Never chew or crush it.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. It can be dangerous.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects such as high fever, muscle stiffness, severe skin allergies, or uncontrollable body movements.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking the medication. Be careful when performing tasks that require attention, such as driving.
- It is very important to follow-up with the doctor on the scheduled date to check the progress of the treatment.
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