Uses of Zyprexa

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1. Uses of Zyprexa

Olanzapine is an antipsychotic approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, and depression that has not responded to other treatments. Olanzapine in doses lower than those for psychosis is used in combination with other anti-nausea drugs to treat nausea and vomiting during cancer treatment. The olanzapine in Zyprexa acts on receptors in the brain involved in nausea and vomiting. The following article will focus on the use of Olanzapine as an antiemetic.

2. How to use Zyprexa

Zyprexa is manufactured in different forms, including oral tablets, sublingual tablets, and intramuscular injections. When using Zyprexa to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drugs, patients only take this product by mouth.
Zyprexa is usually taken once a day, before or after a meal. If using Zyprexa lozenges, the patient should peel off the foil, remove the tablet from the blister with dry hands, then place the tablet on the tongue and wait for complete dissolution without chewing or crushing. Once the Zyprexa tablet has disintegrated, the patient should swallow. For Zyprexa oral tablet, patients can take the drug with or without food.
Dosage and frequency of use of Zyprexa depends on the cancer treatment that the patient is taking. In most cases, the duration of use of Zyprexa for antiemetics is about 4 days. Zyprexa is often used in combination with 3 to 4 other medicines to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting. Patients should consult their physician regarding the need and use of specific Zyprexa medications.
Patients should provide the doctor with a list of all medications or supplements they are taking. The olanzapine in Zyprexa may interact with other drugs and supplements, including Buprenorphine, Carbamazepine, Diazepam, Fluvoxamine, Levodopa/Dopamine Agonists, Lorazepam, Metoclopramide, and some high blood pressure medications. If you are taking any medications that affect the central nervous system (CNS), be sure to tell your doctor before you start taking Zyprexa.
Patients should not consume alcohol during treatment with Olanzapine. At the same time, you should not drive or operate complex machinery if the effects of Zyprexa are not known.
Store Zyprexa in the manufacturer's container. Zyprexa tablets and lozenges should be stored at room temperature, out of the reach of children and pets.

3. Side effects of Zyprexa

Zyprexa is used for the management and/or prevention of side effects during cancer treatment. If you experience side effects during use, patients should discuss with their doctor whether Zyprexa is mandatory and what options can be substituted for this product.
3.1. Increased risk of dementia in the elderly Elderly patients with a history of dementia should not take Zyprexa. These patients are at increased risk of death and heart problems, including blood clots and stroke. Symptoms may include swelling, redness, or pain in the extremities, severe chest pain radiating down the arm, back, neck or jaw, difficulty breathing, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, confusion or change perception. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately or rush to the hospital for emergency care.
3.2. Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects Due to the mechanism of action and the effects of Zyprexa on brain neurotransmitters, patients using Zyprexa may experience drowsiness, fatigue, sedation, dizziness and attenuate. If these effects make it difficult for the patient to function in daily life, talk to the treating physician.
3.3. Dry mouth Zyprexa may cause dry mouth . This condition can be uncomfortable and sometimes affects a patient's ability to speak, swallow, and oral health.
Some measures to control this side effect of Zyprexa include:
Oral hygiene with fluoride toothpaste; Use dental floss once a day, if allowed by your treating doctor; Chew gum or suck on sugar-free candy to stimulate salivation; Gargle regularly to keep the oral cavity moist; Contact your doctor about using gels and saliva substitutes. 3.4. Increases appetite Zyprexa may increase a person's appetite. However, because in most cases Zyprexa is used to relieve vomiting in the short term, weight gain should not be an issue. Patients with indications for prolonged use of Zyprexa may gain weight due to this side effect.
3.5. Low blood pressure Olanzapine in Zyprexa can lower a user's blood pressure, especially when a patient changes from a lying or sitting position to a standing position. Patients should contact their doctor if they feel dizzy or lightheaded. Besides, the patient should slowly change the position from lying down to sitting or standing. Your doctor may suggest taking or sucking on Zyprexa at night to limit this side effect.
3.6. Less common side effects of Zyprexa Hyperglycaemia: Zyprexa can raise blood sugar regardless of whether the patient has diabetes. The treating doctor will monitor the patient's blood sugar more often. If there are signs of increased thirst, increased frequency and quantity of urination, feeling of hunger, blurred vision, headache, or breath that has a fruity smell, notify your doctor immediately; Seizures : Tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures or are taking medication to prevent seizures; Tardive dyskinesia: In rare cases, Zyprexa may cause tardive dyskinesia. This can lead to abnormal muscle movements, often in the face, including grimacing, sticking out the tongue, and smirking. Notify the treating physician immediately if the patient notices or develops any of these symptoms; Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: This side effect of Zyprexa can cause high fever, muscle stiffness, trouble thinking, fast heart rate, and increased sweating. This side effect is very rare but can be serious. Contact your doctor if you have any symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

4. Risk of reproductive effects of Zyprexa

Patients should consult their doctor before becoming pregnant or giving birth while taking Zyprexa. Patients should consult their oncologist before breast-feeding.
Olanzapine in Zyprexa may decrease fertility in men and women of childbearing potential. Patients should talk to their doctor about these risks.

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Reference source: oncolink.org