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Olanzapine

About olanzapine

Olanzapine helps to manage symptoms of mental health conditions such as:

  • seeing, hearing, feeling or believing things that others do not, feeling unusually suspicious or having muddled thoughts (schizophrenia)
  • feeling agitated or hyperactive, very excited, elated, or impulsive (mania symptoms of bipolar disorder)

If you have bipolar disorder, olanzapine can also stop your mania symptoms coming back.

Olanzapine does not cure your condition, but it can help with your symptoms.

Olanzapine comes as tablets, including tablets that dissolve in your mouth (orodispersible), and an injection.

Olanzapine is only available with a prescription.

Who can and cannot use olanzapine

Olanzapine can be taken by adults aged 18 years and over.

Olanzapine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor before starting the medicine if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to olanzapine or any other medicine
  • have a heart problem, including an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
  • have low blood pressure
  • have had a stroke or are at high risk of having a stroke
  • have had a blood clot or someone in your family has had blood clots
  • have ever had problems controlling the movements of your tongue, mouth and face
  • have ever had a rare condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • have Parkinson’s disease or dementia
  • have ever had low levels of white blood cells
  • have diabetes
  • have epilepsy
  • have liver or kidney problems
  • have an abnormally high level of the hormone, prolactin in your blood or if you have a possible prolactin-dependent tumour
  • have glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
  • are very constipated or you think you have a blockage in your bowels

Side effects

Like all medicines, olanzapine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

These common side effects may affect up to 1 in 10 people. Tell your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away:

  • feeling sleepy in the day
  • putting on weight or an increase in your appetite
  • feeling dizzy (especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position)
  • rash
  • constipation

See your doctor if you have:

  • sexual problems such as lower libido in men and women, or problems getting an erection – these can be signs of hormone changes
  • problems with your movement
  • infections including coughs, colds and chest infections, ear and eye infections, or urinary tract infections (UTIs) – these can be signs of a low white blood cell count

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people.

  • you get twitching or jerking movements in your face, tongue or other parts of your body
  • you start shuffling slowly when you walk, trembling or drooling

Call 111 or go to 111.nhs.uk

  • you get swelling, pain and redness in one leg, or chest pain with difficulty breathing – these may be signs of blood clots
  • you have weakness on one side of your face or body, trouble speaking or thinking, or blurred eyesight – these can be signs of a stroke
  • you have a high temperature, muscle stiffness, sweating, anxiety or excess saliva – these can be signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • you get a painful erection ( priapism ) lasting more than 2 hours

In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to olanzapine.

These are not all the side effects of olanzapine. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.

How to cope with side effects of olanzapine

What to do about:

  • feeling sleepy in the day – do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery if you're feeling this way. Do not drink alcohol as this will make you feel more tired. As your body gets used to olanzapine, these side effects should wear off. If they do not get better after a few weeks, speak to your doctor.
  • putting on weight or an increase in your appetite – try to eat a healthy, balanced diet without increasing your portion sizes. Do not snack on foods that contain a lot of calories, such as crisps, cakes, biscuits and sweets. If you feel hungry between meals, eat fruit and vegetables and low-calorie foods. Regular exercise will also help to keep your weight stable.
  • feeling dizzy when standing up – stand up slowly and hold on to something to steady your balance until your dizziness has passed. It should only last a few moments. As you get used to your medicine this problem should wear off.
  • rash – it may help to take an antihistamine which you can buy from a pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist which type is suitable for you to take while you are on olanzapine
  • constipation – eat more high-fibre foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals. Try to drink several glasses of water or another non-alcoholic liquid every day. If you can, it may also help to increase your exercise.
  • sexual problems – see your doctor.
  • problems with your movement – see your doctor.
  • infections – see your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Olanzapine can be taken during pregnancy and is not thought to be harmful to your baby. Your mental health and wellbeing are important.

If you become pregnant while taking olanzapine, speak to your doctor. You will be reviewed in a specialised antenatal clinic and you can discuss your medicine with the doctors in the clinic.

Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Olanzapine and breastfeeding

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take olanzapine while breastfeeding.

Olanzapine passes into breast milk in very small amounts and has been linked with side effects in very few breastfed babies. Many people have used it while breastfeeding without any problems.

It's important to keep taking olanzapine to keep you well. Breastfeeding will also benefit both you and your baby.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, seems unusually sleepy or seems irritable, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible.

Cautions with other medicines

There are some medicines that may affect how olanzapine works.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking:

  • carbamazepine, a medicine for epilepsy
  • fluvoxamine, used to treat depression
  • ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic
  • medicines that make you feel calm or sleepy including benzodiazepines, painkillers like morphine or tramadol, or antihistamines like chlorphenamine – olanzapine can increase the effects of these medicines and make you feel more sleepy

Cannabidiol (also known as CBD) might affect how olanzapine works. Do not take cannabidiol while you are taking olanzapine.

There might be a problem taking some other herbal remedies and supplements with olanzapine, especially ones that make you feel sleepy or dizzy.

Related links

Bipolar disorder — Link to Related Condition

Schizophrenia — Link to Related Condition

HealthUnlocked: olanzapine forum — Link to Useful Resource

Bipolar UK: charity — Link to Useful Resource

Mind: charity — Link to Useful Resource

Rethink Mental Illness: charity — Link to Useful Resource

Young Minds - Medications: charity — Link to Useful Resource

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

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217 public posts

Olanzapine indefinitely

Is anyone here staying on Olanzapine indefinitely?
Is anyone here staying on Olanzapine indefinitely?
NicJK profile image
NicJK
in Action on Postpartum Psychosis
8 days ago

Losing weight after Olanzapine

Hi , I'm currently weaning off olanzapine and am desperate to lose the weight that I've gained whilst on it. I'm currently taking three-quarters of a 2.5mg pill, and will reduce by a quarter every 2 weeks.
Hi , I'm currently weaning off olanzapine and am desperate to lose the weight that I've gained whilst on it. I'm currently taking three-quarters of a 2.5mg pill, and will reduce by a quarter every 2 weeks.
Olazapine1 profile image
Olazapine1
in Action on Postpartum Psychosis
3 months ago

olanzapine reduction side effects

Neurologist thinks maybe a movement disorder or needs to go back on olanzapine! Any advice on this. Doctor is going to see him in new year. Thanks
Neurologist thinks maybe a movement disorder or needs to go back on olanzapine! Any advice on this. Doctor is going to see him in new year. Thanks
lbuxton profile image
lbuxton
in Headway
1 month ago
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Fluoxetine and Olanzapine Fits

Has anyone ever witnessed a family member/friend (particularly a pre-teen) undergo a trancelike state while on either fluoxetine, olanzapine, or a combination of both? In particular, this trance can be rather violent with episodes of screaming, running, and acting like a scared animal.
Has anyone ever witnessed a family member/friend (particularly a pre-teen) undergo a trancelike state while on either fluoxetine, olanzapine, or a combination of both? In particular, this trance can be rather violent with episodes of screaming, running, and acting like a scared animal.
Coruscant profile image
Coruscant
in Anxiety and Depression Support
29 days ago

how to keep recovering?

I’m still on olanzapine and struggling with low energy. I don’t know whether to ask to reduce my olanzapine or start on sertraline. My gp has me on iron tablets as my ferritin is low.
I’m still on olanzapine and struggling with low energy. I don’t know whether to ask to reduce my olanzapine or start on sertraline. My gp has me on iron tablets as my ferritin is low.
Lh501 profile image
Lh501
in Action on Postpartum Psychosis
2 months ago

Introduction

I was prescribed high doses of lithium, olanzapine, and temazepam. I got lithium toxicity and had to relearn how to talk, read, write, and walk. I still don't have my mind back.
I was prescribed high doses of lithium, olanzapine, and temazepam. I got lithium toxicity and had to relearn how to talk, read, write, and walk. I still don't have my mind back.
AinslW profile image
AinslW
in Action on Postpartum Psychosis
5 days ago

Psychosis during pregnancy

I Spoke to my perinatal mental health nurse, and she mentioned starting olanzapine during pregnancy if symptoms started earlier - I guess I’d never thought that was something that could happen and always thought it would start after the birth. I’m now feeling even more worried. thanks x
I Spoke to my perinatal mental health nurse, and she mentioned starting olanzapine during pregnancy if symptoms started earlier - I guess I’d never thought that was something that could happen and always thought it would start after the birth. I’m now feeling even more worried. thanks x
Summerflowers44 profile image
Summerflowers44
in Action on Postpartum Psychosis
3 months ago

Our offspring!

He's now on olanzapine. He was an IVF baby as nobody checked my thyroid before embarking on treatment. They only tested after he was born because i became very anxious and overwheImed. I would like to forward relevant articles that you can read.
He's now on olanzapine. He was an IVF baby as nobody checked my thyroid before embarking on treatment. They only tested after he was born because i became very anxious and overwheImed. I would like to forward relevant articles that you can read.
j1a2n3 profile image
j1a2n3
in Thyroid UK
5 months ago

Lithium Battery Obsession/Medication Changes

I am now on Olanzapine, Mirtazipine, Promethesane, Diazepam and Lorazepam on a daily basis - which does not seem to be helping as I feel I am spiralling. I was wondering if anyone had experienced this sort of OCD Obsession before? and the best way to move forward as I feel trapped. Thanks
I am now on Olanzapine, Mirtazipine, Promethesane, Diazepam and Lorazepam on a daily basis - which does not seem to be helping as I feel I am spiralling. I was wondering if anyone had experienced this sort of OCD Obsession before? and the best way to move forward as I feel trapped. Thanks
terrified1307 profile image
terrified1307
in My OCD Community
4 months ago

intrusive thoughts / OCD?

Currently on mirtazapine and olanzapine. Not sure if they’re helping and if so how much they’re helping. I am able to label these thoughts unwanted and intrusive.. but unable to stop them. The harder you try not to have them the more they come.
Currently on mirtazapine and olanzapine. Not sure if they’re helping and if so how much they’re helping. I am able to label these thoughts unwanted and intrusive.. but unable to stop them. The harder you try not to have them the more they come.
Heyuguys1 profile image
Heyuguys1
in My OCD Community
2 months ago

Guess who’s back

That was 6 months ago and I am still taking olanzapine. I feel totally flattened. Sometimes I find it hard to make conversation (normally I am very chatty). I feel a bit of a burden on my husband as he has to compensate for my lack of energy.
That was 6 months ago and I am still taking olanzapine. I feel totally flattened. Sometimes I find it hard to make conversation (normally I am very chatty). I feel a bit of a burden on my husband as he has to compensate for my lack of energy.
GorillaMumma profile image
GorillaMumma
in Action on Postpartum Psychosis
18 days ago

Olanzapine (Zyprexa) for schizophrenia/bi polar following a psychiatric hold 51/50

It wasn't until I was discharged that I was acquainted with my new medication called Olanzapine. I found out the side effects are weight gain and diabetes. I now speak to 2 doctors for this medication. They're not so helpful.
It wasn't until I was discharged that I was acquainted with my new medication called Olanzapine. I found out the side effects are weight gain and diabetes. I now speak to 2 doctors for this medication. They're not so helpful.
PalmTree01 profile image
PalmTree01
in Anxiety and Depression Support
15 days ago

Ppp and Olanzapine

I’ve been going to therapy for a few months now and I feel that I’m in a good place to try and stop the olanzapine but I am worried my symptoms will return. I just want to know if anyone has successfully stopped olanzapine without any symptoms and fully recovered from ppp? Daniella
I’ve been going to therapy for a few months now and I feel that I’m in a good place to try and stop the olanzapine but I am worried my symptoms will return. I just want to know if anyone has successfully stopped olanzapine without any symptoms and fully recovered from ppp? Daniella
DaniellaCharlotte profile image
DaniellaCharlotte
in Action on Postpartum Psychosis
9 months ago

Choosing not to have more children

I initially took Olanzapine and experienced lethargy, weight gain and a general zombie-like state where I was just going through the motions and craving food and sleep, and feeling very disassociated, for at least eight months.
I initially took Olanzapine and experienced lethargy, weight gain and a general zombie-like state where I was just going through the motions and craving food and sleep, and feeling very disassociated, for at least eight months.
bisketty profile image
bisketty
in Action on Postpartum Psychosis
3 days ago

No emotions even after coming off all meds for 5 months…

Hope anyone can offer some help or advice.I started with postpartum psychosis straight after the birth of my first son .They put me on olanzapine which seemed to help for the first couple of months with most of the anxiety and sleep .Then once I was starting to recover I tried to figure out what had
Hope anyone can offer some help or advice.I started with postpartum psychosis straight after the birth of my first son .They put me on olanzapine which seemed to help for the first couple of months with most of the anxiety and sleep .Then once I was starting to recover I tried to figure out what had
Raindropsonroses44 profile image
Raindropsonroses44
in Action on Postpartum Psychosis
4 months ago

Help with compulsions

Taking fluxotine 80 mg, and Olanzapine 15 mg. CBT is defintely not helping. Thank you.
Taking fluxotine 80 mg, and Olanzapine 15 mg. CBT is defintely not helping. Thank you.
chromatic24680 profile image
chromatic24680
in My OCD Community
8 months ago

Fluxotine with Olanzapine combo

Taking 80 mg of fluxotine, and 15 mg Olanzapine. Meds arn't helping yet. Anyone know of this combination? CBT not helping either.
Taking 80 mg of fluxotine, and 15 mg Olanzapine. Meds arn't helping yet. Anyone know of this combination? CBT not helping either.
chromatic24680 profile image
chromatic24680
in My OCD Community
9 months ago

What is your OCD about?

I am on 80 mg fluxotine, and 15 mg of Olanzapine. Has anyone taken this combo? What are some of your OCD topics? Mine in existential.
I am on 80 mg fluxotine, and 15 mg of Olanzapine. Has anyone taken this combo? What are some of your OCD topics? Mine in existential.
chromatic24680 profile image
chromatic24680
in My OCD Community
9 months ago

Any post issues after recovering from post partum psychosis?

I was prescribed Olanzapine for a few months and tapered down to 2.5 mg. When I tried stopping it, I was suddenly faced with anxiety issues and had to go back on Olanzapine again for a few months. I have tried stopping it again but am faced with the anxiety issue again.
I was prescribed Olanzapine for a few months and tapered down to 2.5 mg. When I tried stopping it, I was suddenly faced with anxiety issues and had to go back on Olanzapine again for a few months. I have tried stopping it again but am faced with the anxiety issue again.
Tash_28 profile image
Tash_28
in Action on Postpartum Psychosis
10 months ago

Could Hashimoto's be drug Induced?

She also takes olanzapine. Both medications are known to affect the thyroid. Is there a way to find out if these medications have caused the Hashimoto's? If she came off the medication and her thyroid levels remained normal would that confirm it was drug-induced? Any advice is appreciated.
She also takes olanzapine. Both medications are known to affect the thyroid. Is there a way to find out if these medications have caused the Hashimoto's? If she came off the medication and her thyroid levels remained normal would that confirm it was drug-induced? Any advice is appreciated.
amco40 profile image
amco40
in Thyroid UK
9 months ago
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