Experiences with
Olanzapine

ContraindicationsHow it's used (previously Dosage and administration)Side effectsPregnancyContraindications

Olanzapine is not suitable for some people. For example, check with your doctor if you have a heart problem or low blood pressure.

Olanzapine comes as tablets, including tablets that dissolve in your mouth, and as injections. Follow the instructions that come with your medicine.

Common side effects of olanzapine include feeling sleepy or dizzy. More serious side effects can happen in rare cases.

You can take olanzapine when you're pregnant, but always check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Who can take olanzapine

Most adults aged 18 years old and over can take olanzapine.

Who may not be able to take olanzapine

Olanzapine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor before starting to take it if you have:

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

Dosage and how to take olanzapine

Olanzapine tablets come in different strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 15mg and 20mg.

How much you take will depend on what you're taking it for. Your doctor may ask you to change your dose depending on how well olanzapine works for you.

If you're 65 years old or over, or you have problems with your kidneys or liver, your doctor may ask you to take a lower dose and increase your dose very slowly.

Dosage for schizophrenia

You'll usually start on 10mg, taken once a day.

Dosage for mania symptoms of bipolar disorder

You'll usually start on 15mg, taken once a day. If you're taking other medicines to help your symptoms, you may start on 10mg, taken once a day.

Dosage to prevent mania symptoms coming back

You'll usually start on a dose of 10mg, taken once a day. If you've been taking olanzapine to treat your mania symptoms, you may stay on the same dose.

Changes to your dose

Your doctor may ask you to increase or decrease your dose, but this will depend on how well olanzapine works to help manage your symptoms.

Most people feel better with daily doses of 5mg to 20mg. It may take a few weeks to get to the right dose that works for you.

How to take tablets

Take olanzapine once a day, at the same time each day.

You can take it with or without food.

Common side effects of olanzapine

These common side effects of olanzapine may affect up to 1 in 10 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

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. Speak to your doctor if they get worse or do not go away.

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.

If olanzapine makes you feel dizzy when you stand up, get up slowly and hold on to something to steady your balance until your dizziness has passed. It should only last a few moments.

As your body gets used to your medicine this problem should get better.

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're on olanzapine.

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. Try to exercise more regularly, for example, by going for a daily walk or run.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.

See your doctor if you have sexual problems such as lower libido in men or women, or problems getting an erection. These can be signs of hormone changes.

Olanzapine and pregnancy

Olanzapine can be taken during pregnancy. It's not thought to be harmful to your baby.

Mental health conditions can affect both your and your baby's wellbeing. It's important that they're well treated. If you think that your mental health has got worse during pregnancy, or after your baby is born, then it's important to get help from your doctor, midwife or local mental health team.

If you become pregnant while taking olanzapine, speak to your doctor. You'll be reviewed in an antenatal clinic and can discuss your treatment with the doctors.

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

Olanzapine and breastfeeding

If your baby is healthy, you may be able to take olanzapine if you're breastfeeding. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor first.

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.

It's very rare for breastfed babies to have side effects from medicines you're taking. But it's important to keep monitoring your baby if you're taking any medicine while breastfeeding.

Contact your healthcare professional or call 111 as soon as possible if your baby:

is not feeding as normal, or gaining weight as expected
has changes in sleep, or irritability
is trembling, or has sudden or jerky movements
has constipation, or is peeing less (fewer wet nappies)
has a rash

If your baby has any symptoms that are not listed, or if you're worried about them, you can also call 111 or contact any healthcare professional.

Carry on taking the medicine, and keep breastfeeding as usual until you've got advice about your baby's symptoms.

It's important not to share a bed with your baby while you're taking olanzapine.

Cautions with other medicines

There are some medicines that may affect how olanzapine works.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including:

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

These are not all the medicines that may cause problems if you take them with olanzapine. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.