Zyprexa Intramuscular

Uses of Zyprexa Intramuscular

Zyprexa (olanzapine) is an atypical antipsychotic that may be used to treat adults and adolescents aged 13 and older with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder.

Precautions and Warnings

Zyprexa may cause serious side effects, including:

An increased risk of death, strokes, or “mini-strokes” called transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) in elderly people who are confused, have memory loss, and have lost touch with reality (dementia-related psychosis). These people should not be given Zyprexa

A higher risk of suicide when Zyprexa is used in combination with fluoxetine for people with depression

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia). This can happen if you have diabetes already or if you have never had diabetes. High blood sugar could lead to a build-up of acid in your blood due to ketones (ketoacidosis), coma, and death. Your doctor should do tests to check your blood sugar before you start taking Zyprexa and during treatment. Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) while taking Zyprexa:

• feel very thirsty
• need to urinate more than usual
• feel very hungry
• feel weak or tired
• feel sick to your stomach
• feel confused or your breath smells fruity.

High fat levels in your blood (increased cholesterol and triglycerides), especially in teenagers aged 13 to 17 or when used in combination with fluoxetine in children aged 10 to 17. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels before you start taking Zyprexa and during treatment

Weight gain is very common in people who take Zyprexa, especially in teenagers aged 13 to 17 or when used in combination with fluoxetine in children aged 10 to 17. Some people gain a lot of weight. You and your doctor should check your weight regularly. Talk to your doctor about ways to control weight gain, such as eating a healthy, balanced diet, and exercising

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). This is a rare but very serious side effect of antipsychotics that may be fatal. NMS can cause death and must be treated in a hospital. Call your doctor right away if you become severely ill and have symptoms such as high fever, excessive sweating, rigid muscles, confusion, changes in your breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure

Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS). This is a serious drug hypersensitivity syndrome with symptoms such as an extensive rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, liver inflammation, and blood abnormalities. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these signs

Tardive Dyskinesia: This condition causes persistent body movements that usually affect the face and tongue which you cannot control. It may not go away even if you stop taking Zyprexa and may start after you stop taking Zyprexa. Tell your doctor if you get any body movements that you cannot control

Decreased blood pressure when you go from a lying or sitting position to standing. Symptoms may include dizziness, fast or slow heartbeat, or fainting

Difficulty swallowing, which may cause food or liquid to get stuck in your lungs

Seizures. Tell your doctor if you have had a seizure before or if you have one during treatment with Zyprexa

Changes in your blood cells. Your doctor will monitor your blood cell counts especially if you have a history of significantly low white blood cell counts or drug-induced leukopenia or neutropenia

Problems with control of body temperature: You could become very hot, for instance when you exercise a lot or live or holiday in a very hot area. It is important for you to drink water to avoid dehydration. Call your doctor right away if you become severely ill and have any of these symptoms sweating too much or not at all, dry mouth, feeling very hot, feeling thirsty, or not able to produce enough urine.

May cause drowsiness and impair judgment, thinking, and motor skills. Use with caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how olanzapine affects you.

Zyprexa has not been approved for use in:

• children under 13 years of age when used to treat schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder
• children under 10 years of age when used in combination with fluoxetine for depressive episodes.

The recommended dose for ZYPREXA  is 10 mg, administered as a single intramuscular injection.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Constipation
• Weight gain and increased appetite
• Dizziness
• Personality disorder
• Restlessness
• Sedation
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Pain in the extremities
• Tiredness or lack of energy
• Dry mouth
• Tremor.