Zyprexa – also known as olanzapine – is an atypical anti-psychotic that is used in the treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and mental complications associated with schizophrenia. Zyprexa is an effective first-line of treatment for emotional, mental, and nervous conditions associated with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a long-term brain disorder that is characterized by delusions, hallucinations (both auditory and visual), a lack of motivation, and trouble with thinking and concentration. Even though it is a chronic disorder, treatment can greatly improve the symptoms of schizophrenia.

There are many stereotypes and misconceptions about the disease of schizophrenia. Most patients are not violent, not homeless, not “crazy”, and not dangerous. Nor do they have multiple or split-personalities. Rather, they are average people that live in homes, not hospitals, and live normal lives. Schizophrenia appears to affect men and women the same around the world and no root cause has been discovered for the development of schizophrenia. Generally, men develop symptoms in their late teenage years or early twenties, while women develop symptoms in their mid-twenties to early thirties.

When symptoms of the disease are active, patients that suffer from schizophrenia have a difficult time distinguishing between unreal and real experiences. Symptoms of schizophrenia may include:

• Hallucinations
• Paranoid delusions
• Exaggerated perception, beliefs, and behaviors
• Decrease in the ability to speak, express emotion, find pleasure, or initiate plans
• Severe difficulty with concentration, memory
• Declining academic and educational performance
• Trouble with logical thinking
• Bizarre behavior and abnormal movements
• Confused and disordered thinking and speech

Zyprexa Side Effects

The most common side effects of Zyprexa include:

• Missed menstrual periods
• Dry mouth
• Breast swelling or discharge
• Numbness or tingly feeling
• Pain in the arms and legs
• Back pain
• Stomach pain or upset stomach
• Memory problems
• Weight gain
• Tiredness
• Restlessness
• Weight gain (more likely in teenagers)
• Lethargy
• Constipation
• Headache
• Changes in personality
• Increased appetite
• Akathisia (the inability to sit still comfortably)
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness

While these symptoms are not guaranteed, consult with your doctor if any of these side effects become unmanageable. If these symptoms begin to adversely affect your day-to-day life, it may be time to switch medications or lower your dose. If you have symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, unusual bruising, jaundice, skin rash, or fever, contact an emergency medical service immediately.

Zyprexa Dosage

The dosage of Zyprexa will vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. For adults, the typical dosage if 5-10mg per day, once a day. Generally, 20mg is considered the max dose for both teenagers and adults, with teenagers generally starting at 2.5-5mg once per day. If any of the above symptoms become too much, consider lowering your dose or switching medications.

There are many medications that should not be taken with Zyprexa, so make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription and over-the-counter drugs you may be taking.

Zyprexa Prescription Assistance

If you are having trouble paying for your prescription medications and are an uninsured or under-insured American, Advocate My Meds can help you pay for the cost of your prescription drugs. We utilize prescription assistance programs to save you hundreds of dollars on prescription medications. To find out if you qualify, call Advocate My Meds at (877) 870-0851 or visit our contact page today!