Pharmacology

Olanzapine is classified as an atypical antipsychotic, meaning that it affects the body by blocking the serotonin 5-HT2 receptors.

Uses
Olanzapine is used for: Treatment of schizophrenia and acute manic episodes of bipolar disorder. Treatment of the constant symptoms of bipolar disorder. Treatment of resistant depression when used in combination with fluoxetine.

Dosing
Chemical Structure of Olanzapine Schizophrenia Bipolar Disorder Therapy is initiated with 10-15 mg a day. The dose may be increased by 5 mg a day at 24 hour intervals.

Warnings
There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as stroke and/ or heart failure) when this medication is used in elderly patients with dementia. There may be potential drug interactions in patients taking any other medication used to treat depression.

Therapy is initi ated with 5-10 mg a day. The dose may be increased by 5 mg a day on a weekly basis.

Drug Interactions
Drugs that can reduce blood concentrations of olanzapine include: Carbamazepine Omeprazole Rifampin Taking olanzapine with Drugs that can increase blood either diazepam, other concentrations of olanzapine related benzodiazepiinclude: nes, or alcohol can exag Ciprofloxacin gerate the orthostatic Diltiazem hypotension side effect of olanzapine. Erythromycin Fluvoxamine

**The maximum dose is 20 mg per day for the treatment of both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.**

Akathisia Constipation Dizziness Drowsiness Insomnia Dry mouth Orthostatic hypertension Tremor Weight gain

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