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What
is Zyprexa?
Zyprexa (olanzapine) is an "atypical" antipsychotic
medication that received FDA approval for the treatment of
schizophrenia in September 1996. It is manufactured by Eli
Lilly and Company
How
does Zyprexa work?
Researchers and clinical psychopharmacologists do not fully
know what causes schizophrenia. It is known, however, that
several neurotransmitters in the brain are altered in persons
with schizophrenia. Zyprexa works to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia
by blocking various serotonin and dopamine receptors. It blocks
the serotonin (5HT2A)receptor more potently than the dopamine
(D2) receptor. In animal studies, Zyprexa is more potent at
blocking serotonin and dopamine than Clozaril. Animal and
human studies, however, indicate that Zyprexa may have a greater
risk of causing extrapyramidal side effects than Clozaril.
Extrapyramidal side effects include slowing of voluntary movement,
expressionless face, rigidity and tremor of arms and head,
abnormal tension of muscle tissues, and restlessness.
What
is the standard dose of Zyprexa?
Oral doses of 10 mg daily have been effective for most patients
in the treatment of schizophrenia. Zyprexa can be dosed once
a day at bedtime. This is an advantage over Clozaril which
needs to be dosed two or more times a day in most patients.
Zyprexa is available by prescription from your pharmacy in
5.0 mg, 7.5 mg and 10 mg tablets. A dose of 10 mg has been
an effective starting dose in most patients. Some patients,
however, require higher doses.
How
is Zyprexa different from Clozaril?
Zyprexa differs from Clozaril in side effects. Zyprexa does
not cause seizures or agranulocytosis, a serious deficiency
of a type of white blood cells that could be fatal. Although
Clozaril works very well to treat schizophrenia, it requires
a regular blood draw and prescription refills because of the
monitoring for agranulocytosis. Weekly blood drawing and refills
are not necessary with Zyprexa. Zyprexa also differs from
Clozaril in that it does not cause excessive drooling. Zyprexa
may produce more extrapyramidal side effects (tremor, akathisia,
and muscle stiffness) than Clozaril, however.
What
are the side effects of Zyprexa?
Older antipsychotic medications have been difficult for patients
to continue to take because they cause side effects like weight
gain, fatigue, stiff body movement, and blurred vision. Newer
antipsychotics like Zyprexa do not cause as much blurred vision
or dryness of the mouth, or as frequent stiff body movements.
However, weight gain is a potentially serious side effect
of Zyprexa. Cases of diabetes because of weight gain from
Zyprexa have been reported. Zyprexa also can produce significant
sedation and constipation.
How
is Zyprexa administered?
Zyprexa is available as oral tablets. The strengths available
are 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg tablets.
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