Olanzapine Disintegrating Pill

What is this medicine?

OLANZAPINE is used to treat schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, and bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depression.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• breast cancer or history or breast cancer
• dementia
• diabetes mellitus, high blood sugar or a family history of diabetes
• difficulty swallowing
• glaucoma
• heart disease, irregular heartbeat, or previous heart attack
• history of brain tumor or head injury
• kidney or liver disease
• low blood pressure or dizziness when standing up
• Parkinson's disease
• prostate trouble
• seizures (convulsions)
• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
• an unusual or allergic reaction to olanzapine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Leave the tablet in the foil package until you are ready to take it. Do not push the tablet through the blister pack. Peel open the package with dry hands and place the tablet on your tongue. The tablet will dissolve rapidly and be swallowed in your saliva. While you may take these tablets with food or water, it is not necessary to do so. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• certain antibiotics like grepafloxacin and sparfloxacin
• certain phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, and thioridazine
• cisapride
• clozapine
• droperidol
• halofantrine
• levomethadyl
• pimozide

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• carbamazepine
• charcoal
• fluvoxamine
• levodopa and other medicines for Parkinson's disease
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for mental depression, anxiety, other mood disorders, or sleeping problems
• omeprazole
• rifampin
• ritonavir
• tobacco from cigarettes

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine. Notify your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms get worse, if you have new symptoms, if you are having an unusual effect from this medicine, or if you feel out of control, very discouraged or think you might harm yourself or others.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You may need to gradually reduce the dose. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Avoid alcoholic drinks. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness with olanzapine.

Do not treat yourself for colds, diarrhea or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated or dehydrated from exercise. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• difficulty breathing
• difficulty in speaking or swallowing
• excessive thirst and/or hunger
• fast heartbeat (palpitations)
• frequently needing to urinate
• inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs
• painful or prolonged erections
• restlessness or need to keep moving
• stiffness, spasms
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash
• swelling of face or legs
• tremors or trembling

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• changes in sexual desire
• constipation
• drowsiness
• lowered blood pressure
• weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at controlled room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.