Olanzapine (Olanzapine)
Overview of Olanzapine
Olanzapine is atypical antipsychotic agent similar in chemical structure and in mechanism of action to clozapine. The development of it was based on the atypical profile of clozapine which suggests that the antipsychotic effects are due to clozapine's interaction at a number of different receptors rather than at a single receptor type. Like clozapine, it binds to , dopamine, histamine (H-1), muscarinic, and serotonin type- 2 (5-HT�) receptors. It has a reduced incidence of extrapyramidal reactions and appears to have a low potential for drug interactions. Clinically, it may be effective for both negative and positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Final FDA approval was granted October 1, 1996 for the treatment of schizophrenia.
Indication of Olanzapine
Olanzapine is primarily indicated in conditions like Moderate to severe mania associated with bipolar disorder, Nausea and vomiting, Psychosis, Schizophrenia, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Mania.
Contraindication of Olanzapine
Olanzapine is contraindicated in conditions like Narrow-angle glaucoma.
Side Effects of Olanzapine
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Olanzapine, which give rise to further complications include Seizures, Extrapyramidal syndrome.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Olanzapine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Constipation, Dry mouth, Peripheral edema, Weight gain, SomnolenceX, Increased appetite, Orthostatic hypotension, Dry mouth, dizziness.
Precautions of Olanzapine
Olanzepine should be used with caution in patients with liver or heart disease, low blood pressure, breast cancer, stroke, diabetes, seizures (any neurological problems), prostate problems, narrow angle glaucoma, intestinal disease or any allergy. Caution is advised to avoid overheating and also excessive body water loss by very strenuous exercise or exposure to extreme heat. Alcohol use may add to the dizziness and drowsiness effect of this drug. It should be used with caution in the elderly. It should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.