HeadMeds gives young people in the United Kingdom general information about medication. HeadMeds does not give you medical advice. Please talk to your Doctor or anyone else who is supporting you about your own situation because everyone is different. Please read more important details about our site.

Olanzapine

"oh-LAN-za-peen"
Medication type:

Atypical antipsychotic medicine

Other names:
  • Zyprexa® "zi-PREX-a"
Headmeds generic 695x330 listing
Taking Olanzapine and Sertraline: Elizabeth's story
After a couple of weeks my sleeping patterns regulated to how they had been before I began the medication

What can it be used for?

  • 18 & Over
    If you are 18 or over, the doctor can prescribe olanzapine for you as a licensed medicine for mania, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
  • Under 18
    If you are under 18, there is less research about its use and effectiveness in young people. Even so, specialists might prescribe it ‘off label’ if it is the best medicine for you

Ways to take and what's in it?

  • Tablets

    2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 15mg, and 20mg strengths

  • Oral drops

    5mg, 10mg, 15mg and 20mg strengths - these may be called ‘Zyprexa Velotabs™

  • Injections

    210mg, 300mg or 405mg in one injection - this may be called Zypadhera™

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic medicine.

It is used to treat a number of mental health conditions, including psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder.

It is also sometimes used in combination with an antidepressant medicine to treat depression.

The most common side effects of olanzapine are sleepiness and weight gain. Olanzapine can also cause some rare but serious side effects.

Issues like alcohol, driving, concentration, sports, weight, sex life and fertility