Olanzapine: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic medicine used mainly to treat schizophrenia and manic or mixed episodes linked with bipolar one disorder. It is also used with other medicines for some bipolar depressive episodes and treatment resistant depression. Olanzapine requires a prescription in the United Kingdom, and generic versions have been available since 2011-10-24.

Olanzapine tablets are used to treat schizophrenia in adults and adolescents aged 13 to 17. They are also used for the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar one disorder and for maintenance treatment of bipolar one disorder. In adults, olanzapine may be used alongside lithium or valproate for manic or mixed episodes.

Olanzapine combined with fluoxetine is indicated for depressive episodes associated with bipolar one disorder and for treatment resistant depression. Olanzapine is not indicated on its own for those depressive episodes or for treatment resistant depression. Medicine treatment for children and adolescents with schizophrenia or bipolar one disorder should follow a thorough diagnostic evaluation and consideration of possible risks.

Olanzapine belongs to the atypical antipsychotic group. It acts on several chemical messenger systems in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin receptors. By reducing excessive dopamine signalling in certain brain pathways, it can help lessen symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and disorganised thinking associated with schizophrenia.

Effects on serotonin receptors also contribute to its influence on mood, agitation and other symptoms linked with bipolar disorder. The same receptor activity can affect alertness, movement, appetite and the body’s regulation of blood sugar and fats.

This helps explain why monitoring may include weight, fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles. The medicine’s effects and unwanted reactions vary between individuals, so treatment is assessed by a prescriber.

The label lists oral tablets in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg and 20 mg strengths, including film-coated and orally disintegrating forms. The label lists intramuscular powder for solution as 10 mg/2 mL and 10 mg. The usual starting dose is 5 mg to 10 mg once daily for schizophrenia in adults.

The usual starting dose is 2.5 mg to 5 mg once daily for schizophrenia in adolescents, with a target of 10 mg/day. The usual starting dose is 10 mg or 15 mg once daily for manic or mixed episodes in adults. The usual starting dose is 10 mg once daily when used with lithium or valproate in adults.

The usual starting dose is 5 mg of olanzapine with 20 mg of fluoxetine once daily for adults receiving the combination. The usual starting dose is 2.5 mg of olanzapine with 20 mg of fluoxetine once daily for children and adolescents. Olanzapine may be given without regard to meals.

A missed dose can reduce the regular exposure needed to control symptoms. General pharmacy practice is to follow the prescriber’s or pharmacist’s advice when a dose is missed and not to double the next dose unless specifically instructed. Repeated missed doses, stopping suddenly or uncertainty about what to do should be discussed promptly with a pharmacist or doctor, particularly because olanzapine is used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Published pregnancy data have not established a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Exposure to antipsychotic medicines, including olanzapine, during the third trimester may cause extrapyramidal or withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies.

Olanzapine is present in human milk, and exposed infants may experience excess sedation, irritability, poor feeding or extrapyramidal symptoms. Pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist, and exposed infants should be monitored.

Store olanzapine tablets at controlled room temperature, 20° to 25°C. Excursions between 15° and 30°C are permitted under the label definition of controlled room temperature. Protect the tablets from light and moisture, and keep them out of the reach of children to maintain quality.