More common side effects of olanzapine in adults may include:

• Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing after lying down or sitting)
• Lack of energy
• Dry mouth
• Increased appetite
• Tiredness
• Tremor (shakes)
• Constipation (hard or infrequent stools)
• Dizziness
• Restlessness
• Changes in behavior that might be considered offensive to others
• Weight gain

In children and adolescents, these side effects may be present along with:

• Headache
• Pain in the abdomen (stomach area)
• Pain in the arms and legs

Mild side effects may diminish within a few days or weeks. If they persist or worsen, consulting a doctor or pharmacist is advisable.

Serious side effects of olanzapine include:

• Stroke or mini-strokes (transient ischemic attacks) especially in seniors (65 years and older), characterized by confusion, memory loss, and dementia-related psychosis. Symptoms may include confusion, slurred speech, numbness on one side of the body, and weakness.
• Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) marked by fever, rash or peeling skin, and enlarged lymph nodes.
• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) exhibiting symptoms like frequent urination, increased thirst, fruity-smelling breath, blurry vision, increased hunger, weakness, or confusion.
• High cholesterol and triglycerides, often asymptomatic but monitored by doctors before and during olanzapine treatment.
• Low levels of white blood cells or neutrophils leading to infections, manifested as fever or sore throat.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome characterized by high fever, excessive sweating, rigid muscles, confusion, and changes in breathing, heartbeat, or blood pressure.
• Tardive dyskinesia, involuntary body movements that may persist even after treatment cessation.
• Orthostatic hypotension resulting in decreased blood pressure upon changing positions, potentially causing falls or fainting.
• Seizures
• Trouble swallowing leading to food or fluid entering the lungs
• Problems with body temperature control, indicated by excessive sweating, dry mouth, feeling very hot, excessive thirst, or inability to produce urine.
• Falls that may cause fractures or other injuries due to tiredness or shakiness induced by olanzapine.

This information serves as a guideline; individual responses to medications vary, and consulting a healthcare professional is essential for personalized advice.

Pros and Cons of olanzapine

Pros:

• Efficacy in Treating Symptoms
• Versatility
• Oral and Injectable Forms
• Improvement in Quality of Life

Cons:

• Side Effects
• Metabolic Effects
• Sedation and Cognitive Impairment
• Cost

Differences Between olanzapine and Linzess

Olanzapine:

It is an antipsychotic medication used primarily in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It helps to manage symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and mood disturbances.

Linzess:

It is a medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). Linzess works by increasing fluid secretion in the intestines and promoting bowel movements.

Alternative to olanzapine

Clozapine (Clozaril):

Clozapine is another atypical antipsychotic medication that is often used when other antipsychotics have not been effective. It is particularly effective for treatment-resistant schizophrenia but requires regular monitoring due to the risk of agranulocytosis, a serious condition involving a low white blood cell count.

Olanzapine may interact with other medications

Olanzapine oral tablets have the potential to interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you may be using. An interaction occurs when one substance alters the way a drug functions, which can be detrimental or impede its efficacy.

To mitigate the risk of interactions, it is essential for your doctor to oversee all of your medications meticulously. Inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are currently taking. To ascertain how olanzapine might interact with any other substance you are using, consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

Listed below are examples of drugs that may interact with olanzapine:

Interactions that increase your risk of side effects

Taking olanzapine with certain medications can elevate the risk of experiencing side effects from olanzapine due to an increase in the amount of olanzapine in your body. Examples of such drugs include:

• Fluvoxamine: Increased side effects may include tremors (shakes). Your doctor might adjust your olanzapine dosage to mitigate this issue.

Additionally, taking olanzapine with specific medications can heighten the risk of side effects that both olanzapine and these other drugs can induce. Examples of these drugs include:

• Benzodiazepines like diazepam: Increased side effects may encompass orthostatic hypotension, drowsiness, tiredness, and dizziness. Your doctor will closely monitor you during therapy.
• Blood pressure medications, such as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) like candesartan, irbesartan, or losartan, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors like benazepril, captopril, or enalapril: Elevated side effects may entail a dangerous decrease in your blood pressure. To mitigate this risk, your doctor may reduce your olanzapine dosage.
• Anticholinergics like atropine or dicyclomine: Increased side effects may include constipation, difficulty urinating, and an increased risk of falls. Your doctor will closely monitor you during therapy.

Conclusion