Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved olanzapine oral tablets to treat:
- schizophrenia in adults and some children
- manic or mixed episodes related to bipolar I disorder in adults and some children
Olanzapine oral tablets may be prescribed in combination with valproate or lithium for the treatment of manic or mixed episodes related to bipolar I disorder.
They also may be prescribed in combination with fluoxetine for:
- treatment-resistant depression related to bipolar I disorder in adults
- depressive episodes related to bipolar I disorder in adults and some children
This article describes the dosages and strengths of olanzapine oral tablets and gives details on how to take them. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for olanzapine. If you want to know more about olanzapine oral tablets, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Olanzapine oral tablets are generic versions of the brand-name drugs Zyprexa and Zyprexa Zydis. Olanzapine also comes in other oral forms and injectable forms, but those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about those forms, talk with your doctor.
Boxed warning: Increased risk of death in certain older adults
Olanzapine has a boxed warning for the increased risk of death in certain older adults. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
Forms and strengths of olanzapine
Olanzapine oral tablets come in the following forms and strengths. Strengths are in milligrams (mg).
| Form | How to take | Strengths |
| oral tablet | take by swallowing | • 2.5 mg • 5 mg • 7.5 mg • 10 mg • 15 mg • 20 mg |
| orally disintegrating tablet | take by letting the tablet dissolve in your mouth | • 5 mg • 10 mg • 15 mg • 20 mg |
Dosage of olanzapine
This article describes the recommended dosages for olanzapine oral tablets. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of olanzapine oral tablets without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of olanzapine in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of olanzapine oral tablets. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of olanzapine oral tablets that give the desired outcome.
The table below contains the starting and maintenance dosages of both forms of olanzapine oral tablets for adults. Dosages are in milligrams (mg).
| Condition/Purpose | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage |
| schizophrenia | 5–10 mg once per day | target dosage of 10 mg once per day |
| manic or mixed episodes related to bipolar I disorder | 10–15 mg once per day | up to 20 mg per day |
| manic or mixed episodes related to bipolar I disorder used in combination with valproate or lithium | 10 mg once per day | up to 20 mg per day |
| treatment-resistant depression when used in combination with fluoxetine | 5 mg olanzapine and 20 mg fluoxetine once per day | up 18 mg olanzapine and 75 mg fluoxetine per day |
| depressive episodes related to bipolar I disorder when used in combination with fluoxetine | 5 mg olanzapine and 20 mg fluoxetine once per day | up 18 mg olanzapine and 75 mg fluoxetine per day |
The maximum recommended dosage of olanzapine oral tablets is 20 mg per day. However, when olanzapine is used with fluoxetine, the maximum dosage is 18 mg of olanzapine with 75 mg of fluoxetine per day.
Dosages of olanzapine in children
Olanzapine oral tablets are prescribed in children ages 13 years and older to treat schizophrenia and manic or mixed episodes related to bipolar I disorder. They are also prescribed in children ages 10 years and older to treat depressive episodes related to bipolar I disorder when used in combination with fluoxetine.
The table below contains the starting and maintenance dosages of both forms of olanzapine oral tablets for children. Dosages are in milligrams (mg).
| Condition/Purpose | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage |
| schizophrenia | 2.5–5 mg once per day | target dosage of 10 mg once per day |
| manic or mixed episodes related to bipolar I disorder | 2.5–5 mg once per day | target dosage of 10 mg once per day |
| depressive episodes related to bipolar I disorder when used in combination with fluoxetine | 2.5 mg olanzapine and 20 mg fluoxetine once per day | up to 12 mg olanzapine and 50 mg fluoxetine per day |
The maximum recommended dosage of olanzapine oral tablets in children is 20 mg per day. However, when olanzapine is used with fluoxetine, the maximum dosage is 12 mg of olanzapine with 50 mg of fluoxetine per day.
Dosage adjustments for olanzapine
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of olanzapine oral tablets based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of olanzapine
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of olanzapine oral tablets. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of olanzapine oral tablets and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about olanzapine oral tablets and their dosage.
What is considered a high dose and low dose of olanzapine?
Your doctor will individualize your dosage of olanzapine oral tablets.
Usually, they’ll start you on a low dosage, such as 5 milligrams (mg) per day. Then, they’ll adjust it over time to a target dosage, such as 10 mg per day. If needed, they may increase your dosage up to the maximum recommended dosage of 20 mg per day.
For details, see the “Dosage of olanzapine” section above. You can also talk with your doctor to learn more.
Can olanzapine be used for anxiety? If so, what is the dosage?
Olanzapine isn’t approved to treat anxiety. For this reason, there isn’t an approved dosage for this condition.
For certain conditions, doctors may prescribe a medication “off-label.” With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for. However, olanzapine isn’t typically prescribed off-label for anxiety.
Anxiety can be a symptom of bipolar I disorder, which olanzapine oral tablet is approved to treat. While taking olanzapine for this use, you may see a reduction in your anxiety symptoms.
If you have anxiety, talk with your doctor. They can recommend a treatment that’s right for you.
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Get free cardIs olanzapine taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe olanzapine oral tablets as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that they are safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take them long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take olanzapine oral tablets, talk with your doctor.
How olanzapine is taken
You’ll swallow olanzapine oral tablet once per day with or without food. With olanzapine orally disintegrating tablet, you’ll take it by dissolving the tablet in your mouth.
Your doctor may advise that you take olanzapine oral tablets around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
Olanzapine oral tablets aren’t meant to be crushed, chewed, or broken. If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, read this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty swallowing olanzapine oral tablet. They can offer recommendations about taking it. Or they may suggest you switch to olanzapine orally disintegrating tablet.
Olanzapine coupon
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Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Overdose of olanzapine
It’s important that you do not take more olanzapine oral tablets than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of olanzapine overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- aggressiveness or agitation
- fast heart rate
- involuntary movements
- drowsiness
- slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- changes in consciousness
- irregular heartbeat
- slow breathing
What to do if you take too much olanzapine
If you think you’ve taken too much olanzapine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for olanzapine oral tablets. If your doctor prescribes either form of this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of olanzapine oral tablets without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take olanzapine oral tablets exactly as your doctor prescribes them. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will you change my dosage of olanzapine oral tablets if I take certain other medications?
- How do the dosages compare between olanzapine oral tablets and their brand-name versions?
- Does my weight affect my dosage of olanzapine oral tablets?
Boxed warning for olanzapine
Olanzapine has a boxed warning for the increased risk of death in certain older adults. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Older adults (ages 65 and older) with dementia-related psychosis may have an increased risk of death when taking olanzapine. Olanzapine oral tablets are not approved for people in this group.
For details, see the “Dosage of olanzapine” section above. You can also talk with your doctor to learn more.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.