The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved olanzapine oral tablets to treat these two conditions in adults and children ages 13 years and older.
This article describes possible side effects of olanzapine oral tablets. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for olanzapine.
Olanzapine oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Zyprexa. Olanzapine orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) is a generic version of the brand-name drug Zyprexa Zydis. The drug also comes in injectable forms, but they aren’t described in this article. To learn more about the injectable forms, talk with your doctor.
You can explore this overview article to learn more about olanzapine oral tablets, including the drug’s uses, dosage, ways to save on cost, and more.
Boxed warning: Increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia
Olanzapine has a boxed warning for increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the FDA.
For details, see the “Side effects of olanzapine in detail” section below.
More common side effects of olanzapine
Below are some of the more common side effects of olanzapine oral tablets that occurred during the drug’s studies. The more common side effects varied based on the condition being treated.
More common side effects in people taking olanzapine oral tablets for schizophrenia include:
- orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing or sitting up), which can lead to falls
- constipation
- dizziness
- weight gain*
- behavior changes*
More common side effects in people taking olanzapine oral tablets for bipolar I disorder include:
- weakness
- dry mouth
- constipation
- increased appetite
- sleepiness
- weight gain*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of olanzapine in detail” section below.
Mild side effects of olanzapine
Olanzapine may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be managed easily. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of olanzapine oral tablets that occurred in studies include:
- back pain
- constipation
- cough
- dry mouth
- dizziness
- runny or stuffy nose
- fatigue (low energy)
- fever
- increased appetite
- restlessness
- sleepiness
- trouble sleeping
- tremor
- upset stomach
- weakness
- behavior changes*
- mild allergic reaction†
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of olanzapine in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with olanzapine oral tablets. This side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies. But it has occurred since the time olanzapine was approved for use.
Olanzapine oral tablets may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects of olanzapine
Olanzapine may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from olanzapine oral tablets, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with olanzapine oral tablets.
Serious side effects of olanzapine oral tablets that occurred in studies include:
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare but serious reaction to medications such as olanzapine)
- drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), a life threatening skin reaction
- tardive dyskinesia (repeating and uncontrollable muscle movements)
- orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing or sitting up), which can lead to falls
- blood disorders, including:
- trouble swallowing, which may lead to aspiration (fluid or food entering your lungs)
- impaired thinking, motor skills, or ability to perform tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery
- problems with your body’s ability to regulate your body temperature, which can lead to dehydration
- changes in your metabolism, which can increase your risk of heart disease. These changes can include:
- high blood sugar level and type 2 diabetes
- high cholesterol or triglyceride level
- weight gain*
- increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia*†
- severe allergic reaction‡
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of olanzapine in detail” section below.
† Olanzapine oral tablets have a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects of olanzapine in detail” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible with olanzapine oral tablets. This side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies. But it has occurred since the time olanzapine was approved for use.
Side effects of olanzapine in children
Olanzapine is prescribed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder in children ages 13 years and older.
Side effects of olanzapine in children are similar to those in adults described above. But some differences in the most common side effects were reported in children taking olanzapine. Compared with adults, children taking olanzapine are more likely to experience:
- weight gain
- increased sleepiness
- increased cholesterol
Below are more common side effects reported in children taking olanzapine. Talk with your child’s doctor if you have concerns or questions about olanzapine’s side effects in children.
More common side effects in children taking olanzapine oral tablets for schizophrenia include:
- sleepiness
- headache
- increased appetite
- dizziness
- weight gain*
More common side effects in children taking olanzapine oral tablets for bipolar I disorder include:
- sleepiness
- headache
- increased appetite
- fatigue (low energy)
- weight gain*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of olanzapine in detail” section below.
Common questions about side effects of olanzapine
Here are answers to some common questions about the side effects of olanzapine oral tablets. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does olanzapine cause long-term side effects?
Yes, olanzapine can cause long-term side effects. For example, olanzapine commonly causes changes in your metabolism, including:
- high blood sugar level and type 2 diabetes
- high cholesterol or triglyceride level
- weight gain*
These changes may lead to other long-term health problems, including heart disease and complications of diabetes. Furthermore, these problems may continue to affect your health even after you’ve stopped taking olanzapine.
Another example of a possible long-term side effect of olanzapine is tardive dyskinesia (repeating and uncontrollable muscle movements). The risk of this side effect tends to increase the longer you take olanzapine. And it may not go away after stopping the drug.
Talk with your doctor about your risk of long-term side effects from olanzapine. They can help you weigh the potential risks and benefits of treating your condition.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of olanzapine in detail” section below.
Is olanzapine used to treat borderline personality disorder?
It might be, but olanzapine isn’t approved to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). If doctors prescribe it to treat this condition, it’s an off-label use. (Off-label means prescribing a drug for a condition other than what it’s approved to treat.)
Some evidence suggests that olanzapine may help with certain symptoms of BPD. Examples are anxiety and anger.
To learn more about off-label uses of olanzapine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can olanzapine cause certain side effects in older adults?
Yes, olanzapine can cause some side effects in certain older adults. (People ages 65 years and older are usually considered older adults.) It can increase the risk of death in older adults who have psychosis related to dementia. In fact, olanzapine has a boxed warning for this risk. To learn more, see the “Side effects of olanzapine in detail” section below.
It’s important to note that olanzapine is not approved to treat psychosis related to dementia in older adults. It’s approved only to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder in adults. For these two uses, older adults didn’t report side effects different from those in other adults.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn whether your age affects your risk of side effects from taking olanzapine.
Is misuse, dependence, or withdrawal a possible side effect of olanzapine?
Studies of olanzapine didn’t find a risk of misuse or dependence. (Misuse is taking a drug in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function like usual.) But misuse has been reported since olanzapine was first approved for use.
In studies of olanzapine, withdrawal symptoms weren’t reported. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug on which your body has become dependent.) But if olanzapine is taken during pregnancy, withdrawal symptoms may occur in a newborn. For more information, see the “Warnings for olanzapine” section below.
Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about olanzapine and the risk of misuse, dependence, or withdrawal.
Coupon for olanzapine
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Side effects of olanzapine in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of olanzapine oral tablets.
Increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia
Olanzapine has a boxed warning for increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia. (People ages 65 years and older are usually considered older adults.) A boxed warning is the most serious warning about a drug from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA requires this warning for all antipsychotic medications, including olanzapine.
With dementia, you experience problems with memory, communication, behavior, and thinking. And with psychosis, you have impaired reality, which may cause delusions (perceptions contrary to evidence) or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things mistaken as real).
Studies also found that older adults with psychosis related to dementia had a higher risk of stroke when taking antipsychotic medications. In some cases, strokes may be fatal.
Ways to manage
Olanzapine should not be prescribed in older adults who have psychosis related to dementia. Instead, doctors will consider other treatments for this condition.
Weight gain
Weight gain is a possible side effect of taking olanzapine. This is a known side effect of all antipsychotic medications, including olanzapine.
In olanzapine’s studies, weight gain was among the more common side effects reported. This side effect occurred in people of all age groups taking the drug. But it was more likely to occur in children. It was also more likely to occur in adults with schizophrenia.
Some people may gain a lot of weight while taking olanzapine. And it’s possible to continue gaining weight throughout treatment with this drug. In rare cases, people have stopped treatment with olanzapine due to weight gain.
Ways to manage
Before you start olanzapine, your doctor should advise you on ways to manage and monitor your weight throughout treatment. But it’s important to note that weight gain may occur despite efforts such as exercise and diet.
If you have weight gain that bothers you, your doctor can discuss alternative treatments for your condition.
Behavior changes
In studies, behavior changes were among the most common side effects reported in adults taking olanzapine to treat schizophrenia. It isn’t known if these side effects occurred in adults taking the drug for bipolar I disorder. It also isn’t known if they were reported in studies of children prescribed the drug for either condition.
Researchers in these studies described these behavior changes as a “personality disorder” and as “nonaggressive objectionable behavior.” But they didn’t note examples of the specific behaviors.
It’s important to note that changes in behavior are also symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. Olanzapine is prescribed to treat these two conditions.
Ways to manage
Talk with your doctor if you have changes in behavior that concern you while taking olanzapine. They can evaluate your symptoms and determine the best way to treat them. This may include adjusting your olanzapine dose or stopping the medication.
Allergic reaction
For some people, olanzapine oral tablets can cause an allergic reaction. This wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies. But it has occurred since the time olanzapine was approved for use.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know if you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to olanzapine oral tablets, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for olanzapine
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking olanzapine oral tablets.
Boxed warning: Increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia
Olanzapine has a boxed warning for increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Side effects of olanzapine in detail” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take olanzapine oral tablets if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether olanzapine oral tablets are a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking olanzapine oral tablets, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include those listed below.
Heart problems. It’s important to tell your doctor if you have a heart problem before you start taking olanzapine. This includes heart disease. If you have a heart problem, olanzapine can cause side effects that raise your risk of heart disease. These side effects include weight gain and type 2 diabetes (see below). If you have heart disease or a heart problem, these side effects could worsen your heart condition.
Your doctor can provide more information on whether olanzapine is safe for you to take.
Diabetes. Olanzapine can cause high blood sugar that may lead to or worsen diabetes. If you already have diabetes, taking olanzapine could worsen it.
If your doctor prescribes olanzapine, they’ll likely monitor your blood sugar levels closely during treatment.
High cholesterol or triglyceride level. Olanzapine can raise cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood. If you already have a high cholesterol or triglyceride level, taking olanzapine could worsen it.
If your doctor prescribes olanzapine, they’ll likely monitor your cholesterol and triglyceride levels closely during treatment.
Seizures. Olanzapine can cause seizures as a side effect. If you already experience seizures, taking olanzapine could cause their frequency to increase or their severity to worsen.
Your doctor can provide more information on whether olanzapine is safe for you to take.
Other conditions or medical problems. Tell your doctor if you now have or ever had any of the following conditions or problems. They can recommend whether it’s safe for you to take olanzapine.
- blood cell problems, such as low white blood cell counts
- breast cancer
- problems with urination or passing bowel movements
- enlarged prostate
- blood pressure problems, such as low or high blood pressure
Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to olanzapine oral tablets or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe this medication. Ask them about other treatment options that may be better for you.
Olanzapine and pregnancy
Studies show that taking olanzapine during a pregnancy’s third trimester may cause issues in the newborn after delivery. These include:
- withdrawal symptoms,* including difficulty feeding, agitation, and sleepiness
- extrapyramidal symptoms (problems with movement), including muscle tremors
* Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug on which your body has become dependent. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function like usual.
Talk with your doctor about treatment options for your condition if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
If you and your doctor agree that you’ll take olanzapine during pregnancy, consider joining the pregnancy registry for antipsychotic medications. Pregnancy registries gather information about the use of medications during pregnancy. This information helps doctors and people make safe treatment choices during pregnancy.
Olanzapine and breastfeeding
Olanzapine passes into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Side effects can include:
- feeding difficulties
- irritability
- extreme sleepiness
- extrapyramidal symptoms (problems with movement), including muscle tremors
Talk with your doctor to learn more about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while taking olanzapine. You can also discuss different feeding options for your child.
Olanzapine and alcohol
Alcohol use is not recommended while taking olanzapine oral tablets. This is because alcohol can worsen certain side effects of the drug. Examples are sleepiness and orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing or sitting up), which can lead to falls.
If you have questions about avoiding alcohol during your treatment with olanzapine oral tablets, talk with your doctor.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of olanzapine oral tablets. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will other medications I take interact with olanzapine and raise my risk of side effects?
- How do side effects of olanzapine compare with those of other antipsychotic drugs that may treat my condition?
- If I stop taking olanzapine, will I have withdrawal symptoms?
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.
