thoughtscape NP Psychiatry · Patient education
Olanzapine
Zyprexa / Zydis • Relprevv is the long-acting injection
Help with mood and thinking, with a plan to protect your physical health too.
Draft for review · Clinical content has not been revalidated for this website.
Use the exact product and dose prescribed. Tablets and the different injections are not interchangeable.
What it is used for
Treats schizophrenia and bipolar mania. It may also help prevent another bipolar episode after improvement.
For bipolar depression or treatment-resistant depression, it is used with fluoxetine, not by itself. Your team should explain your particular treatment goal.
How it works
It changes dopamine and serotonin signaling involved in symptoms. The small diagram shows some of its actions, not a promise about your response.
Other actions can increase appetite, sleepiness, dry mouth, and constipation. Benefit and side effects both belong in the treatment conversation.
What to expect over time
FIRST DAYS
Sleepiness or a calmer feeling may come early. Being sedated is not the same as recovery.
OVER THE NEXT WEEKS
Changes in mood, thoughts, and daily function can build gradually. Tell your team what you notice.
LONGER TERM
Keep visits and lab checks even when you feel well. Review both benefits and physical-health changes.
Taking your medication
Take your oral dose once daily, with or without food. Evening dosing may help sleepiness; confirm timing with your team.
For Zydis, use dry hands, peel back the foil, and place the whole tablet in your mouth. Let it dissolve; water is optional. Do not push it through the foil.
For a missed oral dose, take it when remembered unless the next is nearly due; then skip. Never double. Ask before restarting after a longer gap.
When to get help
Emergency help: trouble breathing, inability to wake, seizure, stroke symptoms, or high fever with severe stiffness and confusion.
Urgent advice: rash with fever/swelling, severe belly pain with constipation or vomiting, fainting, or new uncontrolled movements.
Call promptly: extreme thirst or frequent urination. Get emergency help for vomiting, confusion, deep/fast breathing, or feeling unable to stay safe.
Early side effects
Sleepiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and constipation can occur. Stand slowly and do not drive until you know the effects. Report constipation early, and tell your team about an urge to pace, stiffness, or tremor.
Other effects to discuss
Appetite, weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol may rise. This is not a failure of willpower. Ask about a plan early. Report sexual changes, missed periods, milk discharge, or new involuntary movements.
What to keep track of
Expect weight, blood-pressure, blood sugar/cholesterol, and movement checks. Track appetite, bowel habits, sleepiness, mood, and thinking. Other blood or heart tests depend on your health.
Before you start
Mention diabetes, cholesterol/weight concerns, heart disease, fainting, seizures, liver disease, low blood counts, severe constipation, urinary or glaucoma problems, pregnancy and nursing. Mention phenylketonuria before Zydis. Olanzapine is not approved for dementia-related psychosis; antipsychotics raise death and stroke risks in those older adults.
Medicines & interactions
Smoking changes
Tell your team before stopping, restarting, or changing tobacco smoking. Smoke changes drug levels; nicotine replacement does not have the same effect. Do not adjust the dose yourself.
Other prescriptions and supplements
Fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin, and carbamazepine can change levels. Ask a pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine, including short courses.
Alcohol, sleep aids, and sedatives
Avoid alcohol. Other sedatives can increase sleepiness, falls or breathing problems. Check nonprescription sleep and allergy medicines too.
Medicines for blood pressure, bladder, or movement
Some add dizziness or constipation; others work against olanzapine. Keep an updated list and tell emergency staff about your treatment.
Everyday tips
Ask for practical food, activity, and weight-management support. If hunger or weight changes worry you, contact your team early.
Stay hydrated within any medical fluid limits, avoid overheating, and discuss a bowel plan if constipation develops.
Track your goals: clearer thoughts, steadier mood, better sleep, and daily activities. Side effects that interfere deserve attention.
Plan changes with your prescriber. Stopping suddenly can bring symptoms back and cause sweating, nausea, or trouble sleeping.
Your questions, answered
What is different about Relprevv?
After every injection, stay for at least three hours of observation and leave only when cleared. Someone must accompany you to your destination. Do not drive that day. New severe sleepiness or confusion after leaving needs emergency help.
What if I miss an injection visit?
Call the clinic for a new plan. Do not replace an injection with leftover tablets or extra doses.
What about pregnancy?
Contact your team; do not stop abruptly. Discuss the pregnancy registry and newborn monitoring if used late in pregnancy.
Can I breastfeed?
Make a plan with your team. The drug enters milk; watch for unusual sleepiness, poor feeding, irritability, or abnormal movements in the baby.
Storage & safety
Keep tablets in their packaging, at room temperature, away from children and pets. Do not share. For an extra dose, call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222; call 911 for collapse, seizure, breathing trouble, or inability to wake.
About this information
For general information only; not a substitute for individualized medical advice. This sheet does not cover every risk or interaction. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist before changing how you take this medication.
Sources
Educational inclusion does not mean this medication or its indications are treated at this practice. Review the guide for your exact product with your prescriber or pharmacist.