Drug Uses
Zyprexa is used for treatment of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken
Use Zyprexa as directed by your doctor. Take Zyprexa with or without a meal. It is recommended to drink extra fluids while you are taking Zyprexa. Continue to take Zyprexa even if you feel well.

Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Zyprexa, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Zyprexa, if you have a history of seizures, heart problems (eg, heart failure, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat), abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), heart attack, stroke, blood vessel problems, high blood cholesterol levels, or high or low blood pressure, have a history of liver problems, stomach or bowel problems (eg, decreased muscle movement), enlarged prostate, narrow–angle glaucoma, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), aspiration pneumonia, or suicidal thoughts or attempts, if you have Alzheimer disease, dementia, or trouble swallowing, have had high blood prolactin levels or a history of certain types of cancer (eg, breast, pancreas, pituitary), or if you are at risk for breast cancer, if you have diabetes or are very overweight, or if a family member has had diabetes, if you are dehydrated, drink alcohol, or smoke, or you will be exposed to high temperatures, or if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zyprexa while you are pregnant. Zyprexa is found in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Zyprexa. Some medicines may interact with Zyprexa. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not drink alcohol while you are using Zyprexa. Zyprexa may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit–like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Zyprexa. Symptoms may include fever, stiff muscles, confusion, abnormal thinking, fast or irregular heartbeat, and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms. Some patients who take Zyprexa may develop muscle movements that they cannot control. This is more likely to happen in elderly patients, especially women. The chance that this will happen or that it will become permanent is greater in those who take Zyprexa in higher doses or for a long time. Muscle problems may also occur after short–term treatment with low doses. Tell your doctor at once if you have muscle problems with your arms, legs, or your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (eg, tongue sticking out, puffing of cheeks, mouth puckering, chewing movements) while taking Zyprexa. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Zyprexa and might require a lower dose. Zyprexa should be used with extreme caution in children.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are- Back or joint pain, constipation, cough, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, increased appetite, indigestion, lightheadedness, numbness or tingling of the skin, restlessness, sore throat, weakness, weight gain. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), abnormal thoughts, chest pain, confusion, decreased urination, fainting, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, fever, increased saliva production or drooling, increased sweating, memory loss, menstrual changes, muscle pain, weakness, or stiffness, new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, depression, hallucinations), seizures, severe or prolonged dizziness or headache, shortness of breath, swelling of the hands, legs, or feet, symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, urination, unusual weakness), tremor, trouble concentrating, speaking, or swallowing, trouble sitting still, trouble walking or standing, uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, arm or leg movements, twitching of the face or tongue, jerking or twisting), unusual bruising, vision changes, yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Storage
Store Zyprexa at 68 – 77 °F (20 – 25 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Zyprexa out of the reach of children.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately. Some of the symptoms of Zyprexa overdose are- aggression, agitation, chest pain, coma, difficult or slurred speech, fast or irregular heartbeat, seizure, severe drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, uncontrolled muscle movements.

More Information
Zyprexa may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or decreased vision. These effects may worsen if Zyprexa is taken with alcohol or certain other medications. Use Zyprexa with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to this drug. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Zyprexa should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer
This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.