Trade Name for Olanzapine
The trade name for olanzapine is Zyprexa. 1
Details About Olanzapine
Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that belongs to the thienobenzodiazepine class. It is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company and is available in various formulations.
Clinical Uses
Olanzapine is indicated for:
- Treatment of schizophrenia
- Management of bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed episodes)
- Control of problematic delusions, hallucinations, severe psychomotor agitation, and combativeness 1
- Treatment of breakthrough chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (category 1 recommendation) 1
- Management of symptoms in delirium 1
Dosing Information
For psychiatric disorders:
For chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting:
- 5-10 mg PO daily 1
Pharmacological Properties
Olanzapine targets multiple receptors, including:
- Dopaminergic (D1, D2, D3, D4)
- Serotonergic (5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, 5-HT3, 5-HT6)
- Adrenergic (α1)
- Histaminergic (H1)
- Muscarinic (m1, m2, m3, m4) 1
Advantages Over Traditional Antipsychotics
- Diminished risk of developing extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia compared with typical antipsychotic agents 1
- Generally well tolerated 1
- Less effect on prolactin levels compared to other antipsychotics 3
Common Side Effects
Important Precautions
- Monitor for metabolic effects with long-term use 1
- Use with caution in elderly patients due to risk of sedation 1
- Patients should avoid alcohol while taking olanzapine 2
- Caution when combining with benzodiazepines due to risk of oversedation and respiratory depression 1
Cost Considerations
Generic olanzapine is relatively affordable compared to other psychiatric medications:
- Generic olanzapine (5 mg or 10 mg): $6.50 per dose
- Brand name Zyprexa (5 mg): $15.07 per dose
- Brand name Zyprexa (10 mg): $22.21 per dose 1
Olanzapine's favorable side effect profile compared to traditional antipsychotics and its multiple clinical applications make it an important medication in psychiatric and supportive care.