Olanzapine

Medically Reviewed by HaVy Ngo, Pharm.D.

Last Reviewed: Jun 15, 2022

Drug Details


Generic Name:

Olanzapine

Availability:

Prescription only

Therapeutic Class:

Atypical antipsychotic agents, antimanic agents

Forms:

Oral tablet: 2.5 mg: 5 mg; 7.5 mg; 10 mg; 15 mg; 20 mg. 

Orally disintegrating tablet: 5 mg; 10 mg; 15 mg; 20 mg.

Intramuscular injection (short-acting): 
10 mg - requires deep IM administration (muscle mass in elderly may be sufficient)

Intramuscular injection, extended-release suspension: 210 mg/vial; 300 mg/vial; 405 mg/vial - requires deep IM administration (muscle mass in elderly may be sufficient)

Administration:

By mouth

Therapeutic Uses:

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic that treats psychotic conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Controlled Status:

Not a controlled substance


What is olanzapine (Zypreza, Zypraxa Zydis, Zyprexa Relprevv)?

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic. Olanzapine works by affecting the levels of certain natural substances of the body - serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin and dopamine are responsible for regulating your thoughts, mood, and behaviors. 

Olanzapine is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

There may be other uses of olanzapine—your pharmacist or physician can give you further information and assistance.

Who can take olanzapine (Zypreza, Zypraxa Zydis, Zyprexa Relprevv)?

  • Adults and children at least 13 years old can take olanzapine to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
  • Adults and children at least 10 years old can take olanzapine with fluoxetine (Prozac) to treat mixed episodes of depression in those who have bipolar I disorder.