What are olanzapine (Zypreza, Zypraxa Zydis, Zyprexa Relprevv) side effects?

Signs of olanzapine allergy: difficulty breathing, hives (rash on your body), swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat—If you experience any of these symptoms, please call 911 or seek emergency medical care at the nearest emergency room (ER). 

Olanzapine may cause a rare but severe skin reaction that spreads to cover much of the body. Seek medical care immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: skin rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, swelling in the face. These symptoms together are known as Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS). This drug reaction can also cause other complications such as hepatitis. Signs of hepatitis include yellowing of the skin, or the whites of your eyes, severe weakness, muscle aches, unusual bruising. You must seek medical treatment immediately if you notice any signs and symptoms of DRESS. 

High doses or long-term use of olanzapine can result in a serious movement disorder that may be irreversible. This disorder is called extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). Older adults and women have higher risks of developing this movement disorder with long-term use.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Involuntary or uncontrolled muscle movement of your face: chewing, lip-smacking, tongue-twisting, blinking or eye movement, grimacing - Along with other symptoms, these can be signs of EPS.
• Liver problems (hepatitis): loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, dark urine, upper stomach pain, pale or clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the white of the eyes).
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): this is a rare but very serious and potentially life-threatening nervous system reaction. NMS presents with stiff or rigid muscles, confusion, high-grade fever, excessive sweating, tremor, fast or irregular heartbeats, fainting. 
• Leukopenia/neutropenia (low white blood cell count): this is a class effect of all antipsychotic medications. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, skin sores, mouth sores, and trouble breathing. 
• Signs of dehydration: feeling hot and thirsty, difficult urinating, excessive sweating, hot and dry skin
• Confusion, hallucinations, self-harm, or unusual thoughts or behavior
• Trouble speaking or swallowing (dysphagia)
• High blood sugar: increased thirst and urination, extreme hunger, drowsiness, fruity breath odor, blurred vision, weight loss

Common side effects of olanzapine:

• Increased appetite and weight gain 
• Tiredness or restlessness
• Headache, dizziness, drowsiness
• Speech problems
• Unusual memory problems
• Numbness or tingly feeling
• Tremor
• Increased salivation or dry mouth 
• Upset stomach
• Constipation 
• Runny nose

Less common side effects of olanzapine:

• Bladder pain
• Bloody or cloudy urine 
• Chest pain
• Itching of the vagina or genital area
• Lower back or side pain 
• Pounding in the ears

Olanzapine overdose: Go to the nearest emergency room or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. You can find more information at your local poison control center or www.poisonhelp.org/help.

Olanzapine overdose symptoms: drowsiness, aggression, agitation, confusion, slurred speech, fast, pounding heartbeats, jerky or uncontrolled muscle movements, trouble breathing, or fainting. 

The above list on this site may not include all the possible side effects of olanzapine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist at your local pharmacy if you have persistent side effects or any side effects that are not listed above. You can also report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Source: FDA