Zanzia 5mg Tablets

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic. It helps balance certain chemicals in the brain.

It is used to treat:

• schizophrenia
• bipolar disorder (episodes of mania, and to help keep mood stable)

It controls symptoms but does not cure the condition.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, usually once a day at about the same time.

• You can take it with or without food.
• For mouth-dissolving tablets, open the pack with dry hands and place the tablet on your tongue straight away.
• It may take several weeks to feel the full benefit.
• Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due. Never take a double dose.

Common side effects include:

• sleepiness, weakness or restlessness
• increased appetite and weight gain
• constipation and dry mouth
• dizziness when standing up
• changes to periods, breast swelling or discharge, or lower sex drive

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• fever with stiff muscles, sweating, confusion or an irregular heartbeat
• extreme thirst, peeing a lot, hunger or blurred vision (high blood sugar)
• uncontrollable movements, a fit or fainting
• sore throat or fever (signs of infection)
• rash, swelling or trouble breathing or swallowing

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have heart disease, an irregular heartbeat, a stroke history or blood pressure problems
• have diabetes, high blood sugar or high cholesterol
• have fits, glaucoma, prostate or urinary problems, or severe constipation
• have liver disease or a low white blood cell count
• smoke, as smoking can make it less effective
• take other medicines, including some allergy medicines and omeprazole
• are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding

Keep in the original container, tightly closed, at room temperature away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children.

Older people with dementia: antipsychotics like olanzapine raise the risk of stroke and death in this group and are not approved for dementia-related behaviour.

Alcohol and driving: avoid alcohol, and do not drive until you know how it affects you, as it can cause drowsiness.

Heat: it can make it harder to cool down, so take care in hot weather or during hard exercise.

Your doctor may check your weight, blood sugar and cholesterol.