Lapozan (Olanzapine)

Olanzapine acts on dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways to treat major psychiatric disorders.

• Schizophrenia: reduces positive and negative symptoms, improves thought processes, helps prevent relapse in adult patients, and improves overall functioning.
• Bipolar disorder (Manic episodes): stabilizes mood, controls acute mania, reduces the frequency of mood swings, and supports patient stability.
• Maintenance therapy for schizophrenia: maintains symptom control over the long term, lowers the risk of hospitalization, and supports daily living activities.
• Schizoaffective disorder: alleviates psychotic symptoms and mood disturbances, contributing to improved patient stability.

• Olanzapine exerts its antipsychotic effect primarily by antagonizing dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5‑HT2A receptors in the central nervous system. This combined blockade modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission, reducing psychotic and mood symptoms. Additional affinity for histamine H1, muscarinic and α1‑adrenergic receptors contributes to its clinical profile, influencing sedation, anticholinergic effects and orthostatic changes. The net result is a balanced reduction of positive, negative and affective symptoms while minimizing extrapyramidal side effects compared with typical antipsychotics.

Olanzapine may cause a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects

• Weight gain
• Drowsiness or sedation
• Dry mouth
• Constipation

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Severe hyperglycemia or new‑onset diabetes
• Agranulocytosis

Before prescribing Olanzapine, clinicians should consider several precautionary measures to ensure patient safety.

• Monitor metabolic parameters: regularly check weight, fasting glucose and lipid profile.
• Assess for cardiovascular risk: evaluate blood pressure and heart rate, especially in patients with orthostatic tendencies.
• Evaluate hepatic function: adjust use in patients with liver impairment.
• Review psychiatric history: avoid use in patients with a history of severe depression or suicidal ideation without close supervision.
• Caution in elderly: increased sensitivity to sedation and anticholinergic effects.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep tablets below 25 °C in the original container, protected from moisture.

Olanzapine can interact with other medicines, altering its efficacy or safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin): may increase olanzapine plasma levels, raising toxicity risk.
• CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids): can enhance sedation and respiratory depression.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• CYP1A2 inducers (e.g., smoking, carbamazepine): may reduce olanzapine concentrations, diminishing therapeutic effect.
• Anticholinergic agents (e.g., diphenhydramine): may worsen anticholinergic side effects.
• Antidiabetic drugs: olanzapine may affect glucose control, requiring dose adjustments.