Olanzapin Abz (Olanzapine)

Olanzapine is indicated for several psychiatric conditions that involve dopamine and serotonin dysregulation.

• Schizophrenia: Reduces psychotic symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations and disorganized thinking.
• Bipolar I disorder (manic episodes): Helps control acute manic symptoms and maintains mood stability.
• Bipolar II disorder (depressive episodes): Used as adjunctive therapy to alleviate depressive symptoms when other treatments are insufficient.

• Olanzapine exerts its antipsychotic effect by antagonizing dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5‑HT2A receptors, with additional activity at histamine H1, muscarinic and α‑adrenergic receptors. This receptor profile modulates neurotransmission in cortical and limbic pathways, helping to reduce psychotic and mood‑stabilising symptoms.

Adverse reactions to olanzapine vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Weight gain: noticeable increase in body weight.
• Sedation: drowsiness or feeling unusually sleepy.
• Dry mouth: reduced salivation leading to discomfort.
• Constipation: slowed gastrointestinal motility.
• Elevated triglycerides: rise in blood lipid levels.
• Orthostatic hypotension: drop in blood pressure upon standing.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: rare but life‑threatening reaction with fever and muscle rigidity.
• Tardive dyskinesia: persistent involuntary movements, especially of the face.
• Hyperglycaemia: significant increase in blood glucose, may precipitate diabetes.
• Seizures: heightened risk of convulsive episodes.
• Agranulocytosis: severe reduction in white‑blood cell count.
• Hepatic dysfunction: abnormal liver enzyme elevations.

When prescribing olanzapine, clinicians should consider several safety aspects.

• Metabolic monitoring: regularly assess weight, glucose and lipid profiles.
• Cardiovascular assessment: watch for orthostatic hypotension and ECG changes.
• CNS depression: caution if combined with other sedatives.
• Pregnancy: evaluate risk‑benefit ratio; limited data suggest potential fetal exposure.
• Elderly patients: increased sensitivity to sedation and anticholinergic effects.
• Store at below 25°C: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and light.

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