Zyprexa® side effects
introduction
The drug Zyprexa® belongs to the group of so-called atypical neuroleptics. Zyprexa® is the trade name, but the original active ingredient is olanzapine. This medication is used for various mental illnesses, including in particular schizophrenia and mania in bipolar disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders. You can find more information about the mechanism of action and use of the drug on our main page Zyprexa®. The following is about possible side effects that can result from taking Zyprexa®.
Very common side effects
The side effects listed in the package insert are divided into very common to very rare side effects. Behind this is the proportion of test persons who experienced the side effect.
Very common side effects could be seen in more than 1 in 10 people.
Especially with Zyprexa®, a unwanted weight gain observed, which can occur with many neuroleptics, but is particularly pronounced with Zyprexa®. It is believed that the active ingredient olanzapine interferes with the effects of the hormone insulin changed in the body and so in the Carbohydrate metabolism intervenes and can thus increase the appetite and thus the weight of the patient. However, often this phenomenon is temporary and does not lead to obesity.
Also very common side effects are one severe drowsiness, such as dizziness and a low pulsewhich is particularly noticeable when getting up after resting. These side effects mostly just occur entertaining at the beginning of therapy and then disappear entirely. If the complaints persist, you can also consider with the attending physician whether another neuroleptic is more suitable.
It is also possible at the beginning of therapy that the body's own hormone Prolactin can increase. This is mostly temporary and can turn into a Enlargement of the breast (also for men) and possibly also Lactation of the mammary glands show.
frequent side effects
One of the most common side effects (up to a maximum of 1 in 10 people affected) is one Change in blood count. This means that the values of some blood lipids, blood cells and the Liver values to change. It has been observed that the blood lipids (cholesterol and Triglycerides) and also the Blood sugar level increase. In rare cases, the number of white blood cells (Leukocytes, the defect is called "Leukocytopenia"Referred to) or the Platelets (Platelets, the defect is then called "Thrombocytopenia"). The Liver values (so-called. Transaminases) increase. Therefore, these values should be measured by the attending physician before starting to take and regularly checked during the course.
Other common side effects are: restlessness, tremors, constipation and dry mouth. Zyprexa® can also lead to water retention, which is then associated with swelling of the hands, ankles and feet. Fever and joint or limb pain can also occur.
In addition, there can be restrictions on the sexual level, which can lead to a lack of pleasure Erectile dysfunction can manifest.
Occasional to rare side effects
The occasional side effects (up to 1 in 100 people) include, above all, hypersensitivity reactions in the body's immune system. These express themselves in a similar way to one allergy, in swelling of the mucous membranes, rashes and itching. Likewise, when taking Zyprexa®, muscle stiffness and cramps occasionally occur, if one is present epilepsy seizures can also occur. Further it can lead to flatulence, nosebleeds, a slow heartbeat, as well as a Bladder weakness or an inability to urinate. Memory and concentration can also be disturbed.
Rare side effects (up to 1 in 1,000 people) include more serious complications such as Cardiac arrhythmias, a lowered body temperature and inflammation of the pancreas (known as Pancreatitis) associated with nausea, severe fever, and severe stomach pain. Also diseases of the liver that are in the Yellowing the skin and eye have been observed. Muscle pain for no apparent cause and a painful, permanent erection can also occur. It should be clearly noted that these side effects very rarely occur and hide behind symptoms such as stomach pain or fever often harmless causes. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor!
Specific side effects with previous illnesses
If there are already previous illnesses, certain side effects can be more severe and more frequent. So occur in older patients who have a dementia are ill, often urinary incontinence, Strokes, Pneumonia, frequent extreme fatigue, hallucinations, and muscle stiffness with difficulty walking when treated with Zyprexa®.
Is there a epilepsy If you have a previous history, you may have another seizure, as mentioned above. Even patients who attend Parkinson's disease may experience worsening of their symptoms (e.g. tremors).
Last is at Diabetics watch out for rising blood sugar levels and adjust the appropriate medication if necessary.
Dangerous side effects
There are some, mostly very rare, side effects that you should see your doctor immediately about as they can be life-threatening. These include:
The occurrence of unusual or unwanted movements (so-called Dyskinesias), which can be particularly visible on the face and tongue. Also can Blood clots (so-called. Thrombosis) especially in the legs, which can get into the small vessels of the lungs via the bloodstream and become a Pulmonary embolism being able to lead. If you experience severe swelling, redness, overheating, and pain in your legs, or even a sudden feeling of pressure and tightness in your chest and difficulty breathing, you should immediately seek medical advice.
A combination of symptoms such as strong is also urgently to be clarified Racing heart, Fever, rapid breathing, profuse sweating, muscle stiffness, and drowsiness. The cause could be e.g. a allergy be against the active ingredient olanzepine.
In general, if you have any doubts and general health problems, you should always see a doctor so that he can rule out serious causes.
Zyprexa® and alcohol
Zyprexa® is an atypical neuroleptic. In this drug class Generally advised against the consumption of alcohol, as the drugs significantly influence the effects of alcohol amplify can. Since this amplification cannot be controlled, it can be very dangerous and lead to severe drowsiness, even nausea Alcohol intoxication lead that needs emergency medical care. The same also applies to the combination with Sedatives.
