Zyprexa® Velotab

introduction

Zyprexa® Velotab are orodispersible tablets that contain the active ingredient Olanzapine contain. The drug belongs to the group of neuroleptics, which are often also referred to as antipsychotics. Olanzapine acts in the central nervous system on the messenger substances dopamine and serotonin.
Zyprexa® Velotab is mainly used in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

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application areas

Zyprexa® Velotab is used to treat the schizophrenia used. Patients hear, see or feel things that are not really there. A distorted perception or conviction, as well as an increased distrust of the environment characterize the clinical picture of schizophrenia.
Even in patients with manic episodese.g. as part of a bipolar disorder, the tablets are used. A mania is characterized by an absolute "high mood". It is a persistent euphoric mood that is accompanied by behaviors such as a lack of danger perception, increased consumer behavior, megalomania, inventiveness and hallucinations, and thus has a high disease value.

In the treatment of mania with Zyprexa® Velotab, it could be shown that if the symptoms are relieved in the acute state, and also in the further course of the disease, the symptoms improve under therapy with Zyprexa® Velotab.

Zyprexa® Velotab is usually used in Tablet form taken. The orodispersible tablet is kept in the mouth until it has completely dissolved. It can also be dissolved in water and then drunk as a solution.
If oral intake of Zyprexa® Velotab is not possible, it can intramuscular (in the muscle) injected become. After taking the drug for the first time, it can take several days to weeks for symptoms to improve.

Mode of action

Due to the active ingredient contained Olanzapine become certain Blocked receptors in the brain and spinal cord. These are the receptors for the messenger substances Dopamine and Serotoninwhich in medical terminology as Neurotransmitters are designated. It is believed that the two neurotransmitters play a central role in psychotic diseases. An imbalance in the messenger substances is held responsible for the symptoms of psychoses.

Blocking the receptors relieves the symptoms that characterize schizophrenia and mania. However, Zyprexa® Velotab also other receptors blocked in the brain, which is why it is often taken with Side effects connected is.

dosage

There are Zyprexa® Velotab as tablets with 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg or 20 mg of the active ingredient olanzapine. The exact dosage and duration of treatment takes place in Consultation with the doctor.

The dose can be reduced or increased depending on an improvement or possibly worsening of the symptoms. This is then done by order of the attending physician.

Tell the patient impaired liver and / or kidney functions on so should lower doses can be used.

Side effects

At the beginning of treatment with Zyprexa® Velotab you can Dizziness occur after getting up. As a rule, however, these disappear on their own.
In addition, taking Zyprexa® Velotab can lead to a decreased movement control come. The blockage of receptors in the brain, which are responsible for regulating movements, among other things, is responsible for the loss of function. These uncontrolled movements mainly affect the face.
In addition, a Weight gain and sleepiness occur. An increased release of the hormone prolactin can cause one Breast growth and also lead to lactation in women.

Often it happens to Changes in blood counts, which includes an increase in liver values, as well as blood sugar, blood lipid and cholesterol values. Also Blood pressure and pulse values can vary as a side effect of Zyprexa® Velotab.
Occasionally it happens to Water retention in the body (Edema) that show up in swollen hands and / or feet.
Sensitivity to light is also one of the known side effects. In addition, you can constipation, Dry mouth and problems urinating occur. Occasionally, blood clots also occur (Thrombi) in the veins, especially in the legs.
Rarely, skin rashes or hair loss occur as part of the side effects of Zyprexa® Velotab.

At elderly or demented patients it happens frequently to Walking insecurities, which results in an increased risk of falling. It is also associated with increased body temperature, urinary incontinence and an increased risk of strokes and pneumonia.
Taking Zyprexa® Velotab if you have Parkinson's disease worsens symptoms such as tremors or muscle stiffness.

Seizures rarely occur. This is usually only the case if seizures (epilepsy) have occurred in the past.
Since Zyprexa® Velotab can lead to temporary impaired consciousness, in this case the Driving vehicles and the Operate machines be waived.

Please also read our article on this Zyprexa® side effects

Drop

Muscle stiffness, a very high fever, a circulatory collapse or impaired consciousness during treatment with Zyprexa® Velotab are symptoms that are likely to occur malignant neuroepiletic syndrome speak. This is a life-threatening clinical picture, which immediate medical treatment requirement. If a neuroleptic malignant syndrome is suspected, treatment with Zyprexa® Velotab is immediately interrupted under medical supervision.

At abrupt withdrawal of Zyprexa® Velotab can generally lead to sweat, insomnia, Tremble, Anxiety disorders or stronger nausea come. Should you wish to end therapy with Zyprexa® Velotab, this should be done in consultation with the attending physician.

Interactions

Smoke and the Consumption of alcohol affects the way olanzapine works.Because of this, both substances should be avoided during treatment with Zyprexa® Velotab.

When taking Zyprexa® Velotab and Antidepressants, further Neuroleptics or anticholinergics, the side effects may be exacerbated.
The effectiveness of dopamine receptor antagonists, which are used to treat Parkinson's disease, is reduced by Zyprexa® Velotab and the Parkinson's symptoms may worsen.
Taking Zyprexa® Velotab at the same time as valproic acid, a drug used to treat epilepsy, may increase the risk of white blood cell deficiency (Leukopenia) increase.

The effects of opioid pain relievers, Beta blockers and Antiarrhythmics can through Zyprexa® Velotab reinforced become.

Contraindication

Zyprexa® Velotab shouldn't be taken if any Allergy to olanzapine or against any other component of the tablets.
Also at increased eye pressure (glaucoma) should be avoided.
Zyprexa® Velotab is for Children and young people under the age of 18 not suitable.

pregnancy and breast feeding period

Zyprexa® Velotab should Not during the pregnancy and during the Lactation be taken.
Children whose mothers took Zyprexa® Velotab in the last three months of pregnancy may experience symptoms such as movement disorders, tremors, shortness of breath and sleepiness. In this case, the newborns must be monitored by a doctor.

Since the active ingredient can be found in breast milk, it should also be avoided during breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential taking Zyprexa® Velotab should use contraception.