Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Van Olanzapine.
Blood Clots: Van Olanzapine may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.
If you have a history of clotting you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as Heart Attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Van Olanzapine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Van Olanzapine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision, or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.
Body temperature: Van Olanzapine, like other antipsychotic medications, can disrupt the body's ability to control body temperature. If you exercise vigorously, are exposed to extreme heat, are dehydrated, or are taking anticholinergic medications (e.g., Benztropine, Oxybutynin) you are more at risk. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you feel very hot and are unable to cool down while taking Van Olanzapine.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Olanzapine may impair the mental and physical abilities required for driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Van Olanzapine, as it may produce extreme drowsiness.
Glaucoma: Van Olanzapine may cause the symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) to develop or become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Van Olanzapine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Van Olanzapine, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible while you are taking Van Olanzapine.
High blood sugar: Olanzapine, in rare instances, may cause an increase in blood sugar levels.
Your doctor will monitor you if you have Diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes. If you experience weakness, increased thirst, increased urination, and increased appetite while taking Van Olanzapine, contact your doctor.
Hypersensitivity reactions: A Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) called hypersensitivity syndrome has occurred for some people with the use of olanzapine. This reaction involves a number of organs in the body and may be fatal if not treated quickly. Stop taking the medication and get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including fever, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms with skin rash or blistering.
Liver disease: Olanzapine can affect liver function and cause liver problems.
If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Van Olanzapine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Van Olanzapine, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Van Olanzapine.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Low Blood Pressure: Olanzapine may cause low blood pressure, especially when moving from a lying or sitting position to a standing position. If you have heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, or conditions that increase the risk of developing low blood pressure (e.g., dehydration, treatment with blood pressure medications) you should be monitored by your doctor.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Olanzapine, like other antipsychotic medications, can cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you notice the symptoms of NMS such as high fever, confusion or loss of consciousness, racing or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, or sweating, get immediate medical attention.
Prolonged erection: In rare cases, use of Van Olanzapine by some men may cause them to develop priapism (a prolonged and painful erection). If you have an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours, contact your doctor.
Seizures: Olanzapine may increase the risk of seizures, especially if you have had seizures in the past. If you are at risk of seizures and take Van Olanzapine, you should be closely monitored by your doctor.
Suicidal or self-harm behaviour: People taking Van Olanzapine may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting Van Olanzapine. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Van Olanzapine, contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Van Olanzapine.
Tardive dyskinesia (TD): TD, a syndrome consisting of potentially irreversible, involuntary, repetitive movements of the face and tongue muscles, may develop in people who take certain antipsychotic medications including olanzapine.
Although TD appears most commonly in seniors, especially women, it is impossible to predict who will develop TD. The risk of developing TD increases with higher doses and long-term treatment. If your experience muscle twitching or abnormal movements of the face or tongue, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Urinary problems: Van Olanzapine can cause urinary retention. If you have a history of urinary retention or benign prostatic hypertrophy, or other prostate problems, discuss with your doctor how Van Olanzapine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Van Olanzapine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Weight gain: With long-term treatment, weight gain (averaging 5.4 kg) has occurred in people who take Van Olanzapine. Weight gain tends to level off after 6 to 8 months of treatment.
Pregnancy: Van Olanzapine should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Van Olanzapine, contact your doctor immediately.
Babies born to mothers that took Van Olanzapine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms after they are born, including breathing problems, difficulty feeding, or irritability. If you have been taking Van Olanzapine during pregnancy, make sure that everyone involved in caring for you and your baby are aware.
Breast-feeding: Van Olanzapine passes into breast milk. Women taking Van Olanzapine should not breast-feed.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Van Olanzapine have not been established for children under the age of 18.
Seniors: There may be a higher risk of strokes, heart attacks, and deaths associated with the use of olanzapine by seniors with Dementia. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice the signs and symptoms of a stroke (e.g., sudden weakness or numbness, speech problems, vision problems, dizziness, confusion, sudden severe headache) or a heart attack (e.g., discomfort or pain in the chest, back, neck, jaw, arms; sweating; shortness of breath; nausea; lightheadedness) or infection (e.g., pneumonia). Olanzapine should not be used in seniors with dementia.
