Zyprexa for Bipolar (Olanzapine)

by Sarah from Bipolar-Lives
(US)

US BRAND NAME: Zyprexa

GENERIC NAME: Olanzapine

TYPE: Atypical antipsychotic

USE: Zyprexa is another of the atypical antipsychotics that dampen the effect of dopamine, which can increase feelings of calm and help prevent bipolar symptoms, for example feeling upset, having racing thoughts, and not being able to sleep. It works as well as lithium for this. Taking Zyprexa with lithium or valproate works better for some people than taking lithium or valproate alone.

COMMENTS: Zyprexa seems to be a very effective mood stabilizer but has the downside of causing metabolic syndrome, including obesity, elevated serum lipids, and insulin resistance, and can eventually cause diabetes. Dr Jim Phelps suggests it is best suited to emergency situations with acute symptoms where help is needed fast. It also helps if you are not afraid of weight gain. It can be an excellent medication and not everyone gains weight or has other side effects so it should not be ruled out without a try.

EVIDENCE: Zyprexa is FDA approved for the long-term treatment of bipolar I disorder. It's greatest utlitity seems to be in the treatment of acute mania or mixed episodes. In terms of treating mania it, Consumer Reports and the British Medical Journal rate Zyprexa as highly as lithium and Depakote and consider its benefits are highly likely to outweigh its harms.

SIDE EFFECTS: Include but not limited to: Diabetes, Substantial weight gain, Dizziness, Dry mouth, Hyperglycemia, Increase in appetite, Muscle stiffness, Muscle weakness, Parkinsonism, Sleepiness, Slurred speech, Tremor.

CAUTIONS: NOT to used for elderly patients with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Of all the atypical antipsychotics, Zyprexa is the one most likely to lead to obesity and diabetes. It may also increase triglyceride levels. Eli Lilly agreed on January 4, 2007 to pay up to $500 million to settle 18,000 lawsuits from people who claimed they developed diabetes or other diseases after taking Zyprexa. Including earlier settlements over Zyprexa, Lilly has now agreed to pay at least $1.2 billion to 28,500 people who claim they were injured by the drug.