Olanzapine

A substance that is closely related to clozapine in terms of structure and chemistry. In contrast to clozapine, it can cause extrapyramidal motor disorders (EPMS), especially at high doses. However, the risk of agranulocytosis is lower with olanzapine than with clozapine.

Olanzapine is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder when a manic phase has responded to treatment. Dermatologically, good effects have been demonstrated in dermatozoic mania.

The average dose is 5-20 mg/day. In order to avoid adverse side effects, a creeping dosage of initially 5 mg daily is recommended.

The simultaneous administration of olanzapine and other drugs that prolong the QT interval in the ECG must be avoided. Drugs that lower the seizure threshold should not be used at the same time or should only be used with great caution, as olanzapine also promotes epileptic seizures.

Narrow-angle glaucoma; psychotic states in elderly dementia patients.

Cyprus

Compliance with olanzapine treatment is often affected by significant weight gain and drowsiness. Clozapine and olanzapine are thought to cause weight gain, which is more common than with other neuroleptics, by interfering with the action of insulin so that carbohydrate metabolism is impaired. This could also explain the increased risk of diabetes manifestation when olanzapine is treated.