Q: What is Zyprexa?
A: Zyprexa (olanzapine) is in a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. Antipsychotic medicines are used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia that may include hearing voices, seeing things, or sensing things that are not there, mistaken beliefs or unusual suspiciousness.

Zyprexa is made by Eli Lilly and Company and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996.

Q: Has there been any recent news about Zyprexa?
A: In April 2005, the FDA issued an alert stating that older patients treated with atypical antipsychotic medicines, such as Zyprexa, for dementia had a higher chance for death than patients who did not take the medicine. The FDA stated further that this is not an approved use and has asked the companies that make these medicines to change their labels to include this important information.

Q: Are there any serious health risks associated with Zyprexa?
A: Zyprexa and other antipsychotic medications can cause serious problems including Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) (a life-threatening nervous system problem), Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) (a movement problem), high blood sugar and diabetes, and strokes in older patients treated for mental illness from dementia.

Other serious side effects from Zyprexa use may include low blood pressure (seen as dizziness and possible fainting), increased heartbeat, seizures, liver problems, increased body temperature, and difficulty swallowing.

Q: What are the most common side effects associated with Zyprexa?
A: The most common side effects from Zyprexa use include sleepiness, dry mouth, dizziness, restlessness, constipation, upset stomach, weight gain, increased appetite, and tremor.