Introduction
The drug Zyprexa® belongs to the group of so-called atypical neuroleptics. Zyprexa® is the trade name, but the original active ingredient is olanzapine. This drug is used to treat various disorders of the psyche, including in particular schizophrenia and mania in bipolar disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders. More information about the mechanism of action and use of the drug can be found on our main page Zyprexa®. In the following, we will discuss possible side effects that may occur when taking Zyprexa®.
Very common side effects
The side effects listed in the package insert are divided into very common to very rare side effects. Behind this is the percentage of test persons who experienced the side effect. Very frequent side effects were observed in more than 1 in 10 people.
Above all, an unintended weight gain was frequently observed with Zyprexa®, which can occur with many neuroleptics, but is particularly pronounced with Zyprexa®. It is suspected that the active ingredient olanzapine alters the effect of the hormone insulin in the body and thus intervenes in the carbohydrate metabolism, which can increase the appetite and thus the weight of the patient. Often, however, this phenomenon is temporary and does not lead to obesity.
Also very common side effects are severe drowsiness, as well as dizziness and a low pulse rate, which is particularly noticeable when getting up after rest periods. These side effects usually occur only briefly at the beginning of the therapy and then disappear completely. If the symptoms persist, you can also consider with your doctor whether another neuroleptic is more suitable. It is also possible at the beginning of the therapy that the body’s own hormone prolactin may increase. This is usually only temporary and can manifest itself in an increase in the size of the breast (also in men) and possibly also in the secretion of milk from the mammary glands.
Common side effects
One of the most frequent side effects (up to 1 in 10 affected persons) is a change in blood count. This means that the values of some blood fats and cells and the liver values change. It has been observed that blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) and also blood sugar levels rise.
In rare cases, the number of white blood cells (leukocytes, the deficiency is called “leukocytopenia”) or platelets (thrombocytes, the deficiency is then called “thrombocytopenia“) decreases. The liver values (so-called transaminases) can also temporarily increase. For this reason, these values should be measured by the treating physician before starting to take the drug and checked regularly throughout the course of treatment.
Other common side effects are: Restlessness, tremor, constipation and dry mouth. Zyprexa® can also lead to water retention, which is then accompanied by swelling of the hands, ankles and feet. Fever and joint or limb pain can also occur. In addition, there can be limitations on the sexual level, which can manifest themselves in a lack of desire up to erectile dysfunction.
