Olanzapine, for the
treatment of schizophrenia
Olanzapine is a member of a class of medicines known as
atypical antipsychotics. It is a prescription medicine used alone or in combination
with other medicines to treat symptoms of schizophrenia and moderate to severe
manic episodes:
·
Schizophrenia is a condition characterised by
symptoms such as seeing, hearing or sensing things which are not there,
becoming withdrawn, mistaken beliefs and unusual suspiciousness. Patients with
this condition may also suffer from depression, anxiety or tension.
·
Moderate to severe manic episodes are
characterised by symptoms such as a ‘high’ feeling, excessive amounts of
energy, not sleeping as much as normal, severe irritability and talking quickly
with racing ideas.
Olanzapine tablets are one of the many generic medicinal
products that are available from Taj Accura Pharmaceuticals in strengths 2.5
mg, 5 mg, 7.5mg, 10 mg, 15 mg and 20 mg.
How does Olanzapine
work?
·
Olanzapine is an antagonist of dopamine,
serotonin and muscarinic receptors as well as a potent antihistamine.
·
Through these effects olanzapine alters the
activity of certain natural substances in the brain.
·
It also possesses high affinity towards
P-glycoprotein which is responsible for transporting drugs across biological
membranes including the blood-brain barrier.
·
Olanzapine is advantageous in that it poses a
low risk of extrapyramidal side effects, including tardive dyskinesia, due to
its higher affinity for the D1 dopamine receptor over the D2 receptor.
How should Olanzapine
be taken?
·
Olanzapine tablets should be taken orally, as
prescribed, whole with a glass of water. Patients should try to take their dose
at the same time each day.
·
The usual daily dose of Olanzapine varies
between 5 and 20 mg.
·
Patients should consult their prescriber if
symptoms return or do not subside. They should not stop taking tablets just
because they feel better as stopping suddenly can cause adverse effects such as
tremor, anxiety and nausea and vomiting.
·
The dose has to be reduced gradually before
stopping treatment.
Are there any side
effects associated with the use of Olanzapine?
Yes, as with all medication there is a possibility that the
patient may experience side effects but not everyone experiences them. Patients
are advised to contact their doctor, pharmacist or nurse if they have any
questions regarding treatment with Olanzapine tablets. Side effects which
affect 10% of users include:
·
Weight gain
·
Sleepiness
·
Increased levels of prolactin in the blood
Conclusion
Olanzapine capsules, for the treatment of symptoms of
schizophrenia and moderate to severe manic episodes, are available from Taj
Accura Pharmaceuticals in strengths 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5mg, 10 mg, 15 mg and 20
mg.
*Always remember to consult your Doctor or Healthcare
Professional if you have any questions about your own health or medications.
Taj Accura Pharmaceuticals are committed to providing
affordable pharmaceutical care solutions to health providers and patients
globally. Our enthusiastic and highly skilled bi-lingual sales team in English
and French are more than welcome to take your queries. We are contactable by
emailing info@tajaccura.com by phone at + 353 (1) 293 1882 or alternatively by fax
at + 353 (1) 293 1883. Please also visit www.tajaccura.com for further details on our products and services.
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