Olanzapine
Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication used primarily to treat schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. It works by blocking dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain, helping to reduce symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
An antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders by blocking dopamine and serotonin receptors.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05AH03
- RxNorm
- 61381
- Generic
- Olanzapine
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- Zyprexa, Lybalvi, Symbyax
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet, injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Olanzapine is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (both manic and maintenance phases), and in combination with fluoxetine for treatment-resistant depression. It helps reduce positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) and negative symptoms (flat affect, social withdrawal) of schizophrenia.
Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic that works primarily by blocking dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. This combination of dopamine and serotonin antagonism is believed to be responsible for its antipsychotic effects, though the exact mechanism in all listed indications remains unclear.
Common side effects include weight gain, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Olanzapine may increase the risk of diabetes and should be used with caution in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis due to increased mortality risk. Regular monitoring of weight, blood glucose, and lipid levels is recommended during treatment.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy