Olanzapine
Zyprexa (olanzapine) is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It works by balancing natural chemicals in the brain, primarily affecting dopamine and serotonin activity, to help reduce symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and mood disturbances.
Zyprexa is an antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder by affecting brain chemicals that influence mood and behavior.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 135423
- Generic
- Zyprexa
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- 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.
Zyprexa is FDA-approved for treating schizophrenia in adults and adolescents (ages 13-17), acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, and as maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder. It is also available in combination with fluoxetine for treatment-resistant depression.
Zyprexa belongs to the thienobenzodiazepine class and works as an antagonist at multiple brain receptors, primarily blocking dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. This modulation of neurotransmitter activity helps reduce the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and stabilizes mood in bipolar disorder.
Common side effects include weight gain, drowsiness, dry mouth, and increased appetite. Zyprexa may cause metabolic changes including elevated blood sugar and cholesterol. It carries a boxed warning for increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. Do not stop taking Zyprexa abruptly; dosage should be adjusted gradually under medical supervision.
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 August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy