HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is Olanzapine Prescribed For Bipolar Disorder And Psychosis?

default
Posted on Tue, 24 Nov 2015
Question: Isn't this dangerous since I am not bipolar or schizophrenic?? I am having trouble sleeping and the PA gave me this RX , and I specifically asked to not be given benzodiazepine...and this is a benzodiazepine according to everything I have read....
I am scared of addiction....
Thx,
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please rephrase your question

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

In your question you are concerned about a medication that was prescribed for you to help you sleep. You did not mention the medication. Please rephrase your question with the name of the medication so I can better answer your question.

Look forward to hearing back from you


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (10 minutes later)
I am so sorry...it is Olanzapine, and she said it is very potent and to start out at 2.5 mgs..but it is an oval pill...so how can I cut it up? The pharmacy said it's not possible, so I called back and they said just take 7.5 mgs...so now I am terrified.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Olanzapine is not a Benzodiazepine but an atypical antipsychotic/ Bipolar

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for responding to my question. Yes the medication olanzapine or zyprexa is a heavy medication. It is used for people with bipolar disorder and psychosis. It carries with it a black box warning that in elderly patient may cause sudden death from cardiovascular or infectious events. It will also stimulate appetite and case weight gain and possible diabetes. i would recommend not taking the medication. There are other medications that can help that are not such heavy hitters. I usually recommend trying trazodone or remeron which are antidepressants. These are not habit forming and have low side effects.

I hope this answers your question. If you have any addition comments or questions please contact us again.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is Olanzapine Prescribed For Bipolar Disorder And Psychosis?

Brief Answer: Please rephrase your question Detailed Answer: Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns In your question you are concerned about a medication that was prescribed for you to help you sleep. You did not mention the medication. Please rephrase your question with the name of the medication so I can better answer your question. Look forward to hearing back from you