Is Olanzapine prescribed for bipolar disorder and psychosis?

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,

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

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.

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.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar