Olanzapine

Psychiatry

Psychiatry · Atypical antipsychotic

Olanzapine

Dose

5–10 mg PO OD (max 20 mg); 5–10 mg IM for acute agitation, max 3 doses/24 h.

Contraindications

  • Do not give IM olanzapine within 1 h of IM benzodiazepine (cardiorespiratory depression)

Use

Schizophrenia, bipolar mania, acute agitation, chemotherapy-induced nausea.

Monitoring

Weight, waist, HbA1c, lipids at baseline/3 months/annually; prolactin; ECG.

Side effects

  • Metabolic syndrome, weight gain
  • Sedation
  • Postural hypotension
  • Extrapyramidal effects (less than typicals)

Related in WardRound

Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.

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