Zyprexa

Special warnings about Zyprexa

Certain antipsychotic drugs, including Zyprexa, are associated with an increased risk of developing high blood sugar, which on rare occasions has led to coma or death. See your doctor right away if you develop signs of high blood sugar, including dry mouth, unusual thirst, increased urination, and tiredness. If you have diabetes or have a high risk of developing it, see your doctor regularly for blood sugar testing.

Use Zyprexa with caution if you have any of the following conditions: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, trouble swallowing, narrow angle glaucoma (high pressure in the eye), an enlarged prostate, heart irregularities, heart disease, heart failure, liver disease, or a history of heart attack, seizures, or intestinal blockage.

Zyprexa should not be used to treat elderly patients who have dementia because the drug could increase the risk of stroke. In addition, antipsychotic drug treatment has been associated with swallowing and breathing problems in older people and those with Alzheimer's disease.

Drugs such as Zyprexa sometimes cause a condition called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Symptoms include high fever, muscle rigidity, irregular pulse or blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, and changes in heart rhythm. If these symptoms appear, contact your doctor right away. You'll have to discontinue using Zyprexa while the condition is under treatment.

There is also a risk of developing tardive dyskinesia, a condition marked by slow, rhythmical, involuntary movements. This problem is more likely to surface in older adults, especially elderly women. When it does, use of Zyprexa is usually stopped.

Animal studies suggest that Zyprexa may increase the risk of breast cancer, although human studies have not confirmed such a risk. If you have a history of breast cancer, see your doctor regularly for checkups.

People at high risk of suicide attempts should be prescribed the lowest dose possible to reduce the risk of intentional overdose.