Zyprexa is an antipsychotic drug used for the treatment of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It is also known as Olanzapine (generic form) and under the trade names Zalasta, Zypadhera, Zolafren Oferta and Olzapin. Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly manufactures the drug and the patent will expire in 2011. It was approved by the FDA for the treatment of manifestations of psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder depressive episodes and for long-term bipolar disorder treatment.
Common Forms and Dosage of Zyprexa
Zyprexa is available in three forms: tablets, disintegrating wafers and intramuscular injection. Tablets come in six dosage strengths ranging from 2.5 mg to 20 mg. Wafers range in strength from 5 mg to 20 mg and intramuscular injections intended for short-term use come in 10 mg strength. The dosage depends upon the patient’s medical issues and drug response.
How Zyprexa Works in the Body
As with many of the atypical antipsychotics, Zyprexa affects the dopamine receptors and has a low affinity for alpha adrenergic, cholinergic muscarinic and histamine receptors. Zyprexa’s sedating properties may be contributed to by its weak affinity for the GABAA BZD receptor area. Although Zyprexa’s mode of action on antipsychotic activity still isn’t known , it is pissible that it involves antagonism at the serotonin receptors as well . However, antagonism at the dopamine receptors can cause extrapyramidal effects like tardive dyskinesia along with any therapeutic effects.
Side Effects of Zyprexa
Zyprexa, as with most antipsychotics, has a long list of side effects and adverse reactions. These include:
Minor Side Effects of Zyprexa
Dry mouth rnRunning NosernIrritabilityrnWeight gainrnIncreased appetite rnConstipationrnMissed periodsrnApathy
Major Side Effects
rnAkathisia rnSedation rnInsomniarnUrinary retentionrnImpaired judgment, motor skills and thinkingrnOrthostatic hypotensionrnImpaired spatial orientationrnSeizuresrnTrouble swallowingrnImpaired spatial orientationrnDental problems including teeth discolorationrnDifficulty regulating body temperaturernBrain ZapsrnEndocrine system side effects, including hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus and hyperprolactinemiarnAuditory hallucinations
Diabetes has been a very serious concern in users of Zyprexa and for good reason. Zyprexa has been linked to a total of 288 cases of Zyprexa induced diabetes, which includes 23 deaths. In fact, the concern was so serious that the European Union and Japan both now require that Zyprexa labeling contain a diabetes warning.
Other than diabetes, hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis are also concerns. In fact, in nearly 50% of ketoacidosis reports caused by Zyprexa, the results are fatal.
Several lawsuits have been filed against Eli Lilly suggesting that the company has attempted to hide the dangers associated with their best selling drug for schizophrenia. The health risks associated with Zyprexa that have resulted in lawsuits are typically those that have resulted from the drug’s ability to cause diabetes. However, other lawsuits have been filed against the company for additional and equally serious side effects.
The drug itself is Eli Lilly’s most popular drug and, as of the time of this writing, sales of the drug were reportedly $4.2 billion the previous year.
If you have experienced serious side effects as a result of taking Reglan, a lawyer with experience in the ongoing Zyprexa lawsuit can help evaluate your claim at no charge. The Zyprexa attorneys at JD Law Group are qualified to review your claim. You can contact them directly via 1-888-736-4248 or by filling out the contact form .
rnDISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website or the web site linked here in are not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice, diagnosis or treatment. In addition, viewing the content on these websites, requesting additional information, or transmitting information through a contact form does not form an attorney-client relationship with the sponsoring attorney. Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case or scientific study and do not represent a promise or guaranty regarding similar outcome or causes. The information on this site is intended for educational purposes only and should never interfere with a patient/site visitor and his or her healthcare provider. Internet subscribers or online readers should not act upon any information contained herein without seeking professional legal and/or medical advice. This firm is licensed to practice law only in the state of California, but is affiliated with a network of licensed attorneys in other states. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Drug-Recalls.org and JD Law Group makes no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy, reliability, completeness, currentness, or timeliness of the content, text or graphics. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
Tags : Zyprexa drugs, medications, side effects, personal injury law, health, disease, neuropathy, stroke, heart attack