Zyprexa 5 mg contains olanzapine, a prescription atypical antipsychotic used in adults for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The 5 mg tablet is one available strength within an individualised treatment plan; the diagnosis, dose and duration must be set and reviewed by a psychiatrist or other qualified prescriber.

Approved uses:
• Treatment of schizophrenia and maintenance of improvement in adults who respond to initial treatment.
• Treatment of moderate to severe manic episodes in adults.
• Prevention of recurrence in adults with bipolar disorder whose manic episode responded to olanzapine.

How it works:
Olanzapine acts on several brain receptors, particularly dopamine and serotonin receptors, which helps reduce psychotic and manic symptoms. It is not a sedative for occasional sleep problems.

Active ingredient and composition:
Each coated tablet contains olanzapine 5 mg and 156 mg lactose monohydrate. Other verified excipients include hyprolose, crospovidone, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, carnauba wax, macrogol and polysorbate 80.

How to use:
Take once daily exactly as prescribed, at the same time each day, with or without food. Swallow whole with water. The usual total oral dose range is 5 mg to 20 mg daily, but 5 mg is not the correct starting dose for every patient. Do not change the dose or stop suddenly; withdrawal or relapse can occur and tapering may be required.

Important safety information:
Olanzapine can cause marked sleepiness, weight gain and changes in blood glucose and lipids; weight, glucose and lipid monitoring is important. Discuss diabetes, seizures, liver disease, prostate or bowel problems, glaucoma risk, heart disease and all medicines. Avoid alcohol and do not drive until the effect is known. It is not approved for dementia related psychosis because of increased mortality and cerebrovascular risk in older adults. Fever with severe muscle stiffness, confusion or abnormal movements requires urgent assessment.

Medical disclaimer:
This medicine is not suitable for self diagnosis or unsupervised treatment. Use it only for the person and condition for which it was prescribed, follow the local package leaflet, and seek urgent medical help for a severe allergic reaction, breathing difficulty, fainting, or rapidly worsening symptoms.