Zyprexa Side Effects

Zyprexa is an antipsychotic commonly used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It carries many of the same benefits and risks of other medications in the antipsychotic drug class.

Serious Side Effects

The most serious side effects are also among the less common side effects. The most serious side effects include: neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), tardive dyskinesia, high blood sugar/diabetes, severe allergic reaction (hives; swelling of face, mouth, tongue; shortness of breath, etc.), and abnormal thoughts (violent, suicidal, etc.).¹

NMS is a potentially fatal syndrome with the following symptoms: fever, muscular rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysfunction. If you experience any of these symptoms while on Zyprexa you should contact your health care provider immediately.³

Tardive dyskinesia is a condition which causes uncontrollable muscle movements (sometimes called tics). According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) features of tardive dyskinesia include: grimacing; tongue protrusion; lip smacking, puckering and pursing; rapid eye blinking; rapid movements of the arms, legs, and trunk; and involuntary movements of the fingers.²

Common Side Effects

The most commonly occurring side effects when using Zyprexa include: back or joint pain; constipation; cough; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; increased appetite; indigestion; lightheadedness; numbness or tingling of the skin; restlessness; sore throat; weakness; and weight gain.¹

Who is at the Greatest Risk of Experiencing Side Effects?

Some people are more likely to suffer from the severe side effects of Zyprexa. Due to this, they might either need to consider other medications or be monitored more closely while taking the medication. The following conditions may increase the odds of adverse effects with Zyprexa: people sensitive to phenylalanine; people with diabetes or a family history of diabetes; people with suppressed immune function; people who are elderly, particularly if they have dementia or are female; people with preexisting liver problems; people with Alzheimer's; people with preexisting bowel or stomach problems; people who have a history of breast, pancreas, pituitary cancer (or who are at high risk of breast cancer); and children.¹

Due to the risks to the unborn child or infant, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take Zyprexa. In elderly patients with dementia Zyprexa increases the risk of death. ¹

Certain medicines shouldn't be mixed with Zyprexa due to adverse effects or ineffective treatment. These medicines include: tramadol (increased risk of seizures); alpha blockers (increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting); anticholinergics (increase the risk of side effects of Zyprexa); and dopamine receptor agonists (their effectiveness is decreased by Zyprexa).¹

When taking Zyprexa, the risks may outweigh the benefits for some people. However, the medication affects individuals differently, so while it may not work for one person it may work wonders for another. Talk with your doctor if you are worried about any of your symptoms while taking Zyprexa.

Sources:

¹Zyprexa Orally Disintegrating Tablets, http://www.drugs.com/cdi/zyprexa-zydis-orally-disintegrating-tablets.html

²NINDS Tardive Dyskinesia Information Page, http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tardive/tardive.htm

³NINDS Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Information Page, http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/neuroleptic_syndrome/neuroleptic_syndrome.htm