Patient/caregiver was instructed upon olanzapine and mechanism of action as follows:
- Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are manufactured in the brain and released by nerve endings, at the synapse, which is a junction between two nerves. The neurotransmitters released bind to their individual receptors and communicates the impulse to the nerves around.
- There are various neurotransmitters such as, dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin released in the brain. A balance between these various neurotransmitters released is essential for maintenance of mood and prevention of psychotic symptoms.
- Olanzapine is a medication, belonging to the class of atypical antipsychotics, used to treat symptoms of psychosis and mood disorders.
- The exact mechanism of action of olanzapine is not clearly known. But, it is believed that olanzapine binds to and inhibits receptors for dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin, thus partially inhibiting the function and communication by these neurotransmitters.
- By affecting these chemicals in the brain, olanzapine helps with balancing the communication by different neurotransmitters and appropriate desired nerve stimulation.
- This action of olanzapine contributes to controlling symptoms of schizophrenia, agitation and anxiety associated with panic disorders, psychosis, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs).
