Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be exercised while taking Olanzapine as follows:
- Periodical labs could be ordered, while taking olanzapine, to evaluate the white blood cell count, blood sugar control, lipid levels, and levels of prolactin hormone, for safe therapeutic dose of olanzapine. Observe compliance with any lab draws ordered.
- Olanzapine takes some time to fairly balance the chemicals in the brain, before any improvement in mood and behavior are noted. It could take about 3 – 6 weeks to see this change in mood. So, do not discontinue taking the medication without your physician’s consult, as you failed to see the improvement with the psychotic symptoms immediately after taking the medication. Olanzapine only helps with managing the psychotic symptoms, by influencing the activity of various chemical neurotransmitters in the brain and is not a permanent cure. Continue taking olanzapine, as recommended, even if your mood feels better. Sudden discontinuation of olanzapine intake, after prolonged use, can result in onset of severe withdrawal symptoms, such as, exacerbation of psychosis, hallucinations, anxiety, and mania. Discontinuation on olanzapine use must be slow and gradual, using tapering doses, and only on your physician recommendation.
- Notify your doctor of any unresolved and worsening psychosis and mania symptoms or continuing unpleasant side-effects, so that, your dosage on the medication could be revised.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose. Notify your doctor and other health care personnel regarding your dose noncompliance.
