Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be exercised while taking Zyprexa as follows:
- Zyprexa use, especially on empty stomach, can result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea and vomiting. Taking dose of Zyprexa with a glass of water, after having some food or a snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication.
- Zyprexa intake can induce some dizziness and make one drowsy. Starting the medication at a low dose, watching for the response, and gradually changing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication. Avoid sudden changes in position, until you are used to the side-effects of Zyprexa intake. Sudden change of positions can make the confusion and dizzy episodes even worse and precipitate accidents and falls. Report to your physician regarding any uncontrolled dizziness and episodes of loss of consciousness while taking Zyprexa, for any change in plan of care to be considered. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side effects caused by Zyprexa intake.
- Discuss with your physician regarding all your medications and their risk of aggravating the dizziness caused by Zyprexa. Do not take Zyprexa with alcohol or opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, as these products can add to the dizziness and confusion caused by Zyprexa, and contribute to falls and accidents. A number of OTC cough medications and antihistamines, muscle relaxant medications, and antianxiety medications, can potentiate the confusion caused by Zyprexa and so, must be avoided taking along with Zyprexa.
