Olanzapine is a prescription medicine. It's important to take it as your doctor tells you.
Dosage and how to take olanzapine
Olanzapine tablets come in different strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 15mg and 20mg.
How much you take will depend on what you're taking it for. Your doctor may ask you to change your dose depending on how well olanzapine works for you.
If you're 65 years old or over, or you have problems with your kidneys or liver, your doctor may ask you to take a lower dose and increase your dose very slowly.
Dosage for schizophrenia
You'll usually start on 10mg, taken once a day.
Dosage for mania symptoms of bipolar disorder
You'll usually start on 15mg, taken once a day. If you're taking other medicines to help your symptoms, you may start on 10mg, taken once a day.
Dosage to prevent mania symptoms coming back
You'll usually start on a dose of 10mg, taken once a day. If you've been taking olanzapine to treat your mania symptoms, you may stay on the same dose.
Changes to your dose
Your doctor may ask you to increase or decrease your dose, but this will depend on how well olanzapine works to help manage your symptoms.
Most people feel better with daily doses of 5mg to 20mg. It may take a few weeks to get to the right dose that works for you.
How to take tablets
Take olanzapine once a day, at the same time each day.
You can take it with or without food.
How to take standard tablets
Swallow your tablet whole with a drink of water.
How to take tablets that dissolve in your mouth (orodispersible)
Put the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve. You can have a drink of water afterwards if you want.
You can also put the tablet into a small glass of water, orange juice, apple juice or milk. Stir the mixture well until the tablet is dissolved and then drink all of it straight away to make sure you get the full dose.
How to have injections
Injections are given into the muscle of your buttock every 2 to 4 weeks by a doctor or nurse. This would usually be in a specialist clinic.
How long to take it for
How long you take olanzapine for will depend on why you need it.
If you're taking it for schizophrenia, you may need to take it for a long time, sometimes years.
If you're taking it for bipolar disorder, you may need to take it for a few weeks or months.
Carry on taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to, even if you feel better. Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor first.
If you forget to take it
If you forget a dose of olanzapine, take it as soon as you remember, unless you do not remember until the next day. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Contact your doctor if you miss 2 or more doses.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
Taking too much olanzapine can cause side effects, so you'll need to get medical advice.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:
You take more than your prescribed dose of olanzapine and:
- suddenly feel confused
- feel drowsy or pass out (faint)
- have a fast or irregular heartbeat
- have a seizure or fit
- have a high temperature, muscle stiffness, sweating, anxiety or excess saliva
- start having problems with your speech
- have severe difficulty breathing – your breathing may be faster or slower than usual
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you've taken more than your prescribed dose of olanzapine, even if you do not have symptoms
Call 111 or get help from 111 online.
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the olanzapine packet or leaflet inside it, remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.
Stopping olanzapine
Do not stop taking olanzapine without talking to your doctor.
If you need to stop taking it, your doctor will help you come off it by reducing your dose gradually.
This will help prevent withdrawal symptoms such as feeling or being sick, sweating and difficulty sleeping.