Amprexa Tablets 5mg

Used For:

• Schizophrenia: Helps reduce symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and paranoia.
• Bipolar Disorder: Effective for managing manic episodes and may be used as a long-term treatment to stabilize mood.
• Treatment-Resistant Depression: Often used in combination with an antidepressant when other treatments have not been effective.
• Other Off-Label Uses: Sometimes prescribed for anxiety, severe agitation, and behavioral disorders (particularly in those with dementia or autism), although this is less common and should be closely monitored.

Side Effects:

• Common Side Effects: Drowsiness, weight gain, dry mouth, increased appetite, and constipation.
• Metabolic Side Effects: Olanzapine is associated with metabolic effects like increased blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides, which can lead to weight gain and increased risk of diabetes.
• Less Common but Serious Side Effects:
  • Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS): While less common than with older antipsychotics, it can still cause movement disorders like tremors, rigidity, and restlessness.
  • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): A rare but life-threatening reaction that includes fever, muscle stiffness, and confusion.
  • Orthostatic Hypotension: Sudden drops in blood pressure when standing, which can cause dizziness or fainting.
  • Tardive Dyskinesia: A rare but potentially permanent movement disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements, often affecting the face and limbs.

Precautions:

• Metabolic Monitoring: Regular monitoring of weight, blood glucose, and lipids is recommended due to the risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
• Caution in Elderly Patients with Dementia: Olanzapine increases the risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis and should be used with caution in this population.
• Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness when combined with olanzapine.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It should only be used in pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks and is generally not recommended during breastfeeding.
• Drug Interactions: Olanzapine may interact with medications that affect the central nervous system and should be monitored when combined with other sedatives or blood pressure medications.