A young Black woman sitting on a bench in the park.

Olanzapine

  • Medication name

    Olanzapine ("oh-LAN-za-peen")

  • Brand name

    Zyprexa® ("zi-PREX-a")

  • Medication type

    Second-generation antipsychotic (sometimes referred to as an ‘atypical antipsychotic’)

About olanzapine

Olanzapine is a second-generation antipsychotic (sometimes described as an ‘atypical antipsychotic’). It may also be described as a mood stabiliser.

There is a naturally occurring chemical messenger ('neurotransmitter') in the brain called dopamine, which is mainly involved in thinking, emotions, behaviour and perception.

With some illnesses, dopamine may be overactive, which upsets the normal balance of chemicals in the brain and can produce a variety of symptoms.

The main effect that olanzapine has is to block some dopamine receptors in the brain, correcting the overactivity of dopamine.

Olanzapine also has effects on other neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin. This can have positive effects, including reducing movement disorders and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Olanzapine and everyday life

Information and safety considerations

Your doctor will consider any other medical conditions or symptoms you have before recommending a medicine for you.

Your medicine will come with a ‘patient information leaflet’. It’s important that you read this information. Speak to your pharmacist if:

  • you’re not given a leaflet
  • you don’t understand the information
  • you need it in a different format or language
  • you’re concerned about something you’ve read

The information leaflet also includes a list of warnings and precautions to consider before you take the medicine. If you think that any of these apply to you and are concerned that your doctor is not already aware of them, check with your doctor or pharmacist before you start to take your medication (or as soon as possible if you are already taking it).

Uses, warnings, safety and side effects

Taking olanzapine

Warnings and safety

Side effects and your health

Related medications

Understanding medication

Browse all our medications or look up key terms in our medications glossary.

About this information

The information on this page was reviewed by the College of Mental Health Pharmacy in September 2024.

Visit the CMHP website
College of mental health pharmacy logo.