Zyprexa: Anatomy Of A Drug's Side Effects
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Posted On :
Oct-15-2011
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Article Word Count :
779
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Zyprexa (olanzapine) is an atypical antipsychotic medication, used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression) . This article describes the long list of side effects and serious adverse reactions of Zyprexa.
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Zyprexa is an antipsychotic drug used for the treatment of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It is also known as Olanzapine (generic form) and under the trade names Zalasta, Zypadhera, Zolafren Oferta and Olzapin. Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly manufactures the drug and the patent will expire in 2011. It was approved by the FDA for the treatment of manifestations of psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder depressive episodes and for long-term bipolar disorder treatment.
Common Forms and Dosage of Zyprexa
Zyprexa is available in three forms: tablets, disintegrating wafers and intramuscular injection. Tablets come in six dosage strengths ranging from 2.5 mg to 20 mg. Wafers range in strength from 5 mg to 20 mg and intramuscular injections intended for short-term use come in 10 mg strength. The dosage depends upon the patient’s medical issues and drug response.
How Zyprexa Works in the Body
As with many of the atypical antipsychotics, Zyprexa affects the dopamine receptors and has a low affinity for alpha adrenergic, cholinergic muscarinic and histamine receptors. Zyprexa’s sedating properties may be contributed to by its weak affinity for the GABAA BZD receptor area. Although Zyprexa’s mode of action on antipsychotic activity still isn’t known , it is pissible that it involves antagonism at the serotonin receptors as well . However, antagonism at the dopamine receptors can cause extrapyramidal effects like tardive dyskinesia along with any therapeutic effects.
Side Effects of Zyprexa
Zyprexa, as with most antipsychotics, has a long list of side effects and adverse reactions. These include:
Minor Side Effects of Zyprexa
Dry mouth
Running Nose
Irritability
Weight gain
Increased appetite
Constipation
Missed periods
Apathy
Major Side Effects
Akathisia
Sedation
Insomnia
Urinary retention
Impaired judgment, motor skills and thinking
Orthostatic hypotension
Impaired spatial orientation
Seizures
Trouble swallowing
Impaired spatial orientation
Dental problems including teeth discoloration
Difficulty regulating body temperature
Brain Zaps
Endocrine system side effects, including hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus and hyperprolactinemia
Auditory hallucinations
Diabetes has been a very serious concern in users of Zyprexa and for good reason. Zyprexa has been linked to a total of 288 cases of Zyprexa induced diabetes, which includes 23 deaths. In fact, the concern was so serious that the European Union and Japan both now require that Zyprexa labeling contain a diabetes warning.
Other than diabetes, hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis are also concerns. In fact, in nearly 50% of ketoacidosis reports caused by Zyprexa, the results are fatal.
Several lawsuits have been filed against Eli Lilly suggesting that the company has attempted to hide the dangers associated with their best selling drug for schizophrenia. The health risks associated with Zyprexa that have resulted in lawsuits are typically those that have resulted from the drug’s ability to cause diabetes. However, other lawsuits have been filed against the company for additional and equally serious side effects.
The drug itself is Eli Lilly’s most popular drug and, as of the time of this writing, sales of the drug were reportedly $4.2 billion the previous year.
If you have experienced serious side effects as a result of taking Reglan, a lawyer with experience in the ongoing Zyprexa lawsuit can help evaluate your claim at no charge. The Zyprexa attorneys at JD Law Group are qualified to review your claim. You can contact them directly via 1-888-736-4248 or by filling out the contact form .
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Zyprexa: Anatomy Of A Drug's Side Effects_92557.aspx
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Author Resource :
Drug Recalls is a free resource about recalled or questionable drugs. The Zyprexa lawyers at JD Law Group specialize in helping people seriously injured by questionable drugs like Zyprexa.
Zyprexa attorneys specialized in Zyprexa lawsuit can review your claim . Contact them at 1-888-736-4248 or by filling out the contact form.
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Keywords :
Zyprexa drugs, medications, side effects, personal injury law, health, disease, neuropathy, stroke, heart attack,
Category :
Reference and Education
:
Legal
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