Zyprexa
(Olanzapine)
Zyprexa is a potent atypical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is highly effective at managing acute psychotic episodes and bipolar mania, though weight gain and metabolic changes require careful monitoring.
Most patients pay less than $20 per appointment.
Zyprexa is one of the most effective antipsychotics available for severe symptoms, but its tendency to cause significant weight gain and metabolic changes means it is typically used when other options have not worked, or when rapid stabilisation is critical.
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Komal Nathani
Komal is an LGBTQ+ affirming psychiatrist who works with queer, trans, and gender-expansive adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and identity. She offers a space where your full self is welcome, and brings real understanding to the intersection of queerness, culture, and mental health.
MD Psychiatrist
Adam Butera
Adam is an LGBTQ+ affirming psychiatrist with 23 years in private practice, offering care for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, addiction, and ADHD. He takes time to understand each person as a whole human being, working with adolescents, adults, and seniors across diverse backgrounds.
MD PsychiatristReal questions. honest answers.
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Zyprexa (olanzapine) is FDA-approved for schizophrenia, bipolar I mania, and as an adjunct for treatment-resistant depression (combined with fluoxetine as Symbyax).
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Zyprexa strongly blocks histamine receptors in the brain, which increases appetite and slows metabolism. Weight gain can be significant — averaging 5–10kg in some studies.
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Increases in blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides are common. Your psychiatrist will order routine metabolic labs to monitor these
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Yes — sedation is common, especially at the start of treatment. Many people find taking it at bedtime helps manage this.
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Yes — Zyprexa is sometimes used short-term for acute stabilisation, then transitioned to a medication with a better long-term metabolic profile.
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Dietary changes, regular physical activity, and in some cases adding metformin can help. Your psychiatrist will work with you on a management plan.
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Zyprexa is fast-acting. Significant improvement in psychosis and mania is often seen within the first few days of treatment.
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Book a free consult. Our psychiatrists will assess whether Zyprexa is appropriate and discuss the full risk-benefit picture with you.