Zyprexa or olanzapine, a second generation or atypical antipsychotic drug, treats schizophrenia, mania of bipolar disorder and when combined with fluoxetine assists in treatment resistant depression.

Zyprexa belongs to the same family as Abilify, Risperdal, Seroquel, Invega, Latuda, Vraylar, Saphris, Geodon and Rexulti. The American Psychiatric Association does not recommend any one drug over another. The APA suggests these medicines should be prescribed at the lowest possible dose since all of the drugs are associated with significant and sometimes persistent side effects.

Zyprexa has been used for an ever expanding list of off label indications not authorized by the FDA or confirmed by adequate studies. Among the long list of conditions where Zyprexa is used are PTSD, Tourette Syndrome, stuttering, hyperactivity, autism and even insomnia.

For schizophrenia, Zyprexa’s results should be obvious within the first week. Lack of response by 46 weeks suggests failure to comply with therapy, an incorrect diagnosis or the need to switch to a pill with a different binding profile in the brain.

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