olanzapine (Zyprexa)

Meet with a licensed provider online to explore if an antipsychotic medication like olanzapine (Zyprexa) may be right for you.

Treatment for:
schizophrenia, bipolar disorder

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What is an antipsychotic?

Antipsychotics are a class of medication that is primarily used to treat symptoms of psychosis, like hearing and seeing things that other people do not, feeling paranoid, or having delusions.

How does an antipsychotic work?

Antipsychotics work by blocking dopamine in the brain, which helps reduce the frequency and severity of psychotic symptoms.

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How prescribing works

  • 1

    Find a provider who meets your needs

    Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).

  • 2

    Meet 1:1 to begin treatment

    Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.

  • 3

    Attend sessions and start feeling better

    Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.

FAQs

What is olanzapine (Zyprexa) used to treat?

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, manic and mixed episodes with bipolar disorder, depression with bipolar disorder, and depression. Olanzapine may also be used off-label, or outside of t's approved uses, to treat other conditions.

Is olanzapine (Zyprexa) a controlled substance?

No, olanzapine is not a controlled substance, since it is not considered habit-forming and doesn't cause addiction. If you have any questions about the side effects of olanzapine, ask your provider about your concerns.

Does olanzapine (Zyprexa) make you sleepy?

Yes, sleepiness and tiredness are common side effects of olanzapine. You may experience sleepiness when you first begin treatment with olanzapine. If you experience excessive sleepiness with olanzapine treatment, contact your provider so you may discuss ways for you to manage this side effect. Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how olanzapine affects you.

Does olanzapine (Zyprexa) cause weight gain?

Yes, weight gain can be a side effect of olanzapine, as well as increased appetite. If you're concerned about weight gain with olanzapine treatment, talk with your provider. They can discuss the issue with you and find ways for you to manage a healthy weight.

How long does it take for olanzapine (Zyprexa) to work?

How long it takes olanzapine to start working depends on several factors, including the form of the medication you're prescribed, your dosage, the severity of your condition, and how you respond to treatment with olanzapine. Injectable dosage forms of olanzapine (Zyprexa) work faster than oral forms taken by mouth. It may take a few weeks to months before you notice a distinct improvement in your symptoms. Your provider may also start you on a low dose and slowly increase it in order to see how you respond to olanzapine. Talk with your provider if you have questions about how long it may take the medication to start working for you.

Can olanzapine (Zyprexa) treat anxiety?

Olanzapine is not approved to treat anxiety, and is typically not used to treat it due to the risk of serious side effects. However, if you have symptoms of anxiety along with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or depression, olanzapine may help. Talk with your provider if you have questions about olanzapine's effectiveness for anxiety disorders.

How long does olanzapine (Zyprexa) stay in system?

How long olanzapine stays in your system depends on the form of medication you're prescribed (oral or injection) as well as other factors, such as how well your liver and kidneys are working. The half-life of olanzapine ranges from 21 to 54 hours. This means it takes around one to three days for half the drug to leave your body. Your provider or pharmacist can give you more details about how long your dosage form of olanzapine may stay in your body.

Can I get a prescription online?

You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published October 3, 2024

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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