Olanzapine
Olanzapine
What is Olanzapine?
Olanzapine is a prescription atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (including acute manic episodes and maintenance therapy). It is also used in combination with fluoxetine for treatment-resistant depression and bipolar depression (as Symbyax). Olanzapine is known for its broad symptom coverage — addressing both positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) and negative symptoms (flat affect, social withdrawal) of schizophrenia. Olanzapine works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain, helping to correct the neurotransmitter imbalances associated with psychosis and mania. Available as oral tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and a short-acting injectable formulation. Typical doses range from 5–20 mg per day. A licensed psychiatric provider on Rx.com can evaluate mental health symptoms and prescribe olanzapine if it is appropriate.Side Effects
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
- Unusual behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself or others
Warnings
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, glaucoma, prostate problems, problems with passing urine, breast cancer, seizures, or severe constipation. Tell your doctor if you have any kind of heart or circulation problems, including low blood pressure, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, or a history of a heart attack or stroke. Tell your doctor if you have a condition called phenylketonuria.
- Do not breastfeed while you are using this medicine.
- This medicine may cause the following problems:Changes in behavior or mood, including thoughts of suicideNeuroleptic malignant syndrome (a nerve and muscle problem)Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)High blood sugar, cholesterol, or triglyceride levelsTardive dyskinesia (a muscle problem that may become permanent)
- This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy, or may cause trouble with thinking or controlling body movement, which may lead to falls, fractures or other injuries. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. You may also feel lightheaded when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, so stand up slowly.
- This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
Prescription savings · · · ·
What is Olanzapine ?
Olanzapine is a prescription atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (including acute manic episodes and maintenance therapy). It is also used in combination with fluoxetine for treatment-resistant depression and bipolar depression (as Symbyax). Olanzapine is known for its broad symptom coverage — addressing both positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) and negative symptoms (flat affect, social withdrawal) of schizophrenia. Olanzapine works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain, helping to correct the neurotransmitter imbalances associated with psychosis and mania. Available as oral tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and a short-acting injectable formulation. Typical doses range from 5–20 mg per day. A licensed psychiatric provider on Rx.com can evaluate mental health symptoms and prescribe olanzapine if it is appropriate.- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
- Unusual behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself or others
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Eye pain, trouble seeing
- Feeling very thirsty or hungry, change in how much or how often you urinate
- Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
- Jerky muscle movement you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw)
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
- Seizures or tremors
- Sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeat, muscle stiffness
- Swollen breasts, or liquid discharge from your nipples (men or women)
- Swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in neck, armpit, or groin
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, glaucoma, prostate problems, problems with passing urine, breast cancer, seizures, or severe constipation. Tell your doctor if you have any kind of heart or circulation problems, including low blood pressure, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, or a history of a heart attack or stroke. Tell your doctor if you have a condition called phenylketonuria.
- Do not breastfeed while you are using this medicine.
- This medicine may cause the following problems:Changes in behavior or mood, including thoughts of suicideNeuroleptic malignant syndrome (a nerve and muscle problem)Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)High blood sugar, cholesterol, or triglyceride levelsTardive dyskinesia (a muscle problem that may become permanent)
- This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy, or may cause trouble with thinking or controlling body movement, which may lead to falls, fractures or other injuries. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. You may also feel lightheaded when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, so stand up slowly.
- This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
- This medicine may make it more difficult for your body to cool down. Be careful to not become overheated during exercise or hot weather, because you could have heat stroke.
- Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
- Severe sleepiness, slurred speech, or trouble with breathing.
- Shakiness, problems with balance or walking.
- Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
- Swollen breasts, or liquid discharge from your nipples (men or women).
- Trouble with swallowing.
Olanzapine Coupons & Prices
Olanzapine
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Looking for an olanzapine coupon? Olanzapine is the low-cost generic version of Zyprexa, a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. Because it is a widely available generic, cash prices are already relatively low, but they can vary a lot from one pharmacy to the next, so comparing before you fill matters. Enter your ZIP above to see today's olanzapine price at pharmacies near you. Rx.com compares prices across more than 60,000 pharmacies to help you find the best deal, and your coupon is free to use with no insurance required.
What is olanzapine and how does it work?
Olanzapine is a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic. It is FDA-approved to treat schizophrenia in adults and adolescents 13 to 17, and to treat bipolar I disorder, including acute manic or mixed episodes and long-term maintenance, either on its own or together with lithium or valproate. In combination with fluoxetine (sold as Symbyax), it is approved for treatment-resistant depression and for depressive episodes linked to bipolar I disorder. An intramuscular form is used to treat acute agitation in schizophrenia and bipolar I mania.
Olanzapine is thought to work by adjusting the activity of chemical messengers in the brain, mainly dopamine and serotonin, which helps ease symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and mood episodes. It is sold under brand names including Zyprexa, Zyprexa Zydis (an orally disintegrating tablet), and the long-acting Zyprexa Relprevv injection, and appears in combination products such as Symbyax (olanzapine/fluoxetine) and Lybalvi (olanzapine/samidorphan). Your provider decides which form and dose is right for you.
Olanzapine cost and coupon savings without insurance
Olanzapine is available as a generic, which usually makes it much more affordable than the brand-name Zyprexa. Even so, the cash price you pay can differ widely depending on which pharmacy you use, your dose and formulation, and your location, so it pays to compare. A free Rx.com coupon can be used at the pharmacy counter whether or not you have insurance, and for some people the cash coupon price beats an insurance copay.
To see current pricing, enter your ZIP code above and Rx.com will compare olanzapine prices across more than 60,000 pharmacies near you. The generic tablets and orally disintegrating tablets are the most commonly filled forms; the long-acting injections are given in a clinical setting and priced differently. Comparing before you fill is the simplest way to avoid overpaying.
Olanzapine alternatives and related medications
Olanzapine is one of several atypical antipsychotics used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. If olanzapine is not the right fit, or if metabolic side effects such as weight gain are a concern, your provider may consider other options. Related medications you can compare on Rx.com include:
- Zyprexa — the brand-name version of olanzapine
- quetiapine — another atypical antipsychotic
- risperidone — an atypical antipsychotic used for similar conditions
- aripiprazole — an atypical antipsychotic often chosen for its side-effect profile
- ziprasidone — another atypical antipsychotic option
Only your prescriber can decide which medication is appropriate for you. These drugs differ in how they affect weight, blood sugar, and alertness, so cost is just one factor. Comparing prices on each generic can help you and your provider weigh cost alongside the clinical choice.
Olanzapine safety and side effects
The information here is general and is not medical advice — always talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your specific situation. Olanzapine carries a boxed warning that it increases the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis; it is not approved for that use. The long-acting Zyprexa Relprevv injection carries a separate boxed warning for post-injection delirium and sedation, which is why it is given only in a registered, monitored setting. When olanzapine is combined with an antidepressant (as in Symbyax), that product also carries a warning about suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, teens, and young adults.
The most notable risks with olanzapine are metabolic: weight gain, high blood sugar or new-onset diabetes, and increased cholesterol and triglycerides, so your provider may monitor these. Other important risks include neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), tardive dyskinesia, a drop in blood pressure when standing (orthostatic hypotension), drowsiness or sedation, an increased risk of stroke in older adults with dementia, and a serious allergic reaction called DRESS. Do not stop olanzapine on your own; talk with your provider about any bothersome side effects, and contact your doctor right away if you notice high fever with muscle stiffness, uncontrollable movements, a rash, or thoughts of self-harm.
This Olanzapine information was written and reviewed against authoritative U.S. medical sources — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), DailyMed, and FDA prescribing information — and checked for accuracy. It is provided for education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Verify the official label: Olanzapine on DailyMed (FDA)
Reviewed against FDA labeling · Last reviewed July 2026
Olanzapine — Articles & Guides
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Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.