What is Zyprexa?

Zyprexa is the Eli Lilly and Company brand name of olanzapine, a strong antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, certain types of bi-polar disorders, and other mental disorders. It is part of the “atypical antipsychotic” or second-generation antipsychotic drugs.

Schizophrenia and other similar mental disorders are a result of chemical imbalances in the brain, which affect the way that brain cells communicate with each other. These imbalances can cause mild to severe outward symptoms including hallucinations, unpredictable emotional outbursts, lack of motivation and depression, and thought disorder. People who suffer from schizophrenia often find it difficult to function, and in severe cases may be dangerous to themselves or people around them due to their involuntary symptoms.

Antipsychotic medications help relieve the sufferer of these symptoms by restoring the chemical imbalances. Some people find only partial relief, and in most cases the drug’s effects are temporary. Even in the case of the new second-generation of medications like Zyprexa, most people must take the drugs for long periods of time. Approximately one-third of those treated over time with antipsychotic drugs make full recovery, one-third have some overall improvement, and one-third remain ill.

Zyprexa and its cousins were initially thought to be better than older drugs such as haloperidol because they have a lower risk of certain side effects like shaking and involuntary body movements. However recently studies have shown that Zyprexa causes several other problems, including an increased risk of diabetes, higher risk of infection and heart problems in older people, and even hypothermia. There are also cases of prescription errors – some people who have been prescribed the antihistamine Zyrtec have actually been given Zyprexa instead.

If you or a loved one has developed diabetes, hyperglycemia, or heart problems while taking Zyprexa, contact a personal injury lawyer at Jim S. Adler & Associates. We have over 30 years of experience fighting for the rights of our clients against major corporations. Don’t feel that you are smaller than them – with Jim S. Adler & Associates on your side you’ll get the compensation you deserve.

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