My doctor proscribed me Zyprexa because I was experiencing anxiety attacks. I started to use it 3 weeks ago and since then I've gained 8 pounds. I am not sure why this is happening because I know that my eating habits have not changed. Is it possible that the drug is causing the weight gain? I would like to know more about this drug since it helps me with anxiety attacks.
Zyprexa or olanzapine is psychotropic agent that belongs to the thienobenzodiazepine class. Olanzapine is a yellow crystalline solid, and it is practically insoluble in water. Zyprexa tablets are intended for oral use only. Zyprexa is an antipsychotic as well as a "mood stabilizer". Beside treatments for anxiety and agitation, this medication is very fast and extremely effective medication for the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Zyprexa has a profoundly calming effect in many patients. Because it can treat both mood and psychotic symptoms, it also has a role in people with unclear diagnosis. But beside its effectiveness Zyprexa has a few side-effects. The most common one is a weight gain, and it is the main limiting factor, beside its cost. Also, there is evidence that this medication can cause diabetes in some people, and all because of the weight gain. So if you are sure that your eating habits haven't change, than the cause of your weight gain is pretty clear. If the increasing of your body mass doesn't stop and you are worried you should talk to your doctor about switching to other drug.