FDA Approves Generic Versions of Zyprexa, a Mental Health Drug
Zyprexa, a popular drug used to treat the mental disorders schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, is now available in generic versions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the generic versions on Monday, according to a news release.
The drug is available in regular tablets and orally disintegrating tablets, according to the news release.
Zyprexa, or Olanzapine, can cause different side effects like drowsiness, restlessness, depression, strange behavior, weakness, weight gain, sexual issues, dizziness, abnormal periods, breast growth and constipation, according to an article from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
David Reiss, a psychiatrist and soon-to-be interim medical director of Providence Behavioral Health Hospital, said in an email that the availability of generic versions for Zyprexa is important for some patients.
“For patients who do well on Zyprexa without significant side effects (and I have seen some people for whom that definitely is the most effective agent), the availability of a cheaper version, and perhaps increased coverage by insurance companies, can be very significant,” Reiss said. “Any time there is a cheaper but equivalent version of a medication available, it allows for more flexibility in prescribing due to the practical issue of cost.”
He said he has experience prescribing Zyprexa over the years, and that it can be very effective compared to other similar medications, but it depends on the individual patient.
“In my practice, and ... most psychiatrists I know would agree, Zyprexa/olanzapine is often very effective, and for some patients, the most effective anti-psychotic,” Reiss said. “ However, there is the very significant ‘down-side’ that Zyprexa has probably the most risk among the anti-psychotics of causing metabolic changes, diabetes and weight gain.”
Due to the likely side effects, he said he only suggests Zyprexa for patients if other medications are ineffective. Also, he added that generic drugs in general can be less effective than brand name medications.
“Theoretically, there should be no difference between generic and brand-name medications,” Reiss said.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a Comment2 Comments
Eli Lilly Zyprexa Olanzapine issues linger.
October 27, 2011 - 12:58pmPTSD treatment for Veterans found ineffective.
The use of powerful antipsychotic drugs has increased in children as young as three years old. Weight gain, increases in triglyceride levels and associated risks for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The average weight gain (adults) over the 12 week study period was the highest for Zyprexa—17 pounds. You’d be hard pressed to gain that kind of weight sport-eating your way through the holidays.One in 145 adults died in clinical trials of those taking the antipsychotic drug Zyprexa.
This was Lilly's # 1 product over $ 4 billion per year sales,moreover Lilly also make billions on drugs that treat the diabetes often that has been caused by the zyprexa!
--- Daniel Haszard Zyprexa victim activist and patient who got diabetes from it.
http://www.zyprexa-victims.com
This Comment
From what I have seen for patients that stay hungry after a couple of months and the psychiatrist is to dumb to change their meds are the ones that get the diabetes because of their huge wait gain. Usually the hunger gradually goes away.
February 23, 2012 - 12:29pm