Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication primarily used for the treatment of schizophrenia in patients older than 13 years, as well as for managing bipolar I disorder, including acute mixed or manic episodes[1][2][3][4][5].
It can be used alone or in combination with other medications:
- Alone or with lithium or valproate for manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder[1][4][5].
- In combination with fluoxetine for depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder and treatment-resistant depression in individuals over 10 years old[1][2][5].
- To manage psychomotor agitation associated with schizophrenia and bipolar mania, using injectable forms for acute situations[1][5].
In addition to the main FDA-approved uses, olanzapine is sometimes prescribed off-label for acute agitation, delirium, anorexia nervosa, and to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)[2].