Olimelt 15 Tablet (10 Tab)

OLIMELT 15 TABLET (10 TAB) by INTAS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD

OLIMELT 15 TABLET is an atypical antipsychotic medication manufactured by Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd..

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Olanzapine 15 mg.

Uses OLIMELT 15 TABLET is primarily prescribed for the treatment of various mental health conditions:

• Schizophrenia: It helps manage symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking and behavior by restoring the balance of chemical messengers (dopamine and serotonin) in the brain.
• Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression): It is used to treat manic episodes and helps stabilize mood, reducing the frequency of mood swings. It can also be used in combination with other medications for depression in bipolar disorder.
• Agitation: It is also used to treat agitation associated with schizophrenia and bipolar mania.

Dosage and Administration OLIMELT 15 TABLET should be taken orally as prescribed by a doctor. It can be taken with or without food, usually once daily, and at the same time each day to maintain consistent medicine levels. For schizophrenia, adults typically start with 5 to 10 mg/day, with adjustments up to 20 mg/day over intervals greater than one week. For bipolar mania, the initial dose is generally 10 to 15 mg/day, adjusted in 5 mg increments at intervals greater than 24 hours. Do not discontinue the medication suddenly without consulting a doctor, as it can worsen symptoms and cause withdrawal effects like sweating, tremors, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting.

Side Effects Common side effects include:

• Headache
• Sleepiness/Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Weight gain (especially in young adults and teenagers)
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Increased appetite
• Muscle stiffness and restlessness
• Orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing)
• Increased blood sugar and cholesterol levels

Serious side effects can include an increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is also a rare but potentially fatal side effect.

Precautions

• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase dizziness and drowsiness.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it may be unsafe and excreted into breast milk.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if experiencing drowsiness or dizziness.
• Medical Conditions: Use with caution in patients with liver disease, kidney disease, heart problems, diabetes, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, or a history of seizures. Regular monitoring of blood sugar, cholesterol, and liver function tests is recommended.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, as olanzapine can interact with certain antidepressants (e.g., Fluvoxamine), anticonvulsants (e.g., Carbamazepine), antihypertensives, and medicines for Parkinson's disease.
• Smoking: Smoking can interfere with the working of Olimelt 15 MG Tablet by increasing its metabolism.
• Not recommended for individuals under 12 or 18 years of age (information varies, generally not for children).

Storage Store OLIMELT 15 TABLET at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture, in a tightly closed container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

What is OLIMELT 15 TABLET used for?

OLIMELT 15 TABLET, containing Olanzapine, is primarily an antipsychotic medicine used to treat schizophrenia and manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It can also be used to manage agitation in schizophrenia and sometimes as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder.

How does OLIMELT 15 TABLET work?

OLIMELT 15 TABLET works by restoring the balance of certain natural chemical messengers in the brain, specifically dopamine and serotonin. By modulating the levels of these neurotransmitters, it helps to improve mood, thoughts, and behavior, and can decrease symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.

What is the usual dosage for OLIMELT 15 TABLET?

The dosage of OLIMELT 15 TABLET is determined by your doctor based on your condition and response to treatment. For schizophrenia, a typical starting dose may be 5 to 10 mg once daily, adjusted in 5 mg increments, not exceeding 20 mg/day. For bipolar mania, it often starts at 10 to 15 mg once daily, also with adjustments in 5 mg increments, not exceeding 20 mg/day. It should be swallowed whole with or without food, usually at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in your body.

What are the possible side effects of OLIMELT 15 TABLET?

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, restlessness, tremors, stomach upset, dry mouth, constipation, increased appetite, fatigue, and weight gain. Some individuals may experience orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up), increased blood sugar levels, or increased cholesterol levels. Serious side effects can include an increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis, significantly high blood sugar levels, and seizures.

Is OLIMELT 15 TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

OLIMELT 15 TABLET is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless the potential benefits clearly outweigh the risks, as it may cause unwanted symptoms in the newborn if taken in the third trimester. These symptoms can include shivering, weakness, sleepiness, agitation, and breathing or feeding difficulties. It is not recommended during breastfeeding, as Olanzapine passes into breast milk and may harm the baby. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Can OLIMELT 15 TABLET be taken with other medications?

OLIMELT 15 TABLET can interact with various medications. It can increase sedation when taken with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants. Medications like fluvoxamine can elevate its levels, while carbamazepine can decrease them. It may also interact with antihypertensive drugs, potentially enhancing their blood pressure-lowering effects, and may antagonize the effects of levodopa and dopamine agonists. Inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while using OLIMELT 15 TABLET?

Avoid consuming alcohol as it can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you understand how this medicine affects you. It is not recommended for patients with dementia-related psychosis due to serious risks. Use with caution if you have a history of seizures, liver or kidney disease, heart problems, high cholesterol, glaucoma, or diabetes. Regular monitoring of weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels is advised. To reduce dizziness, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms; any discontinuation should be gradual and under medical supervision.

What happens if a dose of OLIMELT 15 TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

How should OLIMELT 15 TABLET be stored?

Store OLIMELT 15 TABLET at room temperature, typically below 30°C (or between 10°C to 25°C), in a cool and dry place. Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture, and ensure it is out of the reach and sight of children.

Does smoking interfere with OLIMELT 15 TABLET?

Yes, smoking can interfere with the effectiveness of OLIMELT 15 TABLET by increasing its metabolism, which might reduce the amount of medicine in your body. It is advisable to discuss your smoking habits with your doctor.