Olimelt 20 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

OLIMELT 20 MG TABLET

OLIMELT 20 MG TABLET, manufactured by Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., is an atypical antipsychotic medication.

Composition

The active ingredient in OLIMELT 20 MG TABLET is Olanzapine at a strength of 20 mg.

Uses

OLIMELT 20 MG TABLET is primarily prescribed for the treatment of various psychological and psychiatric disorders.

• Schizophrenia: It is used to manage symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking by balancing chemical messengers (dopamine and serotonin) in the brain.
• Bipolar Disorder: It is effective in treating acute manic episodes and their recurrence in bipolar I disorder, characterized by extreme mood swings. It can also be used in combination with other medications for depression in bipolar disorder.

Dosage and Administration

OLIMELT 20 MG TABLET should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, but it is advisable to take it at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level in the body.

• Schizophrenia (Adults): Initial dose typically ranges from 5 to 10 mg daily, adjusted in 5 mg increments at intervals greater than one week. The usual maintenance range is 5-20 mg daily, with a maximum dose of 20 mg daily.
• Bipolar Mania (Adults): Initial dose is 10 to 15 mg daily for monotherapy, or 10 mg daily when used in combination therapy. Dosage can be adjusted in 5 mg increments at intervals greater than 24 hours. The usual range is 5-20 mg daily, not exceeding 20 mg/day.
• Special Populations (e.g., debilitated, elderly, predisposed to hypotension): A starting dose of 5 mg daily is often recommended.
• Administration of Orally Disintegrating Tablet: Peel back the foil on the blister pack, use dry hands to remove the tablet, and place it in the patient's mouth. The tablet will disintegrate with or without liquid.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Drowsiness/Sleepiness
• Dizziness, especially when standing up (orthostatic hypotension)
• Weight gain
• Increased appetite
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Restlessness (akathisia), tremors, unusual movements
• Increased levels of prolactin in the blood
• Swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet
• Fatigue/Loss of strength
• Decreased libido

Serious side effects, though less common, can include:

• Unusual movements of the face or tongue (tardive dyskinesia)
• Blood clots, particularly in the legs, which can travel to the lungs
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), characterized by fever, faster breathing, sweating, muscle stiffness, and drowsiness

Precautions

• Pregnancy: Use with caution during pregnancy. It is not recommended in the last trimester as it may cause unwanted symptoms in the newborn.
• Breastfeeding: Not recommended for breastfeeding women as it can pass into breast milk.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase dizziness and drowsiness.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience drowsiness or dizziness.
• Children: Not recommended for individuals under 12 or 18 years of age as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of allergic reactions to Olanzapine, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, liver or kidney diseases, heart problems, high cholesterol, glaucoma, diabetes, breast cancer, enlarged prostate, or seizures.
• Drug Interactions: Olanzapine may interact with antihypertensive drugs, carbamazepine, fluvoxamine, sedating drugs, alcohol, and levodopa.
• Abrupt Discontinuation: Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor, as it can worsen symptoms or lead to withdrawal effects.

Storage

Store OLIMELT 20 MG TABLET in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight. Protect from light and moisture in a tightly closed container and keep out of reach of children. Store at room temperature, ideally between 10°C to 25°C or below 30°C.

Olimelt 20 MG Tablet, manufactured by Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., contains Olanzapine as its active ingredient. It is an atypical antipsychotic medication.

What is Olimelt 20 MG Tablet used for?

Olimelt 20 MG Tablet is primarily used to treat schizophrenia, a mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking and behavior. It is also prescribed for managing manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (manic depression), which involves extreme mood swings. Additionally, it can be used for agitation in schizophrenia and may be used in combination with other medications to treat depression.

How does Olimelt 20 MG Tablet work?

Olimelt 20 MG Tablet works by restoring the balance of certain natural chemical messengers in the brain, specifically dopamine and serotonin. By antagonizing selected dopamine and serotonin receptors in the central nervous system, it helps to improve thinking, mood, and behavior, and can decrease hallucinations.

What is the usual dosage of Olimelt 20 MG Tablet?

The dosage of Olimelt 20 MG Tablet can vary depending on the condition being treated and the patient's response. For adults with schizophrenia, an initial dose of 5-10 mg per day is typically prescribed, which can be adjusted in 5 mg increments at intervals greater than one week, with a maximum recommended dose of 20 mg per day. For bipolar mania, the initial dose is often 10-15 mg per day for monotherapy, or 10 mg per day when used in combination with lithium or valproate, with a maintenance range of 5-20 mg per day. Lower starting doses (e.g., 5 mg daily) may be used for elderly patients or those with liver impairment, or individuals predisposed to hypotension. It should be taken once daily, with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.

What are the possible side effects of Olimelt 20 MG Tablet?

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, restlessness, tremors or shakiness, stomach upset, dry mouth, constipation, increased appetite, fatigue, decreased libido, swelling of the hands or feet, and weight gain. Other frequently reported side effects include headache, increased levels of prolactin in the blood, unusual movement of the face or tongue, and an increase in liver enzymes. More serious, though less common, side effects can include orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions), high blood sugar levels, increased cholesterol and body fat, and a risk of blood clots.

Is Olimelt 20 MG Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Olimelt 20 MG Tablet is generally not recommended during pregnancy (Pregnancy Category C) unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Using antipsychotic drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy can cause unwanted symptoms in newborn babies, such as shaking, muscle stiffness or weakness, sleepiness, agitation, breathing problems, and difficulty feeding. It is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women, as olanzapine passes into breast milk and may harm the baby.

Can it be taken with other medications?

Olimelt 20 MG Tablet can interact with various medications. It may enhance the hypotensive effects of antihypertensive drugs. Additive central nervous system (CNS) depression, including motor and cognitive impairment, can occur when taken with sedating drugs and alcohol. Carbamazepine may decrease olanzapine plasma levels, while fluvoxamine can elevate them. Olanzapine may also antagonize the effects of levodopa and other dopamine agonists. Other medications that may interact include diuretics, antidepressants, tranquilizers, medicines used to treat fungal infections (like Ketoconazole), medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease, and certain antibiotics (like Ciprofloxacin). Always inform your doctor about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, you are taking.

What precautions should be taken?

Patients should exercise caution while driving or operating machinery, as Olimelt 20 MG Tablet can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and decreased mental alertness. Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it can increase these side effects. The medication is not recommended for patients with dementia-related psychosis due to an increased risk of worsening conditions and death. Caution is advised for individuals with a history of seizures, diabetes (blood sugar levels should be monitored), liver or kidney impairment, heart problems, high cholesterol, glaucoma, or conditions that predispose to hypotension. Regular monitoring of weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels is recommended. Do not discontinue the medication abruptly, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms like sweating, tremors, nausea, and vomiting.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If a dose of Olimelt 20 MG Tablet is missed, 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 it be stored?

Olimelt 20 MG Tablet should be stored at room temperature, typically below 30°C, and protected from light and moisture. Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets.