Deprex 5 mg

Description

Indications

Deprex is used for both the acute and long-term management of schizophrenia and related psychoses, particularly when positive symptoms (such as delusions, hallucinations, disordered thinking, hostility, and suspiciousness) and/or negative symptoms (such as flattened affect, social and emotional withdrawal, poverty of speech) are prominent. Deprex is also effective in treating acute manic or mixed episodes of bipolar disorder, with or without psychotic features, and regardless of whether there is a rapid cycling course.

Take this medication only as prescribed by a registered healthcare professional.

Pharmacology

Olanzapine, the active ingredient in Deprex, is an antipsychotic drug with an affinity for several neurotransmitter receptors, including serotonin (5HT2A/2C, 5HT3, 5HT6), dopamine (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5), cholinergic muscarinic (M1-M5), α1 adrenergic, and histamine H1 receptors. While the exact mechanism by which Olanzapine works in schizophrenia is not fully understood, it is believed to act through a combination of antagonism of dopamine and serotonin type 2 (5HT2) receptors.

Olanzapine is rapidly absorbed following oral administration, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 5 to 8 hours, and its absorption is not significantly influenced by food. Importantly, Olanzapine has not been shown to be mutagenic, clastogenic, or carcinogenic.

Dosage

For the treatment of schizophrenia, combination therapy for mania, and bipolar disorder, the typical starting dose is 5-10 mg once daily. The dosage may then be adjusted based on individual response and clinical status, with a daily dosage range of 5-20 mg. Doses above 10 mg daily should only be prescribed after reassessment. The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg daily.

When used as monotherapy for mania, the initial dose is typically 15 mg once daily. As with combination therapy, the dosage may be adjusted based on the patient’s condition, within a range of 5-20 mg daily, with a maximum dose of 20 mg daily.

Take this medication only as prescribed by a registered healthcare professional.

Administration

Olanzapine can be taken with or without food. If discontinuing Olanzapine, the dose should be gradually reduced.

Take this medication only as prescribed by a registered healthcare professional.

Interaction

Deprex may reduce the effectiveness of levodopa and dopamine agonists. Drugs that induce CYP1A2 or glucuronyl transferase enzymes, such as Omeprazole and Rifampicin, may increase the clearance of Deprex, while inhibitors of CYP1A2 may slow its elimination. Carbamazepine can also increase the clearance of Deprex. The concurrent use of activated charcoal reduces the oral bioavailability of Deprex by 50-60%. Caution should be exercised when Deprex is taken alongside centrally acting drugs or alcohol.

Contraindications

Deprex is contraindicated for patients who are hypersensitive to any of its ingredients or who have a known risk for narrow-angle glaucoma.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Deprex include somnolence (drowsiness) and weight gain. Other possible side effects include increased appetite, elevated blood glucose levels, elevated triglycerides, dizziness, akathisia (restlessness), Parkinsonism, dyskinesia (involuntary movements), orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing), mild and transient anticholinergic effects such as constipation and dry mouth, asthenia (weakness), edema (swelling), and photosensitivity reactions.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Olanzapine should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus. There is no evidence to suggest teratogenicity (birth defects), but patients should inform their doctor if they become pregnant or are planning to become pregnant during treatment. Olanzapine is not recommended during breastfeeding as trace amounts may be present in breast milk.

Precautions & Warnings

Deprex should be used with caution in patients with a history of seizures or conditions that predispose to seizures. It should also be used carefully in patients with low leukocyte and/or neutrophil counts, those who have experienced drug-induced bone marrow depression or toxicity from radiation therapy or chemotherapy, hypereosinophilic conditions, impaired hepatic function, and patients taking hepatotoxic medications. Special caution is needed when used in the elderly or when taken with other drugs known to increase the QT interval. Patients should be advised to avoid operating heavy machinery, including motor vehicles, while taking Deprex.

Use in Special Populations

• Children: Deprex has not been studied in individuals under 18 years of age.
• Elderly (65 years and over): The recommended starting dose is 5 mg/day.
• Patients with hepatic or renal impairment: The recommended starting dose is 5 mg/day.

Therapeutic Class

Atypical neuroleptic drugs

Storage Conditions

Store Deprex below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Take this medication only as prescribed by a registered healthcare professional.