What is the brand name for Olanzapine?
The brand name for Olanzapine is Zyprexa.
PTCE Top 200 · #167
Olanzapine
Zyprexa
Olanzapine is the generic name for the brand-name drug Zyprexa. It is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Olanzapine ranks #167 and is one of the most frequently tested cns/psych medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Olanzapine |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Zyprexa |
| Drug class | Atypical antipsychotic |
| Class group | CNS/Psych |
| Common use | schizophrenia, bipolar |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Olanzapine used for?
Treatment of schizophrenia; acute manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder and maintenance (product-specific).
What drug class is Olanzapine?
Olanzapine is an Atypical antipsychotic in the CNS/Psych group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Olanzapine
- arrow_rightWeight gain
- arrow_rightIncreased appetite
- arrow_rightSleepiness/somnolence
- arrow_rightDry mouth
- arrow_rightConstipation
- arrow_rightDizziness
- arrow_rightOrthostatic hypotension
- arrow_rightEdema
- arrow_rightElevated blood sugar/lipids (metabolic changes)
Major interactions
- arrow_rightCNS depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines) increase sedation/impairment
- arrow_rightSmoking (CYP1A2 induction) can decrease olanzapine levels
- arrow_rightFluvoxamine (CYP1A2 inhibitor) can increase olanzapine levels
- arrow_rightAntihypertensives may increase risk of low blood pressure
- arrow_rightDopamine agonists (e.g., levodopa) may have reduced effect
Is Olanzapine a controlled substance?
No. Olanzapine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
Increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotics (not approved for dementia-related psychosis).
How to remember Olanzapine (PTCE mnemonic)
ZY-prexa = the 'BIG-Z' antipsychotic — OLANZapine has HIGHEST metabolic risk (weight, glucose, lipids). Sedating; elderly dementia boxed warning; monitor BMI/A1c/lipids quarterly.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Olanzapine leads the atypicals in weight gain and metabolic effects — and Zyprexa / Zyrtec / Celexa is a notorious LASA cluster.
Olanzapine FAQ
What is Olanzapine used for?
Olanzapine is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar. Treatment of schizophrenia; acute manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder and maintenance (product-specific).
What drug class is Olanzapine?
Olanzapine is an Atypical antipsychotic (CNS/Psych group).
Is Olanzapine a controlled substance?
No. Olanzapine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the CNS/Psych group
Drill Olanzapine the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).