Who can and cannot take olanzapine

Most adults aged 18 years old and over can take olanzapine.

Olanzapine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor before starting to take it if you have:

• ever had an allergic reaction to olanzapine or any other medicine
• a heart problem, including an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• low blood pressure
• had a stroke or are at high risk of having a stroke
• had a blood clot or someone in your family has had blood clots
• ever had problems controlling the movements of your tongue, mouth and face
• ever had a rare condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (symptoms include a high temperature, muscle stiffness, sweating, anxiety and excess saliva)
• Parkinson's disease
• dementia
• ever had low levels of white blood cells
• diabetes
• epilepsy
• liver or kidney problems
• an abnormally high level of the hormone prolactin in your blood or if you have a possible prolactin-dependent tumour
• glaucoma (high pressure in the eye)
• severe constipation or you think you have a blockage in your bowels