- Some side effects are common with Zyprexa treatment, including dizziness, drowsiness, lack of energy, increased appetite, tremors, unusual behavior, restlessness, insomnia, depression, difficulty walking, weakness, constipation, dry mouth and pain in joints, back, legs or arms. If these side effects become a problem, contact your physician.
- Weight gain is a common side effect of Zyprexa treatment. In a study, 22.2% of people taking Zyprexa for an average of 8 weeks gained at least 7% of their baseline weight, compared to 3% of people treated with a placebo (sugar pill). While taking this medication, monitor your weight and notify your physician of any abnormalities. Your physician may also suggest you follow a healthy diet and exercise to control weight gain.
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Zyprexa may cause high blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia, whether you have diabetes or not. Symptoms of high blood sugar include frequent urination, extreme thirst and/or hunger, blurred vision and weakness. Even if you did not have diabetes before beginning Zyprexa treatment, you may have to take medication to control your blood sugar after stopping this medication.
Untreated high blood sugar can develop into a condition called ketoacidosis which may become life-threatening. Ketoacidosis can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, dry mouth, decreased consciousness and breath that smells fruity. Contact emergency medical services if you experience symptoms of ketoacidosis. - Zyprexa use can cause a rare, but potentially deadly condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Symptoms of NMS include excessive sweating, rigid muscles, confusion, high fever and changes in your blood pressure, heartbeat and breathing. Notify your physician or, if severe, seek emergency medical attention.
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Zyprexa can also cause high cholesterol or triglyceride levels in your blood, tardive dyskinesia, decreased blood pressure with position changes, difficulty swallowing, seizures and your body may become too hot and be unable to sufficiently control its temperature.
Your physician may monitor your cholesterol levels with blood tests. Symptoms of tardive dyskinesia are involuntary body movements that usually involve the tongue and face. Symptoms of tardive dyskinesia may continue even if you discontinue Zyprexa. Symptoms of decreased blood pressure with position changes can include fast or slow heartbeat, dizziness and fainting. If you have a high body temperature, you can have symptoms like dry mouth, thirst, inability to produce urine, feeling hot and not sweating or sweating too much.
