Zyprexa is a prescription medication that is approved by the FDA for the treatment of schizophrenia, acute bipolar disorders, maintenance of bipolar disorder, agitation associated with bipolar disorders, agitation associated with schizophrenia, and manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. An overdose occurs when an inappropriate dose of a medication is taken. In every situation of an overdose, immediate medical attention must be sought to prevent fatality and permanent damage. Zyprexa is available as oral tablets and solution for injection. It is also available in branded and generic forms.
Heart Problems
Over-dosage of Zyprexa can lead to heart complications such as increased heart rate and changes in the pattern of heart beat. High blood pressure, low blood pressure and changes in heart rhythm can also be seen. Eli Lilly, manufacturer of Zyprexa, reports that an overdose can cause the heart to stop functioning, causing a decrease in the oxygen pumped into the blood, subsequently causing breathing to shut down. This can lead to fatality.
Breathing Problems
Patients who have taken excessive doses of Zyprexa are at a risk of regurgitating the contents of their stomach into their lungs, thereby causing damage to the lungs and its associated parts, as well as compromising the functioning of the lungs. This can cause breathing to stop, leading to death.
Behavioral Changes
Excessive agitation and aggression can also occur when Zyprexa is taken in doses greater than recommended or prescribed. Changes in mental status and delirium are also possible and are life-threatening with an overdose of Zyprexa. Mental status changes are harder to diagnose as symptoms of overdose since schizophrenia and bipolar disorders are associated with symptoms that mimic changes in mental status.
Sedation and Coma
Excess Zyprexa in the body cause sedation, drowsiness, decreased level of consciousness, slurred speech, lack of strength, muscle rigidity, convulsion and excessive daytime and nighttime sleepiness. Rarely, coma has occurred, and Eli Lilly notes that several fatalities have been reported in cases of Zyprexa overdose.
Treatment
Once overdose is established, the first step in treatment is to ensure the body is getting enough oxygen. Blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen levels and body temperature should be monitored. Activated charcoal, a compound that eliminates toxins from the blood, is effective in removing excess medication if taken within 6 hours of ingestion Zyprexa. Other types of supportive treatments such as intravenous (IV) fluids and medications will also be used, depending on patients' symptoms.
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