Zyprexa

It seems that all medications these days wear many hats. Zyprexa is no exception. Originally created by drug manufacturer Eli Lilly to treat schizophrenia, it was approved for treatment of bipolar disorder in 2003-2004. An atypical antipsychotic, Zyprexa is similar to drugs like Risperdal and Seroquel, both originally manufactured to manage schizophrenia, but later adopted as a viable treatment for bipolar disorder. What makes Zyprexa effective for bipolar is unclear, but speculation is that it antagonizes on the serotonin receptors to mediate cycling.

Medications used to treat mental illness are often shrouded in some degree of controversy. Zyprexa has a long history of it. Eli Lilly has been accused of trying to downplay some of the side effects of Zyprexa for over a decade, and claims that the drug can exacerbate or bring on hypoglycemia and diabetes have led to several lawsuits and lots of publicity. Zyprexa does come with its own list of side effects, including heavy sedation, involuntary muscle spasms, apathy, dry mouth, insomnia, runny nose, impaired judgment and senses, and weight gain to name a few. The weight gain has especially been a thorn in Eli Lilly's side, with more than half of clinical trials reporting highly increased appetites among patients. It is recommended to increase exercise and moderate diet while taking Zyprexa.

Zyprexa has apparently proved effective enough in the treatment of bipolar disorder. The FDA has given it its stamp of approval, and doctors are using it in conjunction with other medications. Still, close monitoring of blood sugar levels and weight are highly recommended while on Zyprexa, as well as taking care when operating motor vehicles or heavy machinery due to its sedative effects.