Zyprexa, also known as olanzapine, is an atypical antipsychotic. While approved by the Food and Drug Administration for schizophrenia in 1996 and bipolar disorder in 2000, it is used off-label to treat psychosis, dementia, anxiety, anorexia and severe agitation. This type of antipsychotic drug blocks particular dopamine and serotonin receptors that are linked to these disorders.
In July 2002, a Duke University study found that as a result of taking Zyprexa, at least 289 patients had developed diabetes; of those, 23 died. These findings initiated more studies, which prompted the drug’s manufacturer to include warnings of the potential for developing diabetes and hypoglycemia. In April 2005, the FDA issued a warning stating that older people who are prescribed Zyprexa for dementia have a higher risk of death than those who are not. Drugs such as Zyprexa have also been known to cause Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, a potentially fatal nervous system disorder.
To learn more about legal claims related to Zyprexa, consult an attorney who practices in the area of drugs and medical devices.