Comprehensive medication guide to Zyprexa including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$30 copay for generic olanzapine on most commercial and Medicare Part D plans; typically Tier 1–2 formulary placement with no prior authorization required for the generic.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$10–$190 retail for generic olanzapine (30 tablets, various strengths); as low as $7–$13 with a GoodRx or SingleCare coupon at most major pharmacies for a 30-day supply.
Medfinder Findability Score
88/100
Summarize with AI
On this page
Zyprexa is the brand name for olanzapine, a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic medication manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. It was first approved by the FDA in 1996 and belongs to the thienobenzodiazepine chemical class. Today, generic olanzapine is widely available from multiple manufacturers at significantly lower cost than the brand.
Zyprexa is FDA-approved to treat schizophrenia in adults and adolescents aged 13 and older, and bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed episodes) in adults and adolescents aged 13 and older. When combined with fluoxetine, it is approved for bipolar I depressive episodes (ages 10+) and treatment-resistant depression.
Zyprexa comes as oral tablets (2.5–20 mg), orally disintegrating tablets (Zyprexa Zydis, 5–20 mg), a short-acting intramuscular injection (Zyprexa IntraMuscular, 10 mg), and a long-acting injection (Zyprexa Relprevv, 150–300 mg every 2–4 weeks) for patients who benefit from a monthly formulation.
We have a 99% success rate finding medications, even during nationwide shortages.
Need this medication?
Zyprexa (olanzapine) works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. By blocking these receptors, olanzapine reduces the overactive dopamine signaling associated with hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking (positive symptoms of schizophrenia), while also having mood-stabilizing effects relevant to bipolar disorder.
The dual blockade of dopamine and serotonin receptors is what makes olanzapine "atypical" compared to older, first-generation antipsychotics. By also blocking serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, it can improve negative symptoms of schizophrenia (blunted affect, social withdrawal) and reduce the movement-related side effects common with older antipsychotics.
Olanzapine also blocks histamine H1 receptors (causing sedation and increased appetite), muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (causing dry mouth and constipation), and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors (causing blood pressure drops). These additional receptor actions explain many of its side effects, including the significant weight gain associated with long-term use.
2.5 mg — oral tablet
Starting dose for sensitive patients or adolescents
5 mg — oral tablet
Common starting dose; widely stocked at most pharmacies
7.5 mg — oral tablet
Intermediate dose; may require special ordering at some pharmacies
10 mg — oral tablet
Most common maintenance dose for schizophrenia
15 mg — oral tablet
Higher maintenance dose; may require special ordering at smaller pharmacies
20 mg — oral tablet
Maximum oral dose; used for refractory cases
5 mg — orally disintegrating tablet (Zyprexa Zydis)
Dissolves on tongue without water; useful for adherence monitoring
10 mg — orally disintegrating tablet (Zyprexa Zydis)
Most common ODT dose
15 mg — orally disintegrating tablet (Zyprexa Zydis)
Higher ODT dose
20 mg — orally disintegrating tablet (Zyprexa Zydis)
Maximum ODT dose
10 mg — intramuscular injection (Zyprexa IntraMuscular)
Short-acting IM; used for acute agitation in hospital/ED settings
150–300 mg — long-acting injection (Zyprexa Relprevv)
Given every 2-4 weeks; requires REMS enrollment; available at certified facilities
Oral Zyprexa (olanzapine tablets and orally disintegrating tablets) is generally widely available at major pharmacy chains across the United States in 2026. It is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list for oral formulations, and multiple generic manufacturers produce it, keeping supply robust and competitive.
However, patients may encounter local pharmacy-level stock gaps — particularly for less-common doses (2.5 mg, 7.5 mg, 15 mg) or orally disintegrating tablet formulations that smaller pharmacies may not routinely stock. The injectable formulation (Zyprexa IntraMuscular) has experienced documented shortages tracked by ASHP.
If you're having difficulty finding Zyprexa at your local pharmacy, medfinder can call pharmacies near you to find which ones can fill your prescription — saving you hours of searching and phone calls.
Because Zyprexa (olanzapine) is not a DEA-scheduled controlled substance, it can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber in the United States. There are no special DEA registration requirements or state-specific restrictions beyond a valid prescriber license.
Psychiatrists — the primary prescribers for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Primary care physicians (PCPs) — can prescribe and manage olanzapine for established patients
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) — can prescribe independently in most states
Physician assistants (PAs) — can prescribe under physician supervision (varies by state)
Pediatricians and adolescent medicine specialists — for adolescents aged 13 and older
Telehealth options are available for olanzapine since it is not a controlled substance. Platforms such as Talkiatry, Brightside Health, and Cerebral offer psychiatric medication management via video visits. Patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations can access olanzapine prescriptions without in-person visits to a psychiatrist.
No. Zyprexa (olanzapine) is not a DEA-scheduled controlled substance. It has no recognized potential for abuse or addiction, and there are no federal restrictions requiring special prescribing authority. This is an important distinction from controlled psychiatric medications like benzodiazepines or stimulants.
Because olanzapine is not a controlled substance, it can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber — including via telehealth — without DEA special registration requirements. Prescribers can write 90-day supplies and allow refills on a single prescription. This makes it easier for patients in rural areas or with mobility limitations to access their medication consistently.
The exception is Zyprexa Relprevv (long-acting injection), which requires both the prescriber and the administering healthcare facility to be enrolled in the FDA's REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program due to the risk of post-injection delirium/sedation syndrome — not because it is a controlled substance.
Weight gain — one of the most significant and common side effects
Sedation/drowsiness — especially at higher doses or early in treatment
Increased appetite — related to histamine and serotonin receptor blockade
Dry mouth and constipation — anticholinergic effects
Orthostatic hypotension — dizziness when standing up
Elevated blood sugar — may cause or worsen diabetes
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) — high fever, stiff muscles, confusion. Seek emergency care.
Tardive dyskinesia — involuntary repetitive movements of the face or limbs
DRESS syndrome — serious allergic reaction affecting multiple organs
Increased mortality in elderly with dementia — FDA boxed warning; olanzapine is not approved for this use
Know what you need? Skip the search.
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Atypical antipsychotic; lower metabolic risk than olanzapine; higher prolactin elevation; available as generic, ODT, and LAI (Risperdal Consta)
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Atypical antipsychotic; sedating; useful for comorbid insomnia; similar metabolic risk to olanzapine; widely available as generic; no LAI formulation
Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Partial D2 agonist; significantly lower weight gain and metabolic burden; higher akathisia risk; available as generic, ODT, and monthly LAI (Abilify Maintena)
Ziprasidone (Geodon)
Atypical antipsychotic; lowest weight gain risk of the class; must be taken with food (500 calories); QTc monitoring required; available as generic
Prefer Zyprexa? We can find it.
Alcohol
majorSignificantly increases sedation and orthostatic hypotension. Should be avoided completely while taking olanzapine.
Diazepam/Benzodiazepines (oral)
majorAdditive orthostatic hypotension. IM olanzapine combined with IV benzodiazepines is contraindicated due to risk of respiratory depression and cardiovascular collapse.
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
majorCYP1A2 inducer that increases clearance of olanzapine by ~50%, potentially causing subtherapeutic levels. Dose adjustment may be needed.
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
moderateCYP1A2 inhibitor that increases olanzapine plasma levels, raising side effect risk. Olanzapine dose reduction may be necessary.
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
moderateCYP1A2 inhibitor that may temporarily elevate olanzapine levels, increasing sedation and hypotension risk during antibiotic course.
Levodopa/Dopamine Agonists
moderateOlanzapine's dopamine D2 blockade may reduce the effectiveness of these Parkinson's medications.
Opioids and CNS Depressants
majorAdditive CNS depression and respiratory depression risk. Includes opioids, sleep aids, and muscle relaxants.
Antihypertensive Medications
moderateEnhanced hypotensive effect due to olanzapine's alpha-1 receptor blockade. Blood pressure monitoring recommended.
Cigarette Smoking
moderateCYP1A2 induction from smoke decreases olanzapine levels. Smokers typically require higher doses. Dose adjustment needed if smoking status changes.
Zyprexa (olanzapine) is a well-established atypical antipsychotic that has been treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder since 1996. Its broad receptor profile makes it highly effective for positive and negative symptoms, but also contributes to meaningful side effects — especially weight gain and metabolic changes — that require monitoring. Generic olanzapine is widely available and affordable, particularly with prescription discount cards.
If you're prescribed Zyprexa, work closely with your prescriber to monitor your weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol regularly. Never stop taking olanzapine abruptly — always consult your prescriber before making any changes to your medication. If you're having difficulty finding the medication at your pharmacy, consider using mail-order or calling multiple pharmacies to locate your dose.
If your pharmacy is out of stock, medfinder can call pharmacies near you to find which ones can fill your Zyprexa prescription — saving you time and helping you stay on track with your treatment.
Medfinder Editorial Standards
Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
ChatGPT
Claude
Perplexity
Grok
Gemini