Deprex 5

Indications

Deprex serves as a treatment for acute and ongoing cases of schizophrenia and related psychoses, especially when prominent positive symptoms (such as delusions, hallucinations, disordered thinking, hostility, and suspiciousness) and/or negative symptoms (like flattened affect, emotional and social withdrawal, and poverty of speech) are evident. It’s also effective for addressing acute manic or mixed episodes in bipolar disorder, whether with or without psychotic features and regardless of rapid cycling.

Pharmacology

Olanzapine, the active component of Deprex, functions as an antipsychotic agent with affinities for various receptors including serotonin 5HT2A/2C, 5HT3, 5HT6; dopamine D1, D2, D3, D4, D5; cholinergic muscarinic receptors M1-M5; α1 adrenergic; and histamine H1 receptors. Its exact mechanism of action remains unknown, but it’s suggested that its efficacy in schizophrenia stems from its combined antagonism of dopamine and serotonin type 2 (5HT2) receptors. Olanzapine is well-absorbed orally, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 5 to 8 hours. Food does not affect its absorption, and it has demonstrated non-mutagenic, non-clastogenic, and non-carcinogenic properties.

Dosage

For schizophrenia and combination therapy in bipolar disorder: Initiate with 5-10 mg once daily, with subsequent adjustments based on individual clinical status within the range of 5-20 mg daily. Consider doses exceeding 10 mg daily only after reassessment. The maximum daily dose is 20 mg.

For monotherapy in bipolar disorder: Begin with 15 mg once daily, with dosage adjustments within the range of 5-20 mg daily based on individual clinical response. Doses exceeding 15 mg daily should be considered only after reassessment. The maximum daily dose is 20 mg.

Administration

Olanzapine can be administered regardless of meals. When discontinuing Olanzapine, consider gradual dose tapering.

Interactions

Deprex may counteract the effects of levodopa and dopamine agonists. Drugs that induce CYP1A2 or glucuronidation enzymes (e.g., Omeprazole and Rifampicin) may enhance Deprex clearance. Inhibitors of CYP1A2 may potentially inhibit Deprex elimination. Carbamazepine may increase Deprex clearance. The concurrent use of activated charcoal decreases Deprex oral bioavailability by 50-60%. Exercise caution when administering Deprex alongside centrally acting drugs and alcohol.

Contraindications

Olanzapine is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of its components and in those at risk for narrow-angle glaucoma.

Side Effects

Common adverse effects include somnolence and weight gain. Additionally, increased appetite, elevated glucose and triglyceride levels, dizziness, akathisia, Parkinson’s disease, dyskinesia, orthostatic hypotension, mild and transient anticholinergic effects (such as constipation and dry mouth), asthenia, edema, and photosensitivity reactions may occur.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Olanzapine should be used during pregnancy only if its potential benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus. Patients should inform their physician if they become pregnant or plan to become pregnant while on Olanzapine. There are no reports indicating teratogenic effects. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Olanzapine.

Precautions & Warnings

Exercise caution with Deprex in patients with a history of seizures or conditions associated with seizures, low leukocyte and/or neutrophil counts, drug-induced bone marrow depression/toxicity, hypereosinophilic conditions, impaired hepatic function, or those using hepatotoxic medications or centrally acting drugs. Warn patients, particularly the elderly, about operating hazardous machinery, including motor vehicles.

Use in Special Populations

Deprex has not been studied in individuals under 18 years of age. For elderly patients (65 and over) and those with hepatic or renal impairment, initiate treatment with a 5 mg/day dose.

Therapeutic Class

Atypical neuroleptic drugs.

Storage Conditions

Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.