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Zolafren is a neuroleptic drug that is used to treat psychiatric disorders. The active substance of Zolafren is olanzapine, which is an antipsychotic medicine. How does Zolafren work and what are the indications for its use. When should you not use Zolafren? How to properly dose Zolafren?
Zolafren – composition and action
Zolafren is a prescription-only medicinal product that is used to treat psychiatric illnesses. It is a neuroleptic whose active substance is olanzapine. The detailed mechanism of action of olanzapine is not known yet, but it is believed to be related to blocking the receptors that are dependent on serotonin and dopamine. Olanzapine also has an anti-manic and mood stabilizing effect. The drug Zolafren has a beneficial effect on the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Zolafren – indications and contraindications
The indication for reaching for the drug Zolafren is the treatment of schizophrenia, as well as a long-term treatment aimed at supporting patients with schizophrenia who have good results of treatment with the active substance of the drug. Zolafren is also effective in the treatment of moderate to severe manic episodes in bipolar disorder. It is also used to prevent the recurrence of bipolar disorder, especially in patients who have improved after treatment with olanzapine. Zolafren is a medicine that is used in adults. Unfortunately, not every person struggling with schizophrenia can use Zolafren. Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the preparation is a contraindication to the use of this drug. Zolafren is not indicated for the treatment of patients with symptoms of psychosis. Risk factors to be considered also include old age, difficulty swallowing, lung disease, sedation, malnutrition, dehydration and the use of other benzodiazepines.
Zolafren – the correct dosage of the drug
Zolafren is available in the form of film-coated tablets, capsules or tablets which disintegrate in the patient’s mouth. Appropriate doses of Zolafren are always determined by the psychiatrist who recommended treatment with this preparation. The initial dose of the drug is 10 mg daily. For the treatment of manic episodes, the usual dose is 15 mg daily. The daily dose is determined according to the patient’s state of health and is in the range of 5 to 20 mg per day. The orodispersible tablets should be taken immediately after removing them from the pack. Alternatively, they can be dissolved in a glass of water just before taking.
Zolafren – possible side effects
Zolafren, like other drugs, may cause side effects in a patient of varying severity. A very common side effect of taking Zolafren is sudden weight gain, sleepiness and an increase in blood prolactin levels. Common side effects also include: increased cholesterol, glucosuria, increased appetite, dizziness, symptoms characteristic of Parkinson’s disease, skin rash, erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, asthenia, fatigue and edema.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.