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Zyprexa (olanzapine) is a prescription medication used to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. While many Zyprexa side effects are merely annoying or bothersome, there are a few side effects of Zyprexa that should be taken very seriously. One of these serious side effects is diabetes. Newer "atypical" antipsychotic medications (such as Zyprexa) seem to increase the risk of diabetes. Zyprexa may also worsen preexisting diabetes.
In clinical studies conducted before Zyprexa was approved, between 1 in every 100 and 1 in every 1,000 people taking Zyprexa developed diabetes. Since the medicine's approval, there have been several cases of extremely high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) which have led to coma or even death.
It is not entirely clear if Zyprexa is the cause of these cases of diabetes. People with schizophrenia (whether they are taking Zyprexa or not) may be at a higher risk of developing diabetes. Also, diabetes is on the rise in the general population. These factors combined make it unclear whether there is a relationship between Zyprexa and diabetes. However, studies suggest that people taking Zyprexa may be at a higher risk of developing diabetes.
It is not entirely clear why Zyprexa might lead to diabetes. Weight gain is a significant risk factor for diabetes, and weight gain is a common side effect of Zyprexa. Zyprexa may also have direct effects on blood sugar, through unknown mechanisms. Zyprexa also might make diabetes more obvious in people with previously undiagnosed diabetes.
It appears that Zyprexa may increase the risk of diabetes. It is not clear if this is due to weight gain (which often leads to diabetes) or other factors. Regardless, since diabetes can have serious health consequences and in some cases may be life-threatening, your healthcare provider should monitor your blood sugar (and weight) regularly during treatment with Zyprexa, as well as take appropriate steps to prevent or treat diabetes. It is also important that anyone taking Zyprexa be aware of possible signs or symptoms of diabetes. These include but are not limited to:
- Increased hunger
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting.
If you already have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugar levels regularly to make sure your diabetes is not getting worse.
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