NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Olanzapine

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Prescription second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic approved for schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed episodes), and in combination with fluoxetine for treatment-resistant depression. Highly effective for psychotic symptoms but carries the highest metabolic risk among atypical antipsychotics, including significant weight gain, dyslipidemia, and risk of new-onset diabetes. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2008–2024
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Prescription second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic approved for schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed episodes), and in combination with fluoxetine for treatment-resistant depression. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 5–20 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Strong psychotic symptom control
  • Bipolar mania treatment
  • Treatment-resistant depression (with fluoxetine)9,2
  • Acute agitation management
  • Anti-emetic properties8,10
What to watch for
  • Significant weight gain
  • Drowsiness and sedation
  • Hyperglycemia and diabetes risk
  • Known hypersensitivity to olanzapine1,2
  • Do not use IM olanzapine with parenteral benzodiazepines1,2

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: strong psychotic symptom control, bipolar mania treatment, treatment-resistant depression (with fluoxetine). 10 sources indexed (2008–2024), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Antagonizes multiple neurotransmitter receptors including dopamine D1–D4, serotonin 5-HT2A/2C/3/6, histamine H1, muscarinic M1–M5, and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. The broad receptor binding profile accounts for both its clinical efficacy and significant metabolic side effects. 5-HT2C and H1 antagonism are particularly implicated in weight gain and metabolic effects.

Class
Atypical Antipsychotic
Absorption
Fat-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
5–20 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, or intramuscular injection

Can be taken with or without food. Well absorbed orally. IM injection available for acute agitation.2

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Significant weight gain
  • Drowsiness and sedation
  • Hyperglycemia and diabetes risk
  • Dyslipidemia
  • Orthostatic hypotension
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Elevated prolactin

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to olanzapine1,2
  • Do not use IM olanzapine with parenteral benzodiazepines1,2
  • Uncontrolled diabetes (relative)
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

6

Reviews & position papers

1
  • 7Olanzapine: review of safety 2008PMIDKantrowitz JT, Citrome L · Expert opinion on drug safety · 2008

    Kantrowitz JT, Citrome L. Olanzapine: review of safety 2008. Expert opinion on drug safety. 2008

Reference material

3
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Olanzapine, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Olanzapine?

Prescription second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic approved for schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed episodes), and in combination with fluoxetine for treatment-resistant depression. Highly effective for psychotic symptoms but carries the highest metabolic risk among atypical antipsychotics, including significant weight gain, dyslipidemia, and risk of new-onset diabetes. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

What is Olanzapine used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Olanzapine include: Strong psychotic symptom control; Bipolar mania treatment; Treatment-resistant depression (with fluoxetine); Acute agitation management; Anti-emetic properties. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Olanzapine?

A typical adult dose of Olanzapine is 5–20 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, or intramuscular injection. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Olanzapine?

Reported side effects include significant weight gain, drowsiness and sedation, hyperglycemia and diabetes risk, dyslipidemia, orthostatic hypotension, dry mouth. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Olanzapine?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Olanzapine in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.