Olanzapine IM for Psychotic Break in the Emergency Room

Special Considerations and Precautions

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using caution when using olanzapine IM and parenteral benzodiazepines simultaneously, as fatalities have been reported with concurrent use 1
• The National Comprehensive Cancer Network suggests that sedation and potential respiratory suppression are common side effects, especially when used with other sedative agents 2
• The National Comprehensive Cancer Network also notes that fatigue, drowsiness, and sleep disturbances are potential side effects of olanzapine, and it should be used with caution in elderly patients due to increased risk of death in patients with dementia-related psychosis 3