Olanzapine pamoate

Olanzapine Pamoate is an atypical antipsychotic medication, primarily used in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is a long-acting injectable form of olanzapine, a drug that belongs to the thienobenzodiazepine class.

Pharmacology

Olanzapine Pamoate works by blocking receptors in the brain's dopamine pathways. It also affects levels of serotonin, another neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. The pamoate salt form of olanzapine allows for a slow release of the medication over several weeks, providing a more consistent level of the drug in the bloodstream.

Uses

Olanzapine Pamoate is approved for the treatment of adults with schizophrenia. It is also used off-label for the treatment of bipolar disorder. The long-acting injectable form is particularly useful for patients who have difficulty adhering to a daily oral medication regimen.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Olanzapine Pamoate include weight gain, sedation, and increased risk of metabolic syndrome. Less common but more serious side effects include tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a potentially life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs.

History

Olanzapine was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996. The pamoate salt form was later developed to provide a long-acting injectable option and was approved by the FDA in 2009.

See Also

• Atypical antipsychotic
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Thienobenzodiazepine
• Dopamine
• Serotonin
• Metabolic syndrome
• Tardive dyskinesia
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Food and Drug Administration