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Zyprexa is a new drug which has been approved by the FDA for treatment of psychosis. It is especially effective in treating negetive symptoms of schizophrenia (lack of motivation, lack of energy, etc.) It has a different side effect profile than haldol and other neuroleptics. Studies have reported less parkinsonian side effects with this drug than with any other neuroleptic including respiradone. Nortriptyline is a tri-cyclic antidepressant. It has been around for a long time and is sometimes used to help people reduce anxiety. It also has a side effect of sedation so it is often given at night. It can help you sleep better. I would question your doctor about exactly why he prescribed these drugs for you, what symptoms is he targeting and what is the outcome he is looking for? I would also talk with your pharmacist about possible drug interactions. Maureen Date: Mon, 26 May 1997 23:20:10 -0400 >From: "Robert A. Fink, M.D." <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Re: New Prescription >> Reply-to: [log in to unmask] > >> My Shink has prescribed two new (to me) drugs to help me sleep and to >> get over fatigue and depression. They are Zyprexa (ollanzapine) 5mg at >> bedtime and nortriptyline 75mg at bedtime. I haven't seen these two >> drugs mentioned on this list, has anyone else had any experience with >> them? I did find some info on Medscape Navigator that says olanzapine is >> similar to clozapine. Thanks for any info. >> > >I am not very familiar with Olanzapine, as I do not use it in my >practice; but I have seen some reports that it can aggravate PD >symptoms. It is, from what I know, in the same category as the other >dopamine antagonists (like Thorazine and Haldol), and I would ask my >doctor a lot of questions before taking it. > >Just my $0.02, > >Bob > Maureen Allen, RN-C MPH Clinical Tools, Inc 5001 Baum Blvd Suite 720 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Phone: 688-8970 Fax 688-9493 Email: [log in to unmask]