Zyprexa is an antipsychotic medication that works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain. Zyprexa is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Zyprexa may also be used for other purposes.

Dizziness, somnolence, dry mouth, dyspepsia, constipation, ALT (SGPT) increased, personality disorder, increased appetite, weight gain, akathisia, asthenia, tremor, postural hypotension. Rare cases of Priapism and leukopenia.

Zyprexa has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes. There have been 288 reported diabetes cases in Zyprexa patients, with 23 of them being fatal.

A class action lawsuit accuses Lilly & Co., the manufacturer of Zyprexa of aggressively promoting Zyprexa as a safe and effective drug for psychotic disorders, while concealing the risks of side effects from doctors and from the patients.

The Japanese Health and Welfare Ministry and the Great Britain Medicines Control Agency issued emergency warnings concerning Zyprexa and diabetes-related complications. British Medical Journal Study - British Medical Journal assessment of independent effect of (olanzapine) and risperidone on risk of diabetes among patients with schizophrenia

Patients should understand that it could be dangerous to stop taking any medication, especially abruptly, and should talk with their physicians to decide whether the benefits and risks of taking Zyprexa is appropriate for them.

National Institute for Mental Health on Antipsychotic Medications

Important News

Eli Lilly & Company, the maker of the Zyprexa drug has set aside $690 million to pay patients who took Zyprexa before September 2003 and suffered damages. Injuries that may be compensated under the fund include:

Diabetes
Pancreatitis
Diabetic Coma
Ketoacidosis
Hyperglycemia

If you have suffered any of the above injuries, please complete the Claim Evaluation Form below.

Wayne Walker is president of CapTran, the leader in litigation financial services. http://www.captran.com