The History of Zyprexa

The History of Zyprexa

            The pharmaceutical company Eli Lily developed the drug Olanzapine.  Olanzapine received FDA approval in 1996.  The company then began selling the drug, under the brand name of Zyprexa.  By 2003, sales of Zyprexa reached a staggering 8 billion dollars.  Approved as an atypical antipsychotic, Zyprexa is widely prescribed by clinicians a! round the world.  Zyprexa is primarily used for the ongoing treatment of schizophrenia, acute manic episodes in bipolar disorder, acute agitation associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.  The drug is also used in the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder.  Zyprexa is also mixed with Fluoxetine and sold under the name Symbyax.  When combined, these drugs are used to treat depressive episodes that are associated with bipolar disorder (as well as other mental illnesses).