• Directory
  • Search
  • All results
  • Journals
  • Definitions
Images:
  • Wikimedia
  • Wikimedia
  • Wikimedia
Pharmacologic Substance
olanzapine Audio
[ oh-lan-zuh-peen ]
Brand Names:
Lybalvi; Symbyax; Zyprexa
Effect:
Decreased Acetylcholine Activity; Decreased Dopamine Activity; Decreased Enteric Nervous System GABA Activity; Decreased Histamine Activity; Decreased Norepinephrine Activity; Decreased Serotonin Activity
May Treat:
Bipolar Disorder; Psychotic Disorders; Schizophrenia
More Information:
ChemID; DrugBank; DailyMed; PDR
Definitions related to olanzapine:
  • A benzodiazepine derivative that binds SEROTONIN RECEPTORS; MUSCARINIC RECEPTORS; HISTAMINE H1 RECEPTORS; ADRENERGIC ALPHA-1 RECEPTORS; and DOPAMINE RECEPTORS. It is an antipsychotic agent used in the treatment of SCHIZOPHRENIA; BIPOLAR DISORDER; and MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER; it may also reduce nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • A drug used to treat certain mental disorders. It is also being studied in the treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by some cancer treatments. It is a type of antipsychotic and a type of monoamine antagonist.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • A synthetic derivative of thienobenzodiazepine with antipsychotic, antinausea, and antiemetic activities. As a selective monoaminergic antagonist, olanzapine binds with high affinity binding to the following receptors: serotoninergic, dopaminergic, muscarinic M1-5, histamine H1, and alpha-1-adrenergic receptors; it binds weakly to gamma-aminobutyric acid type A, benzodiazepine, and beta-adrenergic receptors. The antinausea and antiemetic effects of this agent appear to be due to the blockade of 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors for serotonin. Although its exact mechanism of action in schizophrenia is unknown, it has been proposed that olanzapine's antipsychotic activity is mediated through antagonism to dopamine D2 receptors with rapid ligand-receptor dissociation kinetics that help to minimize extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). Olanzapine may also stimulate appetite.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
Return to OpenMD Medical Dictionary > O
Try this search on: Farlex, Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, or Wordnik

This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.

  • About
  • Feedback
  • Guides
  • Terms
© 2026 OpenMD
The content on this site is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your doctor or health care provider.