This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.
Dosage and how to take olanzapine
Olanzapine tablets come in different strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 15mg and 20mg.
How much you take will depend on what you're taking it for. Your doctor may ask you to change your dose depending on how well olanzapine works for you.
If you're 65 years old or over, or you have problems with your kidneys or liver, your doctor may ask you to take a lower dose and increase your dose very slowly.
Dosage for schizophrenia
You'll usually start on 10mg, taken once a day.
Dosage for mania symptoms of bipolar disorder
You'll usually start on 15mg, taken once a day. If you're taking other medicines to help your symptoms, you may start on 10mg, taken once a day.
Dosage to prevent mania symptoms coming back
You'll usually start on a dose of 10mg, taken once a day. If you've been taking olanzapine to treat your mania symptoms, you may stay on the same dose.
Changes to your dose
Your doctor may ask you to increase or decrease your dose, but this will depend on how well olanzapine works to help manage your symptoms.
Most people feel better with daily doses of 5mg to 20mg. It may take a few weeks to get to the right dose that works for you.
How to take tablets
Take olanzapine once a day, at the same time each day.
You can take it with or without food.
View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.
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