Q. My husband was recently diagnosed with Bipolar/ Schizophrenia. He is currently in jail and I am attempting to get him released so he can get the help he really needs. He is currently on a medication called Zyprexa (Olanzapine). My question is are there any foods or other items which lessen the affect of this medicine. I have seen an improvement in his behavior, but I read that stimulants such as coffee or cigarettes can have an effect on the medicine. Is this true?

  A. Each patient is tuned differently, but there should be no problems with coffee with Zyprexa unless he is caffeine intolerant to start with. Major problem with Zyprexa is weight gain, so try to avoid eating junk foods and stick with complex carbohydrates like bread pasta, and potatoes as opposed to cookies, candy, and cake.