Zyprexa (Olanzapine) is an atypical antipsychotic drug that is commonly utilized for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It works more on serotonin receptors than dopamine receptors, but targets both. Although this is a drug that can work well for treating severe mental illnesses, more than 50% of people quit taking it during clinical trials due to severe side effects. In comparison to the older “typical” antipsychotic drugs, the only advantage this medication has is slightly fewer side effects.
However, it is associated with greater weight gain than older antipsychotic medications. Of all antipsychotic drugs, this is the drug that has been found to cause the most weight gain. Zyprexa has been tested for eating disorders and anxiety disorders, but has not been found effective for treating either condition in clinical trials. The only conditions that this drug should be used to treat are schizophrenia and bipolar disorder – after other options with less side effects have been explored.
Most people that have taken Zyprexa end up coming to a point where they have to weigh the benefits they are getting with the side effects of the drug. A majority of individuals end up quitting simply because the side effects are overwhelming. These side effects can include: increased cholesterol, weight gain, metabolic changes, increased stroke risk in elderly and/or the development of diabetes.
Factors that influence Zyprexa withdrawal
Below are several factors that influence withdrawal from Zyprexa. Perhaps the most influential factors are time span over which you took the drug and your dosage. However individual factors and how quickly you taper off of the medication can also play a role.
1. Time Span
How long were you on Zyprexa? In general, the longer you take an antipsychotic medication, the more dependent you become on it for everyday functioning. If you took this drug for many years, it will likely be much more difficult to withdraw from in comparison to someone who just took it for a month or two.
2. Dosage
Most people that are on this drug for an extended period of time end up having to increase their dosage. The greater the dosage you take, the easier it is for your body to build a tolerance to that higher dose. When you withdraw from the medication from a higher dose, you will likely need to conduct a longer taper than someone who is just on a low dose. If you quit cold turkey from a high dose, the withdrawal symptoms are thought to last much longer and be more severe.
For schizophrenia, most individuals take between 10 mg and 15 mg daily. The recommended starting dose is typically 5 mg. In general, most psychiatrists will gradually titrate a patient up to a dose that provides relief from symptoms. Antipsychotics carry powerful side effects and usually the lowest effective dose is recommended to minimize those effects.
3. Cold Turkey vs. Tapering
Did you quit cold turkey or did you conduct a gradual taper? Antipsychotics like Zyprexa are very serious drugs and the withdrawal effects can be debilitating. It is always recommended to conduct a very gradual taper to allow your body to slowly adjust to functioning without the drug over a period of time. In general the tapering period should be influenced by your current dose as well as how long you took the drug.
If you were on this particular drug for an extended period of time, it is recommended to taper at a rate of 10% per month. By slowly reducing your dose, you will give your neurotransmitters some time to accommodate and adjust to changes in the amount of the drug you ingest. If you are very sensitive to even minor reductions in dose, you can request a liquid compound that will allow you to reduce your dose by fractions of milligrams.
4. Personal Factors
Individual factors play a huge role in determining the difficulty of withdrawal. Some people naturally are very sensitive to changes in dosage and may have a much more difficult time withdrawing. Additionally some people have much more social support than others which helps them cope with their experience coming off of the drug.
People taking other medications or transitioning to another antipsychotic may not even notice much of a withdrawal compared to individuals who were only taking Zyprexa. Some individuals have better dietary habits, sleeping patterns, exercise habits, less stressful jobs, etc. – all these factors can play a role in influencing withdrawal. Therefore it is recommended to not compare yourself to that of other people when withdrawing.
Zyprexa Withdrawal Symptoms: List of Possibilities
Below is a list of symtpoms that you may experience when coming off of Zyprexa. Keep in mind that not everyone will experience every single symptom listed below. You may experience a few of the symptoms or many and the severity of withdrawal will be influenced by individual factors.
- Anxiety: Many people report very extreme anxiety when they quit Zyprexa. This is a drug that many people find calming and when taken away, a person can feel extremely anxious. Do your best to practice relaxation exercises and recognize that the anxiety is part of withdrawal.
- Appetite changes: While on Zyprexa, many people experience significant increases in appetite. A person may feel as if they are never full and/or are transforming into Hulk as a result of the food that they eat. When coming off of Zyprexa, most people experience decreased appetite.
- Bipolar symptoms: Some people may experience a reemergence of Bipolar symptoms (e.g. mania) when they quit taking this drug. If you have Bipolar disorder and are on this medication, proceed slowly and with caution when withdrawing.
- Concentration problems: If you find it very difficult to concentrate on tasks such as reading, writing, and/or work, you are not alone. Many people have major difficulties with focusing when they are going through withdrawal. This symptom tends to improve over time as your brain adapts to functioning without the drug.
- Confusion: When you experience a bunch of uncomfortable physical symptoms accompanied by foggy thinking, concentration problems, and emotional disturbances, this can result in a state of confusion. If you feel confused often, just know that this will improve over time.
- Crying spells: The depression that people experience when quitting an antipsychotic like Zyprexa can be very tough to deal with. This may result in a person crying excessively because they feel so down in the dumps.
- Depersonalization: Do you feel unlike your old “normal” self? This is because your neurotransmitters are out of balance and have changed since you took the medication. It will likely take your brain some time to reset its homeostatic functioning.
- Depression: Many people report extreme depression when they stop taking this drug. The depression is thought to be a result of lowered levels of dopamine and serotonin. You should eventually experience some lift in mood after some time off of the medication.
- Diarrhea: Some people experience diarrhea when they discontinue this medication. This isn’t an extremely common symptom, but one that has been reported. If this is the case, you may want to consider some over the counter Imodium.
- Dizziness: Among the most common withdrawal symptoms from any psychiatric medication is that of dizziness. It is common for people to feel very dizzy, especially if the tapering was done too quickly. Dizziness will eventually lessen over time as the brain functioning readjusts.
- Fatigue: Most people report excessive tiredness and general fatigue when they come off of Zyprexa. You may have a difficult time performing everyday tasks because your energy level is so low. Just know that your energy level will eventually return as time passes.
- Hallucinations: There is evidence pointing to the fact that some people experience psychotic symptoms as a result of withdrawal. This is thought to be a result of changes in dopamine receptor functioning and dopamine levels.
- Headaches: Some people experience splitting severe headaches when they come off of this medication. Having headaches accompanied by dizziness can be a very difficult one-two punch. Just know that these should subside after your body restores proper functioning.
- Insomnia: This drug tends to calm people down and in many cases makes them sleepy. When coming off of it, the opposite can be true. Some people report such intense anxiety and an inability to fall asleep. Insomnia may persist for quite some time after your last dose. It should improve as you make some lifestyle changes and your neurotransmitter levels change.
- Irritability: Do you notice yourself becoming increasingly irritable? If you feel more irritable than normal and little things set you off, it may be a result of withdrawal. Neurotransmitter levels are in fluctuation, which is thought to lead to people feeling irritable.
- Memory problems: It is very common to experience poor memory functioning upon drug discontinuation. It isn’t well known as to why these drugs can lead to memory problems. With that said, most people do experience improvements in memory with time off of the drug.
- Mood swings: Some people experience pretty severe mood swings upon discontinuation. One minute you may feel as though the withdrawal is over, the next you may feel swamped in a state of deep depression. For this I’m not referring to “bipolar” mood swings, rather just unexpected changes in mood.
- Muscle cramps: Those who have taken this medication over the long term may experience muscle cramps and/or weakness during the withdrawal process.
- Nausea: Many people report intense nausea during the time in which they discontinue their medication. The nausea can be severe to the point that a person also vomits. In general, the nausea after the last dose shouldn’t last more than a couple weeks.
- Panic attacks: Some individuals report experiencing heightened anxiety to the point of panic attacks. In other words, a person experiences such high arousal that everyday activities lead to intense feelings of panic.
- Psychosis: It has been documented that withdrawal from antipsychotics can cause psychosis. It is not very common to experience this upon withdrawal, but it does happen. Obviously this may signify the reemergence of schizophrenia, but in those without schizophrenia, it can be part of withdrawal.
- Restlessness: If you feel especially restless for no apparent reason, it is likely due to the withdrawal that you are experiencing. The changes in neurotransmitters, elevated level of arousal, and anxious thinking can make a person restless.
- Suicidal thinking: It is extremely common to feel suicidal during your withdrawal. You may experience suicidal thoughts that seem as if they will never subside. Over time, these should gradually subside. If you feel suicidal and cannot cope with these thoughts, please seek professional help.
- Sweating: Many people sweat intensely when they withdraw from psychiatric drugs – this antipsychotic is no exception. If you notice that you are sweating profusely throughout the day and wake up sweating in the middle of the night, just know it’s part of the process.
- Vomiting: Feel flu-like to the point that you are nauseous and keep vomiting? Some people have reported intense vomiting spells during the first week or two when they initially quit this medication. To reduce this symptom, be sure to wean off of Zyprexa as gradually as possible.
- Weight loss: Taking this drug is known to increase appetite and slow metabolism, which leads to many people gaining weight. Zyprexa is one of the worst drugs for trying to keep weight off – most people eat way too much food on this drug in particular. When you stop taking it and stay off of it for awhile, you should also lose the weight that you gained.
Zyprexa Withdrawal Length: How long does it last?
When it comes to withdrawal from Zyprexa, there is really no exact timeline that can be followed. The withdrawal symptoms and length have a lot to do with individual factors such as: how you tapered off the drug, how long you had taken it, and whether you are on other medications. For people that have taken this drug for a long term, the withdrawal symptoms may linger for over 90 days. For others, the withdrawal may only persist for a couple of weeks – it totally depends.
If you worked closely with a professional for tapering off of Zyprexa and gradually weaned off of the drug over a period of weeks or months, you may not have many symptoms following your last dose. On the other hand, someone who has taken it for years and decides to quit “cold turkey” may find themselves really struggling with severe symptoms as their brain attempts to rewire itself for functioning without the drug.
I always recommend evaluating symptoms after 90 days. Many people overreact with intense panic and anxiety in the first few weeks thinking that their withdrawal symptoms will never improve. The reality is that with good sleep, proper diet, exercise, and structure (e.g. work), most people will notice improvement in their withdrawal after 3 months being drug-free. Even if you are not fully recovered after 90 days, you will likely feel much improved compared to the initial couple weeks of withdrawal.
If you have successfully withdrawn from Zyprexa or are currently experiencing withdrawal symptoms, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. Your experience may greatly help another person who is going through the same withdrawal.
I have taken Zyprexa for years. I experience weight gain from the medicine. I recommend a 10th of a gram reduction every 3 months until one is completely off the medication. To counter insomnia, a recommend a sleeping pill. I take trazodone as a sleep aid even though its’ use is for other.
To counter psychotic effects of reducing I recommend meditation. Close your eyes and think positive thoughts and let no negative feelings come into mind. Another form of meditation is counting the seconds. Above all have patience as the medication does a lot of unseen help one will no longer have.
One will experience a rush of feelings and increased sexual appetite. I am suggesting having a coping ability to counter the withdrawal effects. I have gone almost to sleep in my meditation. Learn to calm yourself without the medication.
If one is having suicidal thoughts think of things which will help. For example, one is going to die any way, why rush it. The purpose of meditation is to regain your brain from the medication. Tell yourself not to give-up regardless of the severity of the situation.
Thank you so much for all of your comments. I have been on 10 to 15mg of Zyprexa for so long I cannot remember. I hadn’t noticed any real side effects but my weight has gradually increased and so has my cholesterol and blood sugar. I’ve been told by several doctors I’ll never lose weight while I’m on Zyprexa so am weaning myself off it.
I am not schizophrenic or bipolar but was psychotic in response to some traumatic events which I feel I have worked through. I’ve not been psychotic for over 20 years, yet I have been told that I need to stay on antipsychotic meds for the rest of my life! It is a mystery to me why psychiatrists would say this. Anyhoo, I have been thinking I had the the flu but I have no fever and then I began to wonder if I am suffering from withdrawal symptoms.
After reading this blog it would seem to be the case. Now that I have an explanation for these symptoms and know there is light at the end of the tunnel I feel so relieved and grateful to all who have shared their experiences. Sounds like it will get worse before it is over but now I feel I can cope. May you all reach a place of comfort and peace and thanks for your courage in sharing.
Hey all. Was on Zyprexa for one month (2.5mg per day), and quit cold-turkey 1.5wks ago. I’m totally freaking out b/c I gained 6 pounds on med (was put on it for eating disorder), and have just kept gaining since stopping drug. Will this never stop?
I feel like I cant eat anything anymore for fear it will all cause weight gain. my metabolism is close to zero (used to have very high metabolism), despite relatively healthy eating and exercise.
I’m so bitter and angry that this doc ever put me on this med. and yes, also experiencing insomnia, chills, etc. this totally sucks! How long will this last? I feel like my body is no longer my own!
Hi Jess – I found that the weight does go away in time. I was taken off of zyprexa c/t at the end of last year. It took about two weeks for me to feel withdrawal and they lasted about 5 weeks. So I started to feel better about 7 weeks out from my last dose.
I’m now dealing with the fallout of being put on other meds to help with the withdrawal though. So, my advice would be to stick it out and take things like melatonin and magnesium for sleep loss and try to stay away from additional prescriptions.
I was on 2.5 mg Zyprexa 1 x day. Gained 13 lbs. even though I increased my exercise and ate 1200 calories a day. Doctor switched me to every other day. The zyprexa did help me. I felt better, but not willing to gain weight. I’ve taken Xanax and Prozac for depression and anxiety for 13 years.
Helps, but not much energy. I had an ileostomy one year ago, downer, and recently broke my radius and ulna On left arm. Can’t have surgery for about 4 weeks. In pain and frustrated. Not a good time to go off zyprexa, but I have already been off it one week and want to continue cold turkey.
Might as well stay the course since I have pain issues anyway. I noticed urinary burning recently, sweating, and nausea. Could be related to any of my problems. I also have had chronic tailbone pain for years. Can’t sit down for a movie or church, watch TV, etc. I’m not having any fun.
Hello, I am wondering if it is possible to feel the withdrawals of Zyprexa after one 10mg dose, and if so how long would they last? I’ve been feeling panicked and anxious since the day after I took it which was about 3 days ago.
That was the only time I’ve ever taken it and I found it to be too sedating and made me extremely twitchy.
Hi Ally, I’m sure that you can feel something from one dose, but it’s more likely a reaction to the medication than any type of withdrawal. I just saw your comment today, so I’m hoping that you feel better now!
If you only took one dose of Zyprexa and that was it, the chances of having withdrawal symptoms are really low. Your body hasn’t even gotten used to having it in your system. If I were you, I’d stay away from this medicine. Though it is a very good medication and works quite quickly, you will gain weight and it will be impossible to take off while on this medicine. Just my opinion. I’m in the process of weaning off it myself. Good luck.
Currently one week off zyprexa, highest dose I was on was 15 mg… have to say I have almost all of the withdrawal symptoms and it is a literal hell. At times I feel like I can’t survive it… I’ve been using alcohol to self medicate which I know isn’t recommended.
Did you stop taking it cold turkey?
Hi all, I have been on olanzapine for a year and a half to treat bipolar. The first few months were fine and they stabled my moods. For the past six months I have been a zombie. Lost all interest in my career which is my own company, lost interest in my hobbies and generally lost interest in life.
I gained a lot of weight and started to feel uncomfortable in my own skin. I ended up not being able get to sleep for a few hours but when I finally it to sleep I was sleeping far too much and not getting up to work on time. After a really bad depressive episode three weeks I decided to come off 5mg cold turkey.
I used to be very in to exercise and good nutrition but after taking olanzapine this stopped. I remembered the time I felt at my best with good nutrition and good exercise with a solid life routine. So I’m three weeks in eating good nutrition and exercising and I feel 100% better already.
I have had anxiety attacks and I am getting the worst headaches known to man but my head feels clearer, happier and generally a good place to be. I still have my bad days but now I have my will power back and I push myself to go to the gym and eat good nutrition no matter how my head feels. 9 times out of 10 I come out of the gym and feel better in my self.
I am a firm believer in good nutrition and exercise and there are plenty of documentaries on Youtube with people that have bipolar and have been on all the meds but with no benefit and come off them and now use good food and exercise to keep themselves stable. If you are struggling just know you can do anything you put your mind to. You are amazing people worth the life that you have been gifted with.
I have become severely suicidal and it is happening even despite a slow taper from Zyprexa. I am depressed most of the time and I feel I can’t cope. I was looking for another place to live as I’m in a basement suite I hate. Even looking has become overwhelming.
I just want to feel good and the only major support I have is the distress line to help me through at any time. I’ve prayed and still pray to no avail. I just want the suicidal thoughts to stop.
My plan I made with the distress center when I felt suicidal twice yesterday was to call them, pet my cat and go for Starbucks. But I’m also calling agencies up help me find supported living. I can’t live alone…
I so badly hope I can get through this better.
Hi M, Are you doing any better? It does pass. I remember feeling that way and almost heading to the ER a couple of times. Are you still tapering or off of the drug now?
I was put on 10 mg of olanzapine 7 years ago for BPD and depression. I slept most of the day and ate constantly and gained about 40 pounds. I began having muscle rigidity and stuttering issues, I was pretty sedated so I had to take them at night. I started feeling so bad on olanzapine I decided to taper from 10mg to 5mg for 6 months.
I didn’t have any symptoms of withdrawal and was feeling like it wasn’t too bad. 3 months ago I was off them completely. The first week was mostly nausea and sickness. Wasn’t sleeping as much but also wasn’t able to eat or even swallow foods. A couple more weeks and Im feeling like I should go to the hospital. Bad sweats and shakes, thermoregulatory system issues, vomiting three times somedays, crying spells, panic attacks, headaches, I had metal mouth for weeks, severe itchiness.
Once I started having chest pain and fell I got a few ativan to hold me over for a few days. Then I started having major confusion. Not understanding how to say the year, not being able to identify my favorite flavor, which is cinnamon, never knowing where were going in the car, and losing the ability to play my drums. Meanwhile not being able to eat and if I could, not being able to keep it down.
I began to become malnourished, lost 30 pounds, wasn’t underweight but went long enough without much food I hadn’t had my period the entire 3 months. This entire time being very suicidal and depressed. I got some vitamins and health food and ate as much as I could and the next day got my period again. Its been three months since I’ve stopped.
The nausea is gone. My mood is pretty good. I’m down 36 pounds now. I have more energy though I don’t manage to sleep more than 6 hours and I don’t have much of an appetite. Family have said I look less bloated and more awake and have color to my face. And all the side effects from being on olanzapine have drastically subsided.
I don’t sleep walk anymore. I don’t have night terrors. I don’t get vertigo in my sleep anymore, heart’s back to normal, muscles are back to normal. I also had chronically itchy legs and restless legs for those 7 years which stopped. I was depressed before the meds. I was depressed during. I’m still depressed.
But I’m healthy now. And I would rather be healthy and a little wonky then super sick and pretty much super suicidal. Eli Lilly wasn’t a good person. These pills are a joke. No one warned my they’d cause my heart to tear. Just that I would gain “like 5 pounds”. 0/100 would recommend these pills.
I know you want success stories but I have such repetitive thoughts and dreams after 8 days of tapering, I am concerned. My doctor was tapering me at 50% over 2 weeks, and even at 25% I’m still bothered by the above symptoms. So I will try tapering at 12.5% percent as that will be 1/4 of a 5 mg tablet per day.
I really hope this helps, as I have Latuda to replace the Zyprexa. I was in a great frame of mind until last night, as I taught myself I am responsible for my own personal happiness. I cannot be happy with the kind of sleep I’m having, but I am going to try listening to the ocean on my iPad tonite and trust it will help.
It bothers me on of the side effects is depression as that is precisely what I’m being treated for. Today I feel depressed as I have had such a terrible night and I have nowhere to go…I don’t start a course for going back to work until April 3.
Thank you for letting me tell you of my experience. I needed to let it out as I don’t feel at all like myself right now. Supportive comments would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Marianne, It sounds like you may need to taper slower. How are you feeling now?
I think you were wise in knowing you needed to taper off more slowly. Good for you. The side effects of coming off will go away. I always say “this too shall pass” and it helps. Also kudos for going on Latuda. I know all medicines affect everyone differently, but Latuda helped me out a lot. I hope it does for you too!
Hello all, I have bipolar disorder and have been on olanzapine for two and a half years (6 months on 15 mg and after that 10mg). I got some body movements and my psychiatrist wanted urgently to stop olanzapine. I was on 7.5 mg for two weeks and on 5 mg for one month.
I felt really well the whole week after stopping without any ugly olanzapine side effects or withdrawal symptoms. Then I started to feel differently. I felt unlike old normal myself. I didn’t feel comfortable in my own skin. I was thinking that I felt like I’ve been a drug addict going through withdrawal.
Also I got sleep issue. I am now on my 5th week after stopping olanzapine and all that feelings/symptoms are not as severe as they were at the beginning. I am still having a serious problem with insomnia. I don’t have any unwilling body movements. I hope that everything will pass just need some time.
Hi All, I want to thank all of you who have posted. I am at the beginning of tapering off Olanzapine. I have been on 20mg for 14 years. The nasty side effects are coming home to roost with meds for high cholesterol, meds for high blood sugar, meds for dry mouth, meds for waking me up each day, meds for memory.
No meds for my fatty liver. It seemed time to get off of this medication. So, I talked to my Psychiatrist and he reduced the dose to 15mg. That was 11 days ago, so far so good. What I have learned from a friend and also one of the posts here is that I want to do the 10% reduction per month and then 10% of that amount for the next month etc.
What I hadn’t considered where the withdrawal side effects once I am completely off. It is going to take a long time, but I have a better idea of what I might expect… Thank you.
I was on the lowest dose of Olanzapine (2.5mg) for almost 2 years. After having experienced an episode of extreme panic last summer, which felt almost like I was going to pass out, I decided to stop taking it as I also noticed that it was no longer doing anything to boost/improve my anxiety disorder.
I took a capsule once every other day for 2 weeks than I stopped taking it altogether since last Sunday. It’s been almost 4 days since my last dose, and so far I haven’t noticed any significant major withdrawal symptom beside some minor nausea, some dizziness in the morning and tiredness in the evening.
I don’t know if the Vortioxetine (a serotonin booster that works differently than common SSRI/SNRI) I’m taking for my depression is blocking any withdrawal symptom or not. Neither I don’t know if I will EVER experience any other extreme withdrawal symptom in the next few days/weeks (knocking on wood).
I forgot to mention that, besides the Vortioxetine, I’m also taking Xanax twice a day, vitamins, magnesium and eat a very healthy diet with no sugar, coffee or other junk food. So I don’t know if that is also helping me “staying on course”. We’ll see in a few days/weeks.
Good luck Emy! I hope that you continue on the path of minimum withdrawal symptoms. For me, I started losing sleep around day 11 after I stopped the last dose and the hard withdrawal symptoms started at day 14. I don’t have much experience with anti-depressants to know if the others that you are on will help with any withdrawal but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it does help you. I imagine the valium could help with insomnia if you take it in the evening and would help with anxiety.
Ok, so 3 weeks have passed since my last 2.5mg dose of Zyprexa and I thought I would chime in to update on my situation. I didn’t experienced any anxiety/lethargy/insomnia or any other severe withdrawal symptom during these past 3 weeks. The lethargy and the dizziness I was experienced during the first 4 days off, went away just after a couple of days.
Now I feel like my energy is slowly coming back: I can think more clearer now, have a good talk (without slurring words) and I definitely feel less and less mentally and physically sluggish than before. I sleep well too, and have many good dreams. However, what I noticed, though, during this past week, is that my IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) symptoms somehow returned.
I used to suffer them pretty bad 8 years ago, got cured with a healthy diet, and after that my system gone back to normal for a pretty long time (up until 2015 or so, before I was not taking any sort of medication for my anxiety/depression). I don’t know if it’s related to the withdrawal or if it’s the extreme cold mixed with the antidepressant (Vortioxetine)/Xanax that’s making my bowels sluggish. I don’t know.
But when I was on Zyprexa, I would just have one bowel movement in the morning, and i’ll be perfectly ok for the rest of the day (though sometimes I would feel really bloated). Now I also have to go after lunch which is, somewhat, annoying. It’s not diarrhea, but normal poop. I’m reluctant to go back using laxatives, again, for treating this kind of annoyance. Hope it subsides soon, somehow.
But anyway. That’s my update. Thought that I should had let you guys know how I’m doing, so far. If there are any other significant updates, I will surely let you guys know. Wish you all the best for your recovery from this debilitating and nasty medication.
I was put on 2.5mg of Olanzapine for one month. I’ve been off of it cold turkey for 32 days and am still feeling withdrawal symptoms. I was put on this medicine as a migraine cycle breaker and am now suffering from chills/anxiety/racing thoughts/severe insomnia/burning sensation in my chest and arms/lethargy.
I’m now taking Prozac and klonopin just to try to manage some of the withdrawal. I’ve never experienced anything close to this and I’ve been on a number of migraine medications over the past ten years. Just hoping that time will provide relief and I will feel normal again.
Dear Heather, How are your withdrawal symptoms now? Any improvement? I have been taking 5 mg for two months for insomnia. When I stopped taking it, the symptoms began. Chills, burning sensations, anxiety. Been off of the drug for one month, but I don’t know how much longer I can take this, it feels like it’s never going to be over. I’m getting suicidal.
Hi Daniel, My symptoms are so much better. It took me about 10 days after my last dose to start having withdrawal symptoms. I started losing sleep right before Christmas and it quickly went down hill. In total from my last dose, it took about 7 weeks for a good amount of improvement. The only remaining things that I have are tinnitus, every once in a while I still feel the burning/itching but it really is minimal and some sleep issues.
I take 1.5mg of melatonin and 500mg of magnesium each night. I also use an air purifier for white noise and was at one point listening to meditative music. During withdrawal, there was a week where I slept maybe 1-2 hours each night. Now typically, I go to bed around 11 and wake up around 5:30am.
The prozac went away over a month ago. My body just didn’t handle it well. I’m now tapering off of klonopin (I will never cold turkey off of any medicine again!), so some of the symptoms that I’m still dealing with could be because of the klonopin taper.
Your symptoms will improve! There were a few times that I considered going to the ER. I wasn’t even sure what they could do for me, but I felt like I was going out of my mind. I’ve been on countless medications for chronic migraines and have done the very quick taper the doc suggested or she’d just switch me to another and I’d never felt anything like this.
Good Evening I have read all most all of your comments on this drug. I have been on zyprexa since may 2017. Since then I have gained almost 40 pounds. I am on many other psychotropic drugs and oxygen 4 liters. I decided that this drug was definitely not for me I talked to my doc and she said to give it another month and see how things go… I am also on many drugs to help me sleep.
I decided to stop taking this drug due to all the bad side effects. last night was my first day not taking it. I took it for 7 months is this a good idea to just stop it cold turkey? And when will I start feeling like I’m full. Any advice for me?
After my first and only burnout/breakdown (I had sleep deprivation induced psychosis from stress and losing sleep juggling 2 kids, big corporate job, new baby) I’ve been taking olanzapine/zyprexa for 10 months, tapering down from 20mg at the start to 2.5mg for last 2 months. Due to side effects (mind feels numb, foggy thinking, lots of hair loss, dry skin) I’m coming off it. This is Day 2, so far I’ve experienced sleep difficulty but I feel much more alive and myself. Will report back if anyone is interested.
I was on it only for a month. But since the neurologist made me quit cold turkey (2 weeks back) my life has been completely overshadowed by extreme anxiety and panic. Since I had a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) a month back, I’m scared that I’m developing a post concussion syndrome. The anxiety is worst in the morning and gets a little better as the day passes. Sometimes in the evening or night I become completely normal for a couple of hours. Does this sound familiar to anyone?
I too quit cold turkey when my neurologist switched my migraine medication. I wasn’t aware of the potential of withdrawal and it hit me – sweating/shaking/skin burning/chills/anxiety/severe insomnia.
My doctor wanted to put me back on and then taper but I was terrified I’d go through withdrawal again so I’ve just been hanging in there. I went to a GP who prescribed Prozac for the anxiety and Klonopin to help me sleep. Neither are helping tremendously.
I’m now 32 days off and some of the symptoms are better but the anxiety / insomnia and lethargy are still pretty bad. I too seem to feel a bit better in the evening and then when I try to go to sleep the cycle starts again. I’m holding on to the hope that it’s just a matter of time before it gets better.
Hi Heather, I too quit cold turkey about 7 weeks ago. The insomnia and anxiety have been bad.. How are you holding up? Glad to see I’m not alone in this battle and that there are others out there who have similar struggles. Hope you are feeling better. Have you tried taking magnesium or omega 3?
Hi Kate, Luckily it seems the worst is behind me. The past couple of days I’ve felt so much better! I have energy again, no stomach upset or nausea, less anxiety, no tremors or sweating. I’m definitely not 100% and am still suffering from some insomnia. I take magnesium and melatonin at night (I’m also taking CoQ10 and B2 for migraines in the morning). I never want to experience anything like that again. How are things going for you?
I have been on Zyprexa for a number of months and have gained at least 40 pounds. I was put on this medicine for suicidal thoughts. I am now tapering off of it because I can’t take the weight gain. It’s very depressing in itself. I was taking 15 mg at night and 10 mg in the morning.
My Dr told me to discontinue my 10 mg dose in the morning and I have, this was like ten days ago. I was filling my pill box (I also take Prozac, Trileptal, Vyvanse & Klonopin) and noticed I had a lot of 10 mg tabs of Zyprexa so I texted my Dr and asked him if I could now lower my night time dose to 10 mg.
He said yes and to see how I feel. I don’t think I am having any withdrawal side effects, but I’m scared that this is too good to be true. Does anyone have any feedback or advise?
I have been taking Zyprexa for 3 month now – dosage 15 mg once a day. In fact after my severe (hospitalization) manic episode for about a month I took it 15 x 2 a day – plus powerful sleep medication since I would not sleep. I stabilized and was on 15 mg. Toward the end I also notice good mood in early evening/late afternoon.
Now doctor decreased dose to 10 and on my 10th day of reduced dose. Severe anxiety and depression in the morning after awakening. Doctor would not prescribe antidepressants. I was 1.5 years on Zyprexa + Wellbutrin 15 years ago for my first episode. And I was completely fine until this second one.
This time it is much harder, but also I am much older. First episode after child birth at 31, now just stress at work (or maybe menopause). Hard to learn new things, and forgotten a lot of what I knew. Just reading about my condition. Hard to go back to work etc. Just hard…
Hello. I’ve been on 5mg for 2 months for insomnia. I quit cold turkey. 25 days now without it and having chills, burning arms and legs. Mostly arms. Having severe suicidal thoughts. I don’t know whether it’s because of the withdrawal or because I’m totally desperate, fearing these symptoms will never subside.
I don’t have to mention that the docs are all telling me I need this drug since I’m not fine when not taking them. The thing is, I’ve never felt this way before taking this crap. I hope I have the strength to go through these withdrawals. I don’t want to die, but I’m getting very low on energy.
My wife was on olanzapine (2×5 mg daily) for 4 months. It was prescribed (combined with low dose (0,5 mg) of clonazepam, which is a strong benzodiazepine) for some kind of strange mixture of panic, anxiety and dissociative (only the DP/DR part) disorders. Her metabolic system was killed, she gained 12 kgs of weight during this period.
After a couple of months and a long psychotherapy she found out that the drug didn’t solve the problem, nor improve the symptoms well. It rather kept her in the box than helped her to get out of it. Considering the side effects (weight gain, fatigue, depression etc), her psychiatrist suggested to switch to aripiprazole with no tapering – just from one day to the other.
She obeyed, and the withdrawal symptoms came on the very next day – basically all what you can read above in the article. Aripirazole worsened the symptoms (it made her as anxious as she had never been before). So after a couple of day, she decided to quit cold turkey. She wanted to get rid of both antipsych and benzo.
I warned her that it might be unbearable, but she insisted, so I decided to support her. I read in the comments here that CBD oil can help to cope with the withdrawal symptoms, so I immediately bought a bottle. It was 6 weeks ago. The symptoms of her ‘original’ disorder (what the meds were described for) improved significantly from the first day after being ‘sober’.
She has been taken royal jelly, that seems to be helpful, but the real heavy weapon was definitely the CBD. It obviously improved the withdrawal effects. Now she is still not symptom-free, but her condition is excellent comparing to the ‘on-drug’ period. DP/DR, agitation, dizziness and the other homies hit sometimes, but she can control them in most of the cases.
The most important thing is, that now she is strong enough in mind to understand and cope with the real causes of her disorders (childhood trauma etc). To put this story in a nutshell: Withdrawal is painful, but possible. CBD, royal jelly and proper mental support from family and friends can improve the side effects significantly. Good luck guys!
After more than four months I finally feel mostly normal. Hurray! I thought I would never feel normal again. I am writing to say that there is hope to be free of the terrible withdrawal symptoms. I feel like I have finally made it!
Thank you for sharing Lana! Glad to hear you made it through!
I was on olanzapine for just over a year taking 7.5mg. Not really sure why I was put on it, I think because my doctor recognised depression and anxiety and I had trouble sleeping. He thought that in addition to the 100mg of sertraline I was (and still am) taking, the olanzapine would help me sleep.
Whilst being on it I found if anything my anxiety got worse after a while and depression came creeping back. I was putting on loads of weight and generally freaking out how strong this drug was for just helping me sleep, especially reading its main use for schizophrenia. Since coming off, a month and a half ago, I have been all over the place.
Mainly depression, Christmas was a struggle but I did enjoy it. Then after new year I spent literally two weeks in bed, staying up at night and sleeping in the day. Reading this list of withdrawals has made me realise that I have been getting bad headaches, nausea, feeling restless and hyped especially at night.
After spending days in bed I suddenly had a couple of days where I was literally hyper, talking all the time about anything that popped into my head, trying to make people laugh, making myself laugh. In the past few days I have kept this up and have applied for a job, got it and now seriously considering paying thousands for a new car. I’m worried I’ve developed bipolar or something… especially because sometimes like today it’s like I feel depressed but manic at the same time.
I can’t switch off at night and when I do sleep I wake early in the morning and then are busy in the day then I can’t sleep again. I don’t know what’s happening but I’m definitely freaked out. Could things just be getting better? Maybe I’m looking too much into it.
Has anyone else felt like their symptoms after withdrawal seemed like bipolar?? I did quit cold turkey and like I say was on olanzapine for a year and a few months. Sorry this is so long! Thanks for reading, please say if you can relate?!! Oh yeah and I have like no appetite and have lost 7 lbs in just over a month.
I haven’t suffered as badly as others here. I was put on olanzapine 10mg March 2015 for drug-induced psychosis. I took it regularly at first to sleep as I was using so much speed, it knocked me out. My drugs psyche probably wanted me to gain weight too as I was around 98-112lbs at 5’6′.
I noticed it left me dead during the day and as soon as I stopped using speed daily, I stopped taking olanzapine daily. I would only take it 1-2 a week when I abused stimulants so I could sleep. Then August 2016 I withdrew off opiates (buprenorphine) and I started taking 10-20mg a day to help with the insomnia associated with opiate withdrawal. It kinda helped, and I always slept.
Then I decided to stop cold turkey, September 2016. Stupid me. I didn’t sleep at all, that combined with taking Ritalin (Concerta 56mgs) during the day prevented any day time catch up sleep. I began to get very suicidal, angry and I was using a lot of drugs and alcohol to combat these feelings.
The middle of September I found out I was being admitted to rehab so went back on olanzapine so I could sleep, knowing all other sleep aids would be banned. I noticed in rehab I was craving carbs, sugar and gaining weight. My normal weight is 119lbs. Prior to taking olanzapine daily I was 126lbs but now my weight was near 135-140lbs, so I decided to start reducing.
I did 1 week on 7.5mgs, one week on 5mgs and then after that I took between 2.5mgs-4mgs. I was checking my meds and had to break them with my teeth so can’t be sure of the exact dose. After 14 weeks I left rehab on the above dose. I got some temazepam (1 weeks supply) and stopped.
Apart from needing the temazepam to sleep, having a little more anxiety (I am also prescribed propranolol 40mgs for when needed, this helps) and depression when my Ritalin wears off, I’m fine. I’m now using Nytol to sleep (anti histamine). I would recommend propranolol for anxiety and if you have depression maybe Wellbutrin would help as I’m aware this is similar to Ritalin.
I’ve also lost 6lbs in a week. I am no longer craving chocolate, sugar and carbs. I feel good in comparison to some of the other posters on here. It is possible, don’t assume you’ll get all these symptoms. Get some sleep aids and you’ll be fine, as long as you get some sleep.
I have been on Zyprexa since October 2015 (15 months) following a nervous breakdown that landed me in a psychiatric ward for a week. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type I and was started at 5 mg a night, had it upped to 10 mg in February, had it upped to 15 mg in March, and, finally, had it upped to 20 mg a few weeks later. I maxed out the recommended dosing in a matter of months.
I had no idea about the detrimental (and common) side effects, nor the extreme withdrawal symptoms. My nurse practitioner raised my dosages at my ignorant requests, because I was waking up in a panic and assumed a higher dose would fix this. I had no psychiatrist to properly manage my medication, and I was too blind and ill-informed to manage it on my own.
I developed Tardive Dyskinesia and rocked back and forth constantly. It got worse (and maddening) whenever I was stressed or anxious. I thought I was going crazy. I had no idea that this could develop from Zyprexa use, so I accepted it as an inevitable part of my life. I finally did some research and discovered it was a side effect (and possibly a permanent one).
So, I lowered my dosage back to 15 mg in May of 2016, which reduced the intensity of the movement disorder, and remained at that dosage until last month (December 2016). While I was on Zyprexa, I never felt happy, and my life felt empty, like I was just going through the motions. I was a shell of a person. I had no creativity, no interests, no fun.
I didn’t feel like myself anymore; I didn’t even feel like a real person. I gained 20 lbs. in that year and a half, but I was able to live with that. Tardive Dyskinesia, however, I was not. Don’t get me wrong, Zyprexa probably saved my life. I was in a devastating mindset when I was first put on it, and it changed my life by giving me mental space to handle all the stress I was put under.
There’s no question that if you’re having a psychotic break or manic episode, Zyprexa WILL stop it. It’s a great medication to use temporarily, but, with all it’s side effects, it’s questionable as to whether this is a good long-term solution. After a while, that once relieving mental space became all-consuming. I was able to handle stress well, but I never felt anything resembling joy, even when good things were happening in my life.
So, I decided to quit and try a new approach to treating my severe anxiety and depression. I went down from 15 mg to 10 mg for a week and a half, then down to 5 mg. The first step down resulted in anxiety, severe life-shattering depression, a feeling of not being real, over stimulation, and general “wrong” feeling. When I got used to those feelings and figured I could handle more, I went down to 5 mg.
I’ve been on 5 mg now for 9 days. Ever since the 4th day, my life has become a nightmare. I wake up in a panic, even the smallest tasks feel overwhelming, I never leave the house, I barely leave my bed, I spend all day trying to distract myself from this all encompassing fear/tension, this feeling of impending doom, and when I finally feel calm, this suicidal depression overcomes me. I know I should have titrated down slower, but my psychiatrist (I finally found one) wanted me to quit Zyprexa cold turkey and start Paxil.
Assuming she knows best, I tried for 3 days, and I lost my mind. I figured a quick titration down would be better than nothing, but I don’t know if I can do this. I’m tempted to go back up to at least 7.5 mg to see if it helps. I don’t walk more than 500 steps in a day anymore. The farthest I go is from my bed to the couch, where I lock myself into the computer to distract myself.
Will the Paxil help with this? Should I go back up and titrate down slower or should I stick this out? Is it possible to step down to nothing without being completely debilitated? I’m so lost right now. I will update with my next moves and the results.
I had been taking 5 mg. zyprexa for 20 years for supposed schizophrenia. I gained 70 pounds and have high cholesterol and high blood pressure. I quit cold turkey five months ago and have been having terrible itching all over my body, eyes smarting, palpitations and insomnia. My allergy doctor says it is not an allergy and doesn’t know what to do for it. I am not having any psychotic symptoms.
I don’t know how much longer I can go on feeling like this. Nights and early mornings are the worst. I go to sleep alright but then wake up a couple hours later feeling sick and panicked. It seems that after I get up it gets a little better but I’m tired. I feel like I need to sleep and can’t.
My doctor prescribed Seroquel but my sleeping isn’t any better. This withdrawal is terrible it seems to come in waves and sometimes it feels like I have acid in my veins. It is better if I stay busy but I feel tired. God, I hope this doesn’t last much longer.
What dose were you on and for how long? Did you quit cold turkey or wean yourself off? Are you doing any better?
I am about 6 months into withdrawal and still struggling. The sweating episodes are still happening on a near daily basis, even though it is winter, and cooler. That is frustrating. It feels like hot flashes would feel, but I am 40 and too young for that. My insomnia got worse about 2 weeks ago resulting in my sleeping like 5 hours a night 2 nights in a row.
My psychiatrist upped my sleeping medication, thank God. I am so ready for these symptoms to be done with. I have stopped exercising for the most part, in order to avoid more sweating! This drug is hell to come off of. I agree, the psychiatrists who prescribe it should take this drug and then detox off of it. Thankfully I have a very understanding fiancee and a flexible job, so I can sleep in late and come an hour or so later if needed.
Without that flexibility with my job I have no idea how I would have gotten through this. Soldier on those of you experiencing the lovely side effects of withdrawal. I keep telling myself there is an end in sight. The withdrawal symptoms have to end sometime. I read 90 days; it’s been about 40, and I’m hoping the symptoms end much sooner than that.
It’s been three months since I tapered off this horrible medicine. I went every other day then stopped taking it. The sweating was so terrible I thought I was in early menopause (I’m not). The horrible sweating episodes continue, 3 months since my last dose. I’m taking a sleeping pill for the insomnia.
This medicine helped save me life, but it’s come at such a steep price. This is a horrible HORRIBLE medicine to withdraw from. I feel like I’ve been addicted to hard drugs going through withdrawal. I feel tired most of the time as well. I wouldn’t recommend anyone start on this drug. If possible, ask the doctor for something else, then get off this medicine ASAP. This is bad stuff.
Personally I’d like to put every doctor and psychiatrist on this medication and have them withdraw so when they say we understand what you are going through – they really do understand… and I guarantee not one will ever prescribe again. My heart goes out to each and every one of you who like me are going through this terrible experience and I send love and good thoughts to you all for a speedy recovery. We are all in this together, no one is on their own here.
I have withdrawn cold turkey from zyprexa 5mg after taking it for 6 months. It has been 7 weeks and I still have insomnia, anxiety, nausea and panic. The first two weeks were the worst. I basically only could manage a shower at best. I had to quit my job because withdrawal. So very tired and so frustrated. Please tell me there is an end in sight.
I have been on 5mg for about 4 months (also on effexor and seroquel for 7+ years) and am coming off zyprexa because it’s side effects are ruining my life. Been off for 5 days now cold turkey. It’s a small dose and I ran out of scripts. I have intense body pains, irritability, intense anxiety, sweating a lot, and I’m exhausted at all hours of the day.
I am looking to just push through these side effects to get this f-cking thing out of my system – no withdrawals could be as awful as being on zyprexa. Hoping the withdrawal effects will take a couple of weeks maximum? Will read through ppls comments and will most likely post again when the withdrawals subside. Good luck to everyone! Amber
I finally got off olanzapine in July 2016, so I have been without it now for 4 months and feel very well and extremely happy to have finally withdrawn from it. I have been taking it for 6.5 years at varying does from a maximum of 10mg down to only 0.0625mg when I finally came off it completely. I have found it a very hard drug to come off due to the anxiety and insomnia that I have felt many times when trying to stop taking it.
My final success in coming off it was after I had read many people’s stories on blogs such as this and tried different pieces of advice that I came across. The key thing for me, as is stated by most people is the need to taper one’s withdrawal off it by slowing reducing the amount that you are taking, i.e. in my case from 10mg to 7.5mg to 5mg to 3.75 mg to 2.5 mg, to 1.125 mg, to 0.0625 and then finally to 0.
I would recommend a minimum 3-month gap between any of those incremental reductions and for the last few changes it may be necessary to have a 6-month gap. I have found that it is also important to be in a sufficiently stable environment to be able to cope with some of the temporary sleep disturbances that result from reducing one’s dosage. Each time I reduced my pill dosage I had disturbed sleep for a few nights.
It is also important to remain in contact with one’s doctor to advise what is happening. Key additional things that I did that may have been critical in my reductions were as follows; a) I read that taking magnesium supplements can reduce the anxiety affects and so I have been taking magnesium now for over 6 months and have found myself to be significantly less anxious.
Quite why doctors don’t prescribe magnesium tablets to people generally baffles me as they appear to be affective and I understand that many people are deficient in magnesium (I found that they can be purchased in Asda for only £2 for 30 tablets). I also read that red dates (Ziziphus jujube) are another very good way of minimising helping with the sleep changes red dates. My target internet price for these was £2.50 for 250 g (available from the Sous chef.
They appear to be good for insomnia and are also an excellent source of vitamins. In addition, I also took a standard multi-vitamin to ensure that there were not any other vitamin or mineral shortages that were potentially causing some of my symptoms. For the sleep disturbance when I gave up olanzapine completely, I also tried having a small glass of red wine in the evening before bed for a few weeks which I found helps with sleep as long as you don’t drink too much and remember to stop drinking after a few weeks, when the withdrawal is over.
I was put onto olanzapine by a psychiatrist when I was diagnosed as bi-polar after my marriage broke down. I had what would be classically described as a nervous breakdown and was hospitalised/sectioned for 3 weeks, with some psychotic symptoms. Looking back on it now, the pressure of earning a living to support a wife and 4 children in a fairly loveless marriage became too much for me and when it became clear to me that my wife wanted a divorce I had the breakdown.
I have since been made redundant more than once when I have taken short periods off work for stress, but now find myself in both a less stressful job and also with a supportive relationship and I am now feeling better than I have for a very long time. Olanzapine in my opinion is a helpful drug when one is in a desperate psychological state and one is finding it difficult to function. However, the down side of it is that it is very hard to withdraw from, even though it is officially classed as non-addictive.
The body does seem to become dependent upon it. For lesser problems than a serious psychosis, I believe that the olanzapine medical ‘cure’ might be worse than the illness. One of the things that I found olanzapine does is to give one very bad indigestion, i.e. a lot of burping, particularly late in the evening. This does not disappear on its own when one comes off the drug.
I have found the best cure for this is to make tea with blended raw ginger, which generally appears to be excellent for the digestion and again I am not sure why doctors don’t recommend it to their patients with bad indigestion. I was prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid production and it gave me appalling stomach cramps meaning that I was unable to continue the course, whereas ginger appears to have no side effects and works extremely well.
Other things that have now improved since I have come off olanzapine are as follows:
1) My sex drive has returned to normal; it had been strongly down on olanzapine.
2) I am now dreaming again, or at least remembering my dreams, which was something I never did when taking olanzapine, apart from when I first took it when I had some very bad nightmares.
3) I now only need 6-7 hours sleep a night and mostly wake refreshed, whereas I would sleep for 9-10 hours or so on olanzapine and then struggle to get out of bed in the morning.
4) I am no longer living in a ‘foggy’ state and have rediscovered my joy of life, i.e. with emotions, as olanzapine is a mood stabiliser and appears to limit the extremes of one’s emotions. The world has generally become a much brighter place for me.
5) I now smile again, having been rather joyless whilst taking it.
6) My eating habits have become more normal as olanzapine gives one a strong appetite, particularly when one first starts to take it. I put on 2.5 stone in weight on it, which I have still to lose.
Olanzapine seems to be effective as an anti-psychotic, and also reduces anxiety and has anti-depressant affects. Thus, when one comes off it one’s anxiety can go up and one can become depressed. My experience is that both of these can be overcome in time and the regime that I described above is what enabled me to do this.
I no longer have psychosis and I believe this to be because I am now much less stressed. I do not know if I am truly bi-polar, however, I am no longer taking any medication and am happy and functioning well in life. I believe that the problems that I had were a result of life events and that once I had overcome the problems with the events that happened to me (end of marriage, not living with my children, selling house, losing job), then I became well again.
I did recover eventually and in order of how they happened I got myself somewhere to live temporarily, then a new job, then somewhere to live more permanently where I could sometimes see my children, then eventually a new relationship. Along the way I changed job more than once as I found that employers can make one redundant quite quickly when they find out that you occasionally go off sick with stress.
However, eventually I have managed to resolve most of the problems and it has only taken me 6.5 years to do! So I wanted to just say to anyone suffering from any of the symptoms that I had, or any of the side effects of taking olanzapine, it is possible to come off it and life can get much better in time; just take your time.
I have been off of a dosage of 5/25 mg for about 1 1/2 weeks. I’ve taken the drug for the last 5 1/2 years for severe depression. I tapered off by taking the drug every other night. I am experiencing insomnia and excessive sweating, but gratefully, a decrease in appetite.
This drug helped to save my life when I was in the depths of a horrible depression, but I am glad to be coming off of it now. I just wish the withdrawal was over already. I am grateful that I don’t have a stressful job at all, and a very understanding boss and partner.
Hi, I have been on olanzapine daily since 2008. Started of with 5mg at first, after a years, was prescribe with 10mg. The last 5 years was on 15mg, until August 16 when I started tapering 2.5mg per 14 days. I have been free from this drug for 2 weeks. I used to sleep like a baby even before I was on the drug. While I was taking for the past 9 years, I dose off minutes after I close my eyes, sleep for 12 hours average daily.
While I was at 5mg, I had a mild insomnia; second day off the drug, massive insomnia hit me, had a hard time falling asleep, I wake up to any sort of sound. The other withdrawal symptoms are massive sweating, literally whole body even with mild air-conditioning on. However, I would like to know if anyone had trapped wind in their stomach, between the sternum and belly button. I constantly feel like I need to burp, but it just won’t come out.
I have tried indigestion medicine to burp, and I did, it lasted for 1 hour, then happened again. It has been a problem to sleep, alongside with insomnia. If you have experienced this symptom, I would like to know your advice. Thank You.
I took this drug for several months and decided on my own to just drop it. I was ignorant about the tapering off side. Anyway within a very short period of time I became the most ill I’ve ever been in my life. Hyper anxiety with constant shaking, nausea, complete loss of appetite, felt horrible physically. I literally wanted to die as all desire even to live fled from me.
This lasted 4 months until my daughter finally convinced me to see a doctor who actually prescribed me another drug Seroquel 50 mgs. It did finally help me but my legs became uncontrollably restless so I asked the Dr. for 25 mg pills and the restless leg syndrome ceased. I’ve been on this med for several years now and do well with it however every case is special and needs to be treated as such.
By the way I have also been on an antidepressant for at least 30 years. I hate having to take any mess but I have accepted they help me so I will take them the rest of my life.
I have tried before to stop taking olanzapine. The withdrawals were so horrific that I was not successful. My blood sugar has been high along with weight gain and a cholesterol problem. I am now cutting a 2.5 tablet with a Razor or blade and am down to 1/3 tablet. I have had crawling skin sensation, urinary problems, panic episodes, sweating and more.
Stopping very slowly seems to be lessening the withdrawal symptoms. I was prescribed this drug for anxiety a little over a year ago. The most I have ever taken is 1/2 of a 2.5 mg tablet. This is a horrible drug and I was never informed that all this was going to happen to me.
Hi everybody and Thank You all for your stories. I have been on 15mg for about 2 years, and am now on my second week without it, cold turkey, as my doctor said. Taking Seroquel for sleep, plus benzodiazepines (Kainever). Also taking Citalopram for my anxiety during the day. Yesterday I felt like I was dying: awful sleep, extreme panic attacks during the day, sweating like a pig, confused mind, nauseas.
This was day 13 since I’ve been off. I tried quitting earlier this year but after a week, my life was hell. This time I have some meds to help me get through it, but I NEVER would have taken this knowing the withdrawal effects. NEVER. I resent my doctor for this. I just needed some help with sleeping and my anxiety during recordings (I’m a musician). Now I’m an addict.
This shall pass, but one’s got to be Very Strong. And Patient, I guess. All the best for you, and speedy recoveries!
I took this for a year for anxiety. While I was taking it, I was a zombie. My husband said that I wasn’t me at all, it was like no one was there. I eventually asked my psychiatrist to let me come off it. He was reticent, but I insisted. I tapered slowly, and it was relatively easy until I dropped to 2.5mg. Then I got a little insomnia. The drug had made me sleep solidly through the night and on 2.5mg I found myself waking up a few times, but that wasn’t too bad.
None of this could prepare me for what it would be like after the last dose. After taking the last dose I was fine for the first day and then the insomnia hit. I couldn’t sleep at all. I would get the odd fifteen minutes here and there but that was it. This went on for months. I never felt sleepy, tired but never that nice sleepy feeling you get just before you go to sleep. This was coupled with the most intense anxiety I’ve ever felt in my life.
It got to the point where I just felt that I couldn’t cope with even the smallest things. My life was just one long string of panic attacks. My psychiatrist tried to make me go back on the drug. He said there was no withdrawal from Olanzapine and it was my anxiety returning. This felt different though, much worse than the original so I said no, I wanted to keep going.
I was about four weeks into withdrawal and there was no way I was going through that for nothing. Then he suggested clonazepam. I took a couple, but realised I’d be trading one addiction for another so I persisted without them. Five weeks after stopping the drug the anxiety vanished almost overnight. It was amazing. I felt like my old self again. The insomnia persisted for a few months then improved a little.
Now three years later, my sleep patterns are still not normal, but I do at least get some sleep most nights. I never want to go through withdrawal like that again. It was a five-week nightmare and I have no idea if I’ll ever sleep normally again.
I am a 65 year old New York attorney, now living in semi-retirement in Charleston, South Carolina, my hometown. I have been a lawyer in New York for over 34 years, and I have been taking Zyprexa, then Olanzapine, for about 15 years. I was prescribed 30 mgs. of this drug as a mood stabilizer in or about 2001. Like many others on this site, I believe that I am addicted to this drug. In addition, I have regrettably gained 70 pounds in weight. Quite frankly, I am very disappointed with this drug for a host of reasons and am now aware that this drug predisposes one to Tardive Dyskinesia, a horrible and embarrassing neurological disorder.
I hope that I will be off of this drug in a year, as I am reducing my Olanzapine intake by 10% a month on the 1st day of each month. More specifically, the 10% reduction is 10% of what I am taking on the 30th or 31st day of the prior month. For example, on August 31st, 2016, I was taking, as prescribed by my doctor, 30 mgs. Therefore, on September 1st, 2016, and for every day in September 2016, I reduced my Olanzapine intake to 27 mgs./daily. Now in October 2016, I have reduced my drug intake to 24.3 mgs./daily. Provided my withdrawal symptoms are not severe, I plan to reduce my November 2016 dosage to about 22 mgs./daily and so on.
I wonder whether Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Zyprexa and/or the manufacturers of Olanzapine, generic Zyprexa, have adequately warned the consumers of this drug of the fact, I believe, that the drug is highly addictive, that the side effects of taking this drug can be serious, severe, and debilitating. Furthermore, the drug is habit-forming, with even a reasonable withdrawal resulting in symptoms from this drug, being both horrific and maddening. I am exploring the possibility of bringing a products liability cause of action against Eli Lilly and/or the generic manufacturer(s) of this drug.
This would be a very complex undertaking as there are statute of limitations’ issues and there is the need, I believe, to bring any cause of action against the specific manufacturer(s) of Zyprexa and/or Olanzapine. In addition, I have learned on the internet that manufacturer(s) of this drug have already either been ordered or agreed to pay out billions of dollars in damages. My suspicion is that there probably has been a class action or class actions’ lawsuits against the drug manufacturers of Zyprexa and Olanzapine.
Should anyone suffering from adverse side effects from taking this drug and/or the horrific withdrawal symptoms in their both successful and unsuccessful attempts to get off of this drug, I would be interested in hearing from you to ascertain whether there is both a sufficient and sizable number of individuals interested in bringing either individual and/or class action lawsuits for damages. Anyone interested in exploring the possibility of bringing an individual and/or being part of a class of individuals in a class action cause of action against the manufacturer(s) are welcome to write me a letter detailing with great specificity their personal experiences with this drug.
In addition, it is important to communicate to me the exact and specific name of the manufacturer of Olanzapine, which is generic Zyprexa. Your pharmacist should be able to provide you with the name of the manufacturer. Please write down the name of the manufacturer on the document which you should be getting from your pharmacist when getting refills of the drug. Send me a photocopy of that document with the name of the drug manufacturer, as provided to you by your pharmacist.
Furthermore, please provide me with the approximate or exact date when you were first put on this drug. (note that I am not characterizing it as a medicine) and what dosage in milligrams/daily of this drug which you were or have been taking. Also provide me with your full name, address and telephone number. All information provided to me is both privileged and confidential as I am an attorney and information provided to me in my capacity as an attorney is given to me in the strictness of confidence.
In conclusion, I am not at this time making a commitment to anyone that I will be bringing either individual or class action lawsuits against any drug manufacturer; rather, I am, at this time, merely exploring the possibility. All correspondence should be sent to me, at the following address in New York city:
Fred Fisher, Esq.
New York Attorney at Law
C/o Kenneth J. Aronson, Esq.
270 Madison Avenue, 13th Floor
New York, New York 10016
I can also be reached anytime by telephone at (843)764-9926.
I am getting off this crap (Zyprexa) ASAP. I was fine for 6-7 months after my first BP episode at age 56. I went to emergency due to pain in my side and flu-like symptoms. They heard “lithium”(my only med at time) and signed me in for 6 days in psych ward. Turns out I had pneumonia and a bladder infection. But they started me on Zyprexa 7.5 mg once a day.
I immediately started cutting in half when I got home, then 1/4. I just got prescription for 2.5mg tabs which I will cut into 1/4s and then take the plunge after a few weeks at 0.6mg daily. Horrible stuff – I could sleep my life away and gained 20 lbs. in 7 weeks. I’d go cold turkey but I can’t risk a night without sleep just yet.
Hello Cat, For the past 5 weeks, I too have been slowly reducing my Olanzapine intake; quite frankly, it’s a b-tch, especially the insomnia and irritability. Good luck to you!
I am in my 6th week of slowly weaning myself from olanzapine. I might have discovered a better way to successfully get off this drug, which, at least for me, is quite difficult. I have been taking methylphenidate CD for about 10 years in addition to taking the olanzapine. I have come to the belief that my taking 80 mgs. of methylphenidate CD in the morning helps with the difficult withdrawal symptoms of slowly getting off olanzapine.
I do believe that this might not be prudent for everyone trying to get off of olanzapine, but so far it is helping me greatly. For those considering taking methylphenidate, it probably is more prudent to take a small dose of methylphenidate if one is not yet taking this medicine.
I was on 2.5mg and tried to go off cold turkey last week. I lost my appetite, had insomnia and fever, terrible frequent panic attacks and suicidal ideation. After two days I went back on it and am feeling ‘normal’ again – I’m still panicky in the mornings. I hate this drug, it messes with my concentration and memory and it makes me oversleep. I need my brain for work and am scared I will underperform and lose my job.
None of the side effects were explained to me when I was put on Olanzapine in hospital, they just forced it on me without any discussion because I was experiencing psychosis (possibly caused by high dose Zoloft). I will try to come off again one day because I believe that ultimately this drug is doing me more harm than good. It’s a comfort to read the comments here and know that I am not alone in this terrifying experience of being treated for a mental illness.
We are all experiencing a degree of mental suffering that is beyond what most people can imagine and it takes enormous courage to keep fighting and also openly share experiences. I wish everyone the best of luck and send wishes for a full recovery and happy life.
I have been on Olanzapine since it came out nearly 20 years ago…yes, I put on 5 stone, annoying and very difficult to get off even with a good diet and regular exercise. Mentally I have found it very good within reason. I prefer it to the injections I was once on for 10 years, my mood is pretty stable-memory not too good, pros I sleep well I’m alert in the mind–cons, weight gain, and rare panic attacks-once a year. Better than being a psycho…
Updating the journey of my Zyprexa (olanzapine) taper as I promised I would in my first post above. I am now taking a 2.5 mg piece every 3 days now. I am having depression and anxiety but I am persevering. As long as I have no psychotic symptoms, I feel it is discontinuation syndrome and I am going to push through.
I am also having ringing in the ears since going lower…don’t know if that’s related but I’m reporting it in case anyone else has it. The last time I went off Zyprexa, I had only been on it 6 weeks but I did it cold-turkey and went through depression and anxiety that lasted about 12 weeks. I am going to hang in there and get through this.
I’m not sure when I’ll try to stop the Zyprexa. I started this taper in May…it is now September. I wanted to do this very slowly so I may keep pushing the dosage forward until I’m taking a 2.5 mg piece every 7 days. By then, I would think I’d be able to stop. If anyone has a positive story about tapering Zyprexa or any story about getting off this drug, I’d like to hear it.
My Doc gave me 5mg Olanzapine to help w/sleep. I really regret not researching it before I took it. I’ve been on it for 3 months. I had sever side effects of fatigue, depression, and suicidal thoughts. I tried cold turkey but had severe anxiety. This medication is bad news period.
Now it’s gonna take me at least 3 months to be back to normal. In my experience changing brain chemistry changes a person for life. I’ve been a drug addict and even after years clean I never went back to what I was before. These meds change brain chemistry. They are no fun to get off.
I was put on zyprexa over 7 years ago for bipolar disorder and anxiety/panic disorder. I started out at 7mg. I gained weight and slept a lot. I started having problems with my blood sugar and cholesterol and blood pressure. I also started having facial edema in the mornings. Finally decided it wasn’t worth the side effects to take it any longer.
It didn’t help me much anyway. Tried unsuccessfully to wean off of it once but couldn’t handle the withdrawal and started taking it again at 5mg. A couple years later I decided my health was important enough to go through the withdrawal. I weaned down slower this time… all the way down to 1.25mg before stopping. I’ve been off of it for 6 months now and it has been pure hell.
I’ve had intense anxiety, panic attacks every morning, leg cramps, headaches, dizziness, nausea, crying fits, deep dark depression and I’ve lost 46lbs. I’ve recently started taking magnesium supplements and drinking herbal teas to sooth some of the symptoms and it has helped somewhat. The anxiety isn’t as intense and the panic attacks are less severe.
I’ve been told it takes a very long time for withdrawal from olanzapine to be completely over. I would recommend to everyone they stay far, far away from this medication. It is evil! I’m hoping my withdrawal will be over soon but I’ve talked to some others that have said it can take up to a year for your brain to adjust to not having it.
I will never take it again. I will get through this nasty withdrawal and NEVER take it again. Now if my doc wants me to take any medication, I check it out fist… I go to sites like this and find out what it would be like to try and get off of it. If it’s nasty, I won’t even start taking it. I’d rather deal with my illness than the side effects of the meds and the withdrawal from those meds!!!
Hi, is anyone there to help please!!!! I started taking zyprexa 8 months ago due to a psychotic break as a result of taking an hallucinogenic drug. I was on 10mg for 2 weeks then tamper down to 5 mg for 2 months then tamper down to 2.5mg for 6 months and I cut back to 1.25mg two weeks ago. 3 days ago I started feeling very depressed, I had been feeling depressed these entire 8 months, having ups and downs, but the depression has come back full on.
I don’t know if it’s because I tapered down or because the depression has come back. I’m taking to my psychiatrist because he’s a dumb ass and I don’t want to see another psychiatrist because they all want to put me on heavy meds. I use to be a happy girl before trying drugs (which I only did once) and it resulted in this. Please I need help I’m pretty suicidal I just can´t take it anymore.
I’ve seen 7 psychotherapists 5 psychiatrists and 2 general doctors. I don’t know how to go back to normal!!!!!
Hello all. I had been taking Zyprexa for too many years. It caused me to gain 15 – 20 lbs, caused me to sleep 12 – 15 hours a night, and severely affected my intelligence. And took from me many other passions and interests I had.
Thankfully, I started seeing a nurse practitioner, and ditched the psychiatrist. Now I’m taking Latuda, have lost the weight, and am ever so slowly regaining my cognitive abilities, passions, and interests.
Please, please, please, I know how stressful and chaotic of a time it is when you find out you’re bipolar but, make sure you do your research, ask questions, and be as proactive as you can!!! It will pay off tenfold for you in the future!!!
Just to say I’ve stopped and started this medication several times with no withdrawal symptoms, bar sleep being a little more elusive. But I also have ADHD so sleep has always been a little elusive! I’ve had periods up to 4-6 months of taking 10mgs daily and quit easily.
Now I take it only once a week max for an early night and frequently go 2-3 weeks without using it at all. The weight gain has been a big issue in me quitting, but as I was only 7.7lbs when I started, I suspect the weight gain was the reason I was prescribed this medication. I’m 9.7lbs now!
I think where I’ve experienced opiate withdrawal, it helps me to easily withdraw off other meds as any withdrawal symptoms are so mild in comparison I easily ignore them and get on with my life.
I’ve been on Zyprexa about 18 months. I started at 5 mgs the first couple months, then down to 2.5 mgs and am now taking 2.5 mgs every other night (equals 1.25 daily). I am coming off without my doctor’s help as he thinks I should be on medication the rest of my life. I disagree and I want off of it because of the 25 lb weight gain and the fact that it blunts me emotionally.
So far, I am doing very well and do not feel any different at this dose than higher ones except for the fact that my emotions are coming back. I know that I must taper slowly but since I only have 5 mg tablets and they are so hard to cut after cutting them in half, I have decided to just decrease by extending the time between dosing.
My next drop will be a 2.5 mg dose every 3 days. I figure that when I am finally down to a 2.5 mg piece every 7 days, I can stop them. Yes, I am a bit afraid because of all the horror stories I read on the internet but I have found some very positive stories of people who said they did not have a problem coming off Zyprexa.
I know my way is different from those who keep cutting their tablets smaller and smaller but I’ll see how it goes and I promise to report back.
Hi Holly, I was wondering how are you doing. I’ve just tapper down my dosage to 1.25mg from 2.5 mg and I’m afraid after all the horror stories I read here. How have you been feeling? Have you quit olanzapine entirely?
Hi Els54… I am still 2.5 mg every other day… will be lowering again soon by extending my dosing time out another day. I want to stay at each new lowered dose at least 4-6 weeks and make sure I am ok before lowering again. I am doing just fine! I noticed after the last decrease that I woke up throughout the night a few times but that only lasted about 4-5 nights and was completely manageable.
Don’t be afraid! I have told myself that if I have any problems, I will go back up to the dose that I was on before and stay there a bit before lowering again. Yes, some people have problems but a lot of people don’t! Keep your chin up because you may be one of the people who are able to taper off with little to no problems!
People who don’t have problems don’t come to the internet to post, only the people who have problems do. That is why it is so tipped to one side with horror stories on the internet. Just take it slow and easy and don’t rush it. Good luck :)
Hi Els54….I’m doing very well. I’m still on 2.5 mg every other night. Ready to do another step-down…just trying to decide whether to do the 2.5 mg every third night or try and cut my 2.5 mg piece down to 1.25 mgs. I believe the key to tapering olanzapine is slow and steady. I’m going to take 4-6 months to go from 1.25 mg/day to 0.
My son has been on this drug for 10 months. At present he is in hospital going through horrible withdraw symptoms sickness, convulsions, he has lost memory functions, not being able to urinate, sweating like he’s just got out the shower. My son has aspergers. It was given to keep him calm it turned him into a zombie. My son is unrecognizable today. Horrible drug.
I am withdrawing from this drug. Was on 5mg and now down to 2.5 mg. I went through a lot of the symptoms in this list. Including anxiety, memory loss, tiredness. The anxiety has gone away after a month and a bit but I am still feeling excessively tired and just not quite myself. I’ve been on this drug for 7 years.
I just want off all these psychiatric drugs which I should not have been forced onto in the first place. I also stopped taking all supplements which were “prescribed” by a naturopath which I stupidly took thinking it would help with the fatigue caused by the zyprexa. Not sure if I am suffering from withdrawal symptoms from that. Never take antipsychotics unless your planning to harm somebody yourself or someone else.
Or get some other help first before talking with your drug pushing docs. Talk to a friend or counsellor first. These drugs should only be prescribed in life or death situations.
Hi everyone, thank you all so much for documenting your experiences with coming off Zyprexa. I have been on the drug for about 8 years for major depression and anxiety. I initially was put on 5mgs per day and then had a major depressive break after going cold turkey to come off it on my own. Major mistake by me, put me in hospital for a week in which they increased my dose to 10mgs per day.
Have been on 10mgs for about 4 years now. I have decided to try again on my own to taper off this drug due to many side effects I have been experiencing which I know will only lead to other disease processes taking place in the long term. I too, put on a lot of weight being on this drug. It is not so much that I would eat too much as I don’t.
For me it is carbohydrates, my body just does not cope with them leading to massive weight gain over the years when I do eat them. I have tried many diets in the past and for me the only diet that allowed me to lose a lot of weight whilst on this drug was a low carbohydrate diet. I am currently down to 2.5mgs of zyprexa as of today. The withdrawals I have experienced whilst tapering down have been really bad at times.
Strong nausea, flu like symptoms, aching joints, runny nose, fatigue and dizziness most of the time. In my initial taper down to 7.5mgs, the withdrawal symptoms lasted 10 days. From 7.5mgs to 5mgs, I experienced no real withdrawal symptoms and was so pleased. Now that I am down to 2.5mgs as of today, withdrawal symptoms are back, nausea and dizziness at the moment.
I am determined to get off this drug, it really is a bad drug and the doctors who prescribe it, never tell you about the long term side effects of this drug or how hard it is to get off it. I have no confidence in GP’s to help me get off this drug as I know they do not have enough knowledge about it and hence I am doing it myself after doing a lot of research and reading all your comments.
I wish you all the best of luck with getting off this drug and hope you can bare the withdrawal symptoms. I have to believe that there is light at the end of this tunnel. I will comment again here if I am successful coming off Zyprexa completely. Thanks again to you all.
Hey buddy, I too was on a chunk of time… 12 years. without any symptoms too extreme during the tapering. Then I discontinued it. The majority of the withdrawal lasted two weeks or so. I was left like so many with sleep issues. Specifically waking up at exactly 3am with nightmares. This is having been off for a lil over a month now.
When I researched the specific consistent time I found it has to do with liver function of replenishment and a lack of glycogen which causes a release of adrenaline to up blood sugar. Zyprexa is known to cause high blood sugar and diabetes. My psych prescriber was requesting that I go back on and instead i saw a medical professional who surprisingly knew more about the medication that the psych doctor.
Though blood sugar levels are in normal ranges seems that the body is responding with symptoms of hypoglycemia. Many of those symptoms are congruent with symptoms of this me upon discontinuation. This can be due to living so long in the higher ranges that normal ranges now cause these reactions. We are hoping this self regulates as the body adjusts to new normal levels.
Definitely do research and if things show up I personally would talk to a doctor about it. Though I did wait till other symptoms subsided so that I did not come across as ‘mentally ill’ under some random diagnonsense. Just passing this along to you as many people who have been on 5+ years have big sleep issues.
I wanted to let you know some things I had done that in the end validated my experience and helped me advocate for the harm the drug was doing. Be well, good luck. Luna