Posted by Cam W. on May 26, 2000, at 23:36:50
In reply to Re: Zyprexa, , posted by Waynette on May 26, 2000, at 19:37:59
Waynette - 5mg is a typical dose of Zyprexa. Many docs do start at 2.5mg though, but 5mg is the norm. Your pharmacist and the prescribing doc both should have told you about this drug. For detailed and specific info on the drug, ask your pharmacist, that is what he/she is paid for. Yes, do have her take it at bedtime. As her body adjusts to the effects of the drug, the drowsiness should let up a bit. This should occur within a month of starting it.Weight gain is a common problem, in part to carbohydrate craving and probably some metabolic changes. Monitor your daughter's diet (celery and carrots instead of chips and soda), and try to get her active in some sort of vigorous exercise. This may minimize the weight gain. Her weight will plateau within about 8 months, if indeed she does gain any. Not everyone gains weight with Zyprexa.
The weight gain seems to be linked to effect and baseline body size. The better the drug works (and it is used for many disorders from mood stabilization to psychosis), the more at risk a person is of having weight gain. Strict diet and exercise can minimize this. Also, it seems that the skinnier a person is, the more weight they will gain.
I hope this helps - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:980
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000526/msgs/34809.html