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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by justplainflakey on June 15, 2004, at 3:09:16
In reply to zyprexa withdrawals, posted by mcp on June 14, 2004, at 22:05:49
I had problems with quiting too, extreme anxiety and insomnia. Had been taking zyprexa and abilify until 10 days ago then substituted a low dose of gabitril for the zyprexa. It took a few days (5) but the anxiety subsided, now if I could just get descent sleep. My doctor says it will come with time. I am also taking alprazalam through the day.
Posted by ace on June 15, 2004, at 5:55:05
In reply to zyprexa withdrawals, posted by mcp on June 14, 2004, at 22:05:49
> I just can't stay on this drug. I am spaced out and fogged up all day on it. The problem is that I have crashed the two times I have tried to stop. First,has anyone else had problems coming off this drug? Conversely, can anyone share positive or easy experiences coming off this drug? Also, does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to stop Zyprexa? Would a benzo help? Thanks in advance for any replies.
I have been on Zyprexa on and off (mostly on) for nearly a year.
I never suffer ANY withdrawal syndromes. And i always stop cold turkey.
Zyprexa is a great drug.
Ace
Posted by Sebastian on June 15, 2004, at 12:15:54
In reply to zyprexa withdrawals, posted by mcp on June 14, 2004, at 22:05:49
I've been taking zyprexa for 5 years. I always have a hard time stoping. But what does work is to take a lower dose. I started on 15 mg, went to 10 for a long time, now on 7.5. And it varies, I've been on 5 and 2.5. I would try a smallar dose, you can even cut the pills, like a 2.5 mg pill in half. That help a lot with withdraw problems. Small decreases.
Posted by mcp on June 15, 2004, at 13:27:36
In reply to Re: zyprexa withdrawals, posted by Sebastian on June 15, 2004, at 12:15:54
Sebastian, you and I have had the conversation before and I appreciate your ideas. I did get some Ativan this time so I don't freak out this time. I only want to take it short term, but will go long term if necessary. I am real curious if I get the flulike symptoms that I got last time. I went from 5 to 2.5 last night and I am gonna probably go to 0 next week. God, I hope this works. I just want my brain back.
> I've been taking zyprexa for 5 years. I always have a hard time stoping. But what does work is to take a lower dose. I started on 15 mg, went to 10 for a long time, now on 7.5. And it varies, I've been on 5 and 2.5. I would try a smallar dose, you can even cut the pills, like a 2.5 mg pill in half. That help a lot with withdraw problems. Small decreases.
Posted by mcp on June 15, 2004, at 13:29:36
In reply to Re: zyprexa withdrawals » mcp, posted by ace on June 15, 2004, at 5:55:05
Thanks so much for the reply. I know these thing effect people in different ways. For many it is obviously a good drug. For me it just didn't work and I had run out of patience.
> > I just can't stay on this drug. I am spaced out and fogged up all day on it. The problem is that I have crashed the two times I have tried to stop. First,has anyone else had problems coming off this drug? Conversely, can anyone share positive or easy experiences coming off this drug? Also, does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to stop Zyprexa? Would a benzo help? Thanks in advance for any replies.
>
>
>
> I have been on Zyprexa on and off (mostly on) for nearly a year.
>
> I never suffer ANY withdrawal syndromes. And i always stop cold turkey.
>
> Zyprexa is a great drug.
>
> Ace
>
Posted by HappyGirl on June 19, 2004, at 23:42:50
In reply to Re: zyprexa withdrawals, posted by Sebastian on June 15, 2004, at 12:15:54
Hi Sebastian:
In my pdoc's suggestion/advice, I cut down from 5 mg. to 2.5 mg. However, on 2.5 mg. I started to experience 'Insomnia' or so to speak, 'fragmental sleep pattern.' This problem brought me back to the original dosage, '5 mg.' within few days after on 2.5 mg.Then, I just wonder how you went through some 'nasty problem'/insomnia AFTER cutting down to 7.5 mg. Because, from 15 mg. to 7.5 mg. sounds like 'TREMENDOUS reduction.'
Any good idea concerning a dosage reduction of Zyprexa is truly grateful. Because, it seems my Bp condition has been stabilized pretty well for the past months, then I don't need to take 5 mg. Zyprexa.
H.G.
Posted by Camille Dumont on June 20, 2004, at 17:11:41
In reply to zyprexa withdrawals, posted by mcp on June 14, 2004, at 22:05:49
I stopped cold turkey. Went from 5 to 0 in one day and I can't say I felt any withdrawal. But then again, Zyprexa was totally not for me and giving me seizures so ... all the "stopping" effects were good like no more sugar cravings, no dizzyness when standing up and of course no more seizures.
Posted by Sebastian on June 21, 2004, at 11:32:37
In reply to Re: zyprexa withdrawals//Sebastian, posted by HappyGirl on June 19, 2004, at 23:42:50
15 mg down to 7.5 was over 5 years. When I started zyprexa I was on 15, which was too much, so in a month I was on 10 mg. In the last 2 years I have been taking less, was at 5 mg for a while and now at 7.5 mg for a while. I realy need to be between 5 and 7.5, which means I would have to cut pills. You can do that. I'm considering it again if I don't start taking remeron, in an attempt to replace the zyprexa and celexa.
Posted by HappyGirl on June 21, 2004, at 17:57:51
In reply to Re: zyprexa withdrawals//Sebastian, posted by Sebastian on June 21, 2004, at 11:32:37
Hi Sebastian:
Thanks for your reply on my question. However, one more question I need to ask is that when you cut down Zyprexa, ... you did *NOT* experience 'insomnia/fragmental sleep pattern?' In my case, I've been on Lithium along with Zyprexa and two AD meds., then whenever I waking up, I need to make a trip to the bathroom. Besides this, I need to go to the kitchen to drink some liquid to quench my thirst. Thus, the fragmental sleep pattern causing me 'bad cycle.'
In your case, a reduction of the Zyprexa was taken place over the 5 years' period. For this practice, ... you didn't experience any of 'Withdrawal symptoms???'I just wonder how you battled over 'withdrawal symptoms,' such as 'not' sleep well? Did you take any sleeping aid for this problem?
If you did, what sort of med. did you take?I want to desperately cut down from 5 mg. to 2.5 mg., because this amount, 5mg. makes me some 'zombi' feelings during the days, although Zyprexa has reduced most of my Bp symptoms.
H.G.
Posted by Sebastian on June 22, 2004, at 11:25:29
In reply to Re: Thanks!!! One more question to Sebastian, posted by HappyGirl on June 21, 2004, at 17:57:51
I guess it is a matter of what you can handle? If I cut down a whole lot at once, I get problems, like can't sleep, eat, think. If I cut down just a little at a time, wait a while, and get use to it, it will make me feel better. thats the key, which ever dose feels better, ie, I can sleep, eat, think, and don't feel like a zombie.
Posted by HappyGirl on June 23, 2004, at 14:58:37
In reply to Re: Thanks!!! One more question to Sebastian, posted by Sebastian on June 22, 2004, at 11:25:29
Hi Sebastian:
Thanks again for your *GREAT* idea!!!Probably, I should cut a tiny pill, 2.5 mg. in a half so that I can add to another 2.5 mg., in all 3.75 mg. On this 'reduction' from the 5 mg., I believe that I did not get 'insomnia'/fragmental sleep pattern.
It's strange, ... I know the Zyprexa can be cut in a half, ... but I never thought about this 'terrific' trick.
As you imagine, from 5 mg. to 2.5 mg. is 'BIG' jump for my brain chemical. I need to be more careful NOT jump too much and too quick.
Currently, after some 'sleepless' nights, I still have some 'phobia' on reduction of the Zyprexa. I'm still on 5 mg. although some day this dosage makes me 'zombi,' ... but not too bad.
After I get over this 'bad' experience, .... more likely goes to the 3.75 mg. by combining one 2.5 mg. and 1.25 mg.
Thanks for your help on this regard.
H.G.
Posted by Sebastian on June 25, 2004, at 19:22:40
In reply to Re: Thanks!!! One more question to Sebastian, posted by HappyGirl on June 23, 2004, at 14:58:37
Some times it helps just to reduce the med for a day or more, then go back up when you feel you need it.
Posted by HappyGirl on June 26, 2004, at 11:18:09
In reply to Re: Thanks!!! One more question to Sebastian, posted by Sebastian on June 25, 2004, at 19:22:40
Hi Sebastian:
The reason why I've been on 5 mg. Zyprexa is due to 'ultradian Rapid cycler' along with 'Rageous manic.' Then, without Zyprexa, I'm sometime way off the road not able to function everyday's tasks, ... even going out 'shopping' needs to be 'EXTRA' cautious. Because, any provacative actions/talkings makes me SO angry, .. not often but I can NOT take 'a chance' outside my house.Your idea on reduction of the Zyprexa mentioned above is also a ‘terrific idea.’ However, in my case, I can NOT practice this. On the otherhand, I can do this reduction on 'Wellbutrin SR' by switching around from 250 mg. to 100 mg., although this 'switch' does NOT occur often. When doing this, I normally a bit 'good' moods. In my guess/hunch, the reason behind is another anti-dep., Serzone I've been on seems 'pitching'/compensating the missing part of WB sr my depression asking. Once I was on the 400 mg. WB sr,, then gradually all way cut back to 200 mg., .... even 100 mg. WITHOUT any problems. I've been PERFECTLY OK on cutting back WB sr. I never experience any of those 'withdrawal' symptoms.
In the case of Zyprexa, .... I had such a 'BIG' trouble not sleeping well as mentioned the above upon the reduction from 5 mg. to 2.5 mg. Although this is my another 'guess,' ... if I take 'sleeping aid,' I may able to withstand the reduction of Zyprexa???
Then, my question is, .... if you don't mind ...
Besides Zyprexa, how many med./meds. you've been on?Also, I might be pretty 'sensitive' to the reduction of the Zyprexa. However, on the road ahead, I plan definitely cut back a dosage of the Zyprexa, ... possibly from 5 mg. to around 3.75 mg.
H.G.
Posted by Sebastian on June 26, 2004, at 12:56:25
In reply to Reduction of the Zyprexa// Sebastian, posted by HappyGirl on June 26, 2004, at 11:18:09
HappyGirl,
Right now, I take 40 mg celexa, 300 mg WB sr, and 7.5 zp.
Other meds (that I remember): prozac, depakote, risperdal, ECT, abilify.
I was taking a 10 mg dose of zp for the past 5 years. Just in the past year I reduced to 7.5 mg succesfully. Before finding the 7.5 dose, I tried 5 mg, 3.75 mg, and 6.25 mg. None of which worked. Well some seemed to for a while, looking back they didn't. I had problems with not functioning properly at work, lack of sleep, anxiety, panic, depression. Also positive side-effects, like, feeling more alive, less sedation, more out going. 2 years ago I tried doses like 0 mg, 1.25 mg, 2.5, and 5 mgs. 5 seemed to work, till I got back in classes, then I could not concentrate on studies. The other lower ones, produced supper duper anxiety, to the point I thought I was going to go running through the parking lot screeming with my hands in the air, feared leaving the house, worried that I was subconciously suicidal (not that I was planing it), feeling realy bad, tired, sleepless, couldn't even eat food at one point on 0 mg. Oh and bad head ackes, paranoia - supper concious, uncontrolable moods like bursts of laughter in the class room, excessive worries. I guess this is why I need zyprexa, to treat this. Must have been my simptoms, not withdraw from zyprexa.
My doctor mentioned to me that if my side-efeects from meds were in the way of me feeling happy to skip a dose. I tried it a few times; some times it was great, but most times I am so sensitive to the chemical loss that I feel horible, I even have to take the meds at the same time every night (10pm) or I will feel off/not right, day light savings time even throws me.
When I take a short break or reduction the initial sensation makes me feel great, but after a while I just feel bad and when I get back on the meds, I have a feeling of tring to catch up on my mental state.
One thing I am glad of is the reduction from 10 mg to 7.5 actualy working for me. I was hoping that after a year anouther reduction to 5 mg would work, guess not. I'm not sure why I need this med, is it the sedation I need, or the anti-psychotic properties. I'm starting to think its the AP properties. Think I will stick with ZP and not try the remeron, or any other AP (none of which have ever even remotly worked for me).
Posted by HappyGirl on June 27, 2004, at 22:54:37
In reply to Reduction of the Zyprexa by: Sebastian - long » HappyGirl, posted by Sebastian on June 26, 2004, at 12:56:25
Hi Sebastian:
Your writing above makes me a lot of thinking/reminiscense when I started Zyprexa about three and a half years ago. At that time, my 'Rapid cycler' was a kind 'out of control' to the point my brain could not hold properly. With this med. Zyprexa, my brain has been almost 'normal.' Besides this, my 'dysphoric mania'/rageous part of mania has been very well controlled. I used to get angry over trifle things. Thus, I have been giving a lot of 'credit' to the Zyprexa. Otherwise, I might be either in a hospital or even 'institution.'In regard to the dosage, I was once on 10 mg., however with this 'massive' dosage, my depressive side of Bp got worse and needed to stay home all day long without any productive activies. Then, I cut back to 7.5 mg., and ... all down to 2.5 mg. But, this miniscule dosage didn't offer me 'good' relief. Then, afterwards went back to the 5mg. and staying on this dosage since then.
Concerning the school, ... my last one was quite a long, ... right before having been dxed with Bp. I got 'B' on Microbiology, then I took some 'hard' classes when my 'Big' crash started and needed to quit completely. Now, ... off and on, I've been thinking about going back to the school for Med. field for which I yearned. However, I've been concentrating on 'Stabilization' of my Bp before jumping 'deep' into the study. Because, I did 'bad decision' not admitting my illness, Bp. I was young, ... then I didn't blame myself for my foolishness, ... but then agaiin, I do NOT like to waste any money if my condition prevents me from pursuing 'my dream' It's tough enough having Bp, but with a good support and my own admission, I've been coping with my illness pretty well since then. It's a long story,... until this conclusion was made, however.
Good Luck on your med. regimen and the school(if you're going for this fall).
H.G.
Posted by HappyGirl on June 27, 2004, at 23:23:51
In reply to Re: Reduction of the Zyprexa by: Sebastian - long, posted by HappyGirl on June 27, 2004, at 22:54:37
Hi Sebastian:
Ijust forgot to say about the dosage reduction of Zyprexa.
The 10 mg. Zyprexa, ... I was just for about several days 'right' after rxed. Also, the 7.5 mg followed afterward, that was also about several days.
Then, I had NO withdrawal symptoms to worry about. However, I've been on the 5 mg. since then, ... more than two and a half years. This seems to cause me NOT able to adjust to lower dosage, 2.5 mg. However, as I mentioned one of my previous posts, I will try to cut back to 3.75 mg. once my 'phobia' on the reduction gets over.
Take good care of yourself!!!
Good luck on your med. regimen!!!
H.G.
Posted by DanielJ on June 28, 2004, at 8:27:30
In reply to P.S. //Reduction of the Zyprexa by: Sebastian, posted by HappyGirl on June 27, 2004, at 23:23:51
Almost 1 year ago my 16 yr old son started Zyprexa. Because of his slow recovery he went from 10 mg to 20 mg within a month. Delusions and Obsessions did not seem to be affected as much by Zyprexa as they did as Zoloft was increased to 75mg and maintained for a month. Recovery from a major episode can be gradual and after about 6 mo he was able to attend high school though his recovery was still continuing. Over the past month his Zyprexa has been cut to 15 mg and now to 10 mg where his Zoloft is still at 75 mg. He is on summer vacation now and we are hoping when school starts he can stay on 10 mg but if we notice symptoms returning I suppose we will have to get his Psy Dr to put him back on 15 mg. (we hope not 20 mg). Thanks for listening DJ
Posted by HappyGirl on June 28, 2004, at 10:15:40
In reply to Re: P.S. //Reduction of the Zyprexa My Son Also, posted by DanielJ on June 28, 2004, at 8:27:30
Hi Daniel J.:
I'm very CURIOUS how your son was *able* to cut back from 15 mg. to 10 mg. without any problems.In my case, I have such a *BIG* problem of cutting back from the 5 mg. to 2.5 mg.
As I mentioned in my previous post, ... I had NO problem on reduction of Zyprexa from 10 mg. to 5 mg. for the first months after rxed.
But, ... I figured it out because I was on those 'two dosages,' ... one for 10 mg. and another for 7.5 mg. for very 'brief' period, ... not able to adjust those dosages. Besides this, I was very 'new' to the Zyprexa treatment. For those 'two' reasons, I was easily able to switch around the Zyprexa dosage.
Then, my question is whether your 16 yrs. son took some 'sleeping aid' to counteract some of withdrawal symptoms, ... mostly 'not sleeping well' during the nights?Thanks for your response on this regard.
H.G.
Posted by DanielJ on June 28, 2004, at 11:23:30
In reply to Re: Reduction of the Zyprexa My Son//Daniel J., posted by HappyGirl on June 28, 2004, at 10:15:40
I am thinking he may have been "over medicated" having had a major episode, he needed a high dosage to "bring him around". Perhaps now he can get by on 10 or 15mg for maintainance dosage. Also some of the symptoms were not relieved until he reached the proper Zoloft dosage of 75mg. 100 mg was too much and made him groggy and sleepy. We have not reduced the Zoloft amount and don't have any plans to. We mainly wanted to reduce the Zyprexa because he has gained so much weight on it.
Posted by Sebastian on June 28, 2004, at 11:33:54
In reply to Re: Reduction of the Zyprexa by: Sebastian - long, posted by HappyGirl on June 27, 2004, at 22:54:37
I'm already finished with school. The meds helped me tremendously. I would tell everyone about my illness, they were understanding.
Posted by Sebastian on June 28, 2004, at 11:49:37
In reply to P.S. //Reduction of the Zyprexa by: Sebastian, posted by HappyGirl on June 27, 2004, at 23:23:51
Thanks happy girl,
I've decided to stick it out with a 7.5 mg dose for a long time, no more reductions.
Sounds like the 5 mg dose is the right one for you!
Sebastian
Posted by HappyGirl on June 29, 2004, at 8:39:33
In reply to Re: P.S. //Reduction of the Zyprexa by: Sebastian » HappyGirl, posted by Sebastian on June 28, 2004, at 11:49:37
Hi Sebastian:
After overnite' thinking, .... yes, ... I too agree with you, the 5 mg. Zyprexa is RIGHT for me.Most of time, we all have a desire of 'cutting back' the meds. on which we've been, ... but it might be just 'back-fire.' We need to listen to the chemical of our brain.
Thanx a lot for your 'wise' and 'much-experienced' input on this regard.
H.G.
Posted by HappyGirl on June 29, 2004, at 8:53:12
In reply to Re: Reduction of the Zyprexa by: Sebastian » HappyGirl, posted by Sebastian on June 28, 2004, at 11:33:54
Hi Sebastian:
In my case, .... yes, ... the med. combo. has been helping me tremendously, also.However, I lost a 'good' part of concentration due to the depressive side of Bipolar(major depressive episodes.) Besides, my very first med. regimen was 'Depakote' that caused me 'zombi' NOT able to wake up early in the morning for the school/local college. Then, as you might guess, ... once quit the study, ... it's VERY tough for me to keep going. Some day, I really want to 'finish' my study, ... but in the meantime, I just keep working although this job is NOT permanent basis for me.
H.G.
Posted by HappyGirl on June 29, 2004, at 9:01:54
In reply to Re: Reduction of the Zyprexa My Son//Daniel J., posted by DanielJ on June 28, 2004, at 11:23:30
Hi Daniel J.:
I recall regarding the weight gain of your son due to 'massive' dosage of Zyprexa.I didn't gain a weight at the beginning of tx, but strangely now, ... after three and a half years later, I started a bit gaining a weight. But, since just here and there, ... then I will stick with Zyprexa because of 'good' effectiveness to my symptoms.
I can not take any of SSRIs. As a matter of fact, I got a name for my illness, Bp is because of Zoloft. After several days on Zoloft(very low dosage), I started experiencing 'manic' and depressive episodes alternatively VERY fast. For that, my old pdoc. pronounced me 'Ultra Rapid Cycler' Bipolar II.
For me, Zyprexa is one of 'life-saver' meds.
H.G.
Posted by Sebastian on June 29, 2004, at 11:35:15
In reply to Thanks!!//I agree with you regarding the Zy dosage, posted by HappyGirl on June 29, 2004, at 8:39:33
You are right, it is back fire, but you feel so much better for the short time, then you feel bad again, and need the meds.
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