Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 284996

Shown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Starting Zyprexa

Posted by Guy on November 29, 2003, at 13:01:07

I've just started Zyprexa and so far so good. I am taking the Z for chronic insomnia, anxiety and depression. Have tried scores of meds in the past, but most have either made me very ill (e.g. Effexor) or have pooped out (e.g. clonazepam). I'm hoping this med will be something I can take for the rest of my days. My biggest fear is that it will poop out and leave me in insomnia/anxiety hell. Does anyone have any positive stories to tell about this med?

 

Re: Starting Zyprexa

Posted by Bananafish on November 29, 2003, at 13:51:14

In reply to Starting Zyprexa, posted by Guy on November 29, 2003, at 13:01:07

Zyprexa is usually prescribed for schizophrenia or bipolar and sometimes depression. But it is pretty sedating so it should help you sleep. One word of warning: watch your weight. Zyprexa is infamous for the weight gain it causes...I gained 70 lbs in just over a year. I switched to Risperdal to put an end to the weight gain, but still haven't lost the weight.

 

Weight gain and Zyprexa

Posted by zenhussy on November 29, 2003, at 14:58:30

In reply to Re: Starting Zyprexa, posted by Bananafish on November 29, 2003, at 13:51:14

> Zyprexa is usually prescribed for schizophrenia or bipolar and sometimes depression. But it is pretty sedating so it should help you sleep. One word of warning: watch your weight. Zyprexa is infamous for the weight gain it causes...I gained 70 lbs in just over a year. I switched to Risperdal to put an end to the weight gain, but still haven't lost the weight.

Guy and Bananafish,

Here is a site that has information regarding weight gain that is attributed to Zyprexa: http://www.psycheducation.org/hormones/Insulin/weightgain.htm
The section on that page specifically--Ways to cope with medication-induced weight gain

http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/olanzapine.htm

"Finally, you should know that research is continuing on the use of medications to block this weight gain, or even reverse it. There are five main strategies being evaluated:

exercise (here's my not-the-usual-rap on exercise) and diet, including the manufacturer's special free program, which your doctor has to request);
"H2 blockers": medications usually used for stomach acid problems, such as nizatidine and others (e.g. Pepcid);
amantidine (Symmetrel);
topiramate (Topomax);
metformin (Glucophage), usually used to treat diabetes. In my view this one is the most promising, so please read this far."

Above links and information----Copyright © 2000-2003, James R. Phelps, M.D. which means that you can copy any text you want off this site. Just be sure to give me the credit, and please don't sell the copies.

Good luck with that Guy. People report positive experiences with Zyprexa but one needs to be fully informed to make the choice to take it for oneself. I hope this info helps.

zenhussy

 

Re: Starting Zyprexa » Bananafish

Posted by NikkiT2 on November 30, 2003, at 13:32:42

In reply to Re: Starting Zyprexa, posted by Bananafish on November 29, 2003, at 13:51:14

3 months post-zyprexa the weight I gained (total of 160lbs from Effexor and then Zyprexa) is starting to fall off me.. Lost 15 lbs in last 5 weeks with no real attemt to diet.. Just carb cravings have finally dissapeared and my appetite is back to normal!!

there is hope!

Nikki x

 

Re: Starting Zyprexa

Posted by DanielJ on December 1, 2003, at 8:32:48

In reply to Re: Starting Zyprexa » Bananafish, posted by NikkiT2 on November 30, 2003, at 13:32:42

The weight gain is the major side effect of Zyprexa. There are claims that it causes diabetes, but it is my belief that it is because of the increased carbohydrate intake. The benefits if it works for you can be tremendous. My son's schizophrenic symptoms have been curtailed for the most part (paranoia,delusions,obsessions,auditory hallucinations,chronic insomnia). He takes it in conjuction with Zoloft. Zyprexa is best taken prior to bedtime, say 7-9 pm. It takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to take effect. Check with Dr. on this of course. Good luck! PS The Psychological benefits of Zyprexa may take a while to be in full swing.

 

Re: Starting Zyprexa

Posted by Guy on December 1, 2003, at 18:51:01

In reply to Starting Zyprexa, posted by Guy on November 29, 2003, at 13:01:07

For the first time in 7 years I am beginning to feel hopeful about a medication. I can't believe what a difference this drug is making, especially with regard to insomnia and anxiety. Also, after a week on the med, I do not feel the increased appetite that many report. Please, let this be the one! Thank you all for your comments and best wishes.

 

Re: Starting Zyprexa- for GUY.

Posted by ace on December 1, 2003, at 19:19:18

In reply to Re: Starting Zyprexa, posted by DanielJ on December 1, 2003, at 8:32:48

Depending on how old you are I really don't think it is safe to take for life.

There are many risks. On withdrawal you could suffer insomnia real bad- I've heard of people not sleeping for weeks.

How about some antihistamines, or even better, Trazadone? Zyprexa can cause diabetes, prolactin elevation, cardiac problems etc especially with long term use and on a higher dose (ie 10-15mg)

I mean, it would be safe for a few years, but even then there could be bad insomnia, real bad, on withdrawal (unless your taking another sedating med with it)

Another option is to stay on Zyprexa a few years and then change to another sedating AP.

But for just insomnia (is that all you are taking it for?- sorry i forgot) APs are preety hardcore.

Good luck...................................


Ace----------------------------------------

 

Re: Starting Zyprexa- for GUY.

Posted by ace on December 1, 2003, at 19:21:27

In reply to Re: Starting Zyprexa- for GUY., posted by ace on December 1, 2003, at 19:19:18

Sorry Guy- youre taking it for anxiety/depression too.

I reckon Trazadone would be great for this, and you can use that for ages and ages- much safer than Zyprexa. Or otherwise try Zyprexa with an AD, such as Remeron, which is preety sedating itself (in lower doses apparently)


Ace

 

Re: Starting Zyprexa- for GUY.

Posted by Guy on December 1, 2003, at 21:07:12

In reply to Re: Starting Zyprexa- for GUY., posted by ace on December 1, 2003, at 19:21:27

Thanks Ace, but I've been on so many meds including Trazedone, Remeron and Doxepin and all have been bad experiences for me. I liked the clonazepam, but it pooped out after a few weeks and I was left with total insomnia. Yes, I have heard about the severe insomnia associated with Z withdrawal and I will have to keep that in mind if I decide to dicontinue. Perhaps I can go back to the clonazepam for a while if I decide to come off. Right now, I'm just happy to have found something that works. Two weeks ago I was suicidal so I have to count my blessings. Thanks for your input.

 

Re: Starting Zyprexa

Posted by Lazarus on December 2, 2003, at 15:27:41

In reply to Starting Zyprexa, posted by Guy on November 29, 2003, at 13:01:07

I am a Zyprexa user and I have to agree about the rebound insomnia. I skipped taking Zyprexa the past two nights and I experienced TERRIBLE sleep quality (I kept waking up).

Lazarus

 

Re: Starting Zyprexa

Posted by NikkiT2 on December 3, 2003, at 9:30:41

In reply to Re: Starting Zyprexa, posted by Lazarus on December 2, 2003, at 15:27:41

When i stopped Zyprexa after 2 years on it, I did suffer rebound insomnia - but I suffer insomnia anyway, and zyprexa never cured that (I took it for suicidal ideation, which is was utterly wodnerful for)

The insomnia was bad, but not the worst I've ever suffered.. I got some sleeping pills from doc (zopicline) and after 5 days I was back to normal.

Nikki

 

Re: Starting Zyprexa

Posted by cybercafe on December 3, 2003, at 22:52:29

In reply to Re: Starting Zyprexa, posted by Lazarus on December 2, 2003, at 15:27:41

> I am a Zyprexa user and I have to agree about the rebound insomnia. I skipped taking Zyprexa the past two nights and I experienced TERRIBLE sleep quality (I kept waking up).
>
> Lazarus

hey guys tell me about this losing your appetite when you stop... a relative was taking 15 mg for 2 weeks then stopped, and now finds almost all food to be unacceptable, except cheese and sweets

 

Re: Starting Zyprexa » cybercafe

Posted by NikkiT2 on December 4, 2003, at 7:56:42

In reply to Re: Starting Zyprexa, posted by cybercafe on December 3, 2003, at 22:52:29

It took about 8 weeks for the appetite change to totally kick in for me..

But my appetite halved after that time, and the weight is really coming off 3 months later.

Just wish I had the enthusiasm to make healthy food!!

Nikki x

 

Re: Starting Zyprexa

Posted by cybercafe on December 4, 2003, at 15:36:11

In reply to Re: Starting Zyprexa » cybercafe, posted by NikkiT2 on December 4, 2003, at 7:56:42

> It took about 8 weeks for the appetite change to totally kick in for me..
>
> But my appetite halved after that time, and the weight is really coming off 3 months later.
>
> Just wish I had the enthusiasm to make healthy food!!
>
> Nikki x
thanks for replying nikki

so for 8 weeks you didn't want to eat anything, but after 8 weeks your appetite became half what it was on zyprexa?

mind if i ask what dose you were taking btw?

 

Re: Starting Zyprexa » cybercafe

Posted by NikkiT2 on December 4, 2003, at 16:40:15

In reply to Re: Starting Zyprexa, posted by cybercafe on December 4, 2003, at 15:36:11

Sorry, I didn't explain myself very well.

While I was on Zyprexa (I was mainly on 5mg, but up to 10mg at one point, but 5mg when I came off) I was hngry the entire time.. I was never full. I would eat till I felt sick, but be hungry 30 minutes later.. and craved carbs.. pasta pasta and more pasta.. I even discovered a love for mashed potato which I have hated my entire life!!

But about 8 weeks after stopping the zyprexa, my appetite suddenly halved.. I now eat half sized meals (compared to what i was) and feel satisfied.. I rarely feel the hunger that I used to.

Hope thats clearer

Nikki

 

Re: Starting Zyprexa

Posted by Lazarus on December 5, 2003, at 1:03:34

In reply to Re: Starting Zyprexa, posted by cybercafe on December 3, 2003, at 22:52:29

I have to echo what Nikki said about always being hungry. Even on a low dose of Zyprexa I am constantly thinking of food. The craving is pervasive and skipping a few doses doesn't help. BUT it helps me to sleep and keeps me sane.

Lazarus


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