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Simo: Olanzapine/Zyprexa withdrawal


Simo

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What is making you consider doing this? Your impatience?  (I can understand that, I wish I was off this drug too and find I get impatient.) You're not that far from the finish line.  It is not wise in my opinion to jeopardize your health.

 

My plan is to stay a bit longer on 4.5 (I'm shaving off a tiny bit of the 5 mg. Then, to go down to 3.75 for a bit, then 2.50, then 1.875, then 1.25, then even .625.  I doubt I will do each cut for a month, as I've only been on it since the beginning of December.

200 Zoloft; 10 mg Zyprexa; 4 mg valium as of May 2021;  Valium taper: July 16: 3.5 valium; July 30: 3 mg (paused valium taper); Aug. 23: 2.5 mg
Zyprexa: July 26: 8.75 mg; Aug. 9: 7.5 mg; Aug. 30: 7.1 mg

-------
Dec 1, 2016. 10 mg zyprexa for 1.5 month. Started taper mid-Jan. 2017. Cut 1.25 mg every 2 weeks; smaller cuts 2.5 mg down. Stopped at .6 mg. May 7, 2017: zyprexa free. 
Zoloft: Dec1, 2016, 200 mg. Started taper: Jun12, 2017: 197.5 mg; Jun19,:195 mg; July 2:185mg; July 9,:180 mg; July16,: 175; July 23: 170; July 30: 165; Aug6: 160; Aug13: 155; Aug. 20: 150; Aug.27: 146 mg; Sept3: 145 mg; Sept10:143 mg; Sept17:140 mg....Nov5: 122 mg...Dec3:112.5 mg; Jan14, 2018: 95 mg...Jan28: 90 mg; Feb21:80 mg; Mar11: 75 mg; May2:70 mg; May15: 68 mg; May28: 65 mg; Jun9: 62 mg;Jun25: 60 mg:July22: 55 mg; Aug25: 45 mg. Aug28: 50 mg...Oct 28: 38 mg; Dec.4: 30 mg; Jan8,2019: 25mg; Feb6: 23.5 mg; Apr1:17.5mg; May1:1 mg; May 5: 18;  May 18:15mg; June 16:12.5mg; Sept 10:11 mg; Sept.16:10 mg; Oct. 1: 9mg; Nov. 27: 8mg; Dec.5: 7mg; Jan.1,2020, 6 mg; Feb1: 5 mg; May 1: 2.5 mg; Jn 1: 2 mg; Jy 1: 1.5 mg

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Hi 

Madeleine

 

Yes that was desperate/ impatient thinking and talking.  I had been on my own for a few hours and started to panic; i'm really not very good on my own at the moment.

 

I've calmed down a bit and am back on the withdrawal process.  I'm now cutting out caffeine and nicotine which seem to send me into intense anxiety.

 

You're right : i must try not to lose sight of the fact that I'm not too far away from the finish line.  This process is so hard, because I'm not in a position to work or do very much even on this small amount of drug I find it very hard to get through the days.

 

I think i might have to make an oral solution of a smaller dose, possibly 0.4 and 0.2mg's. And I possibly should buy some micro scales to measure a dose of 1mg etc.

Struggling with Olanzapine / Zyprexa withdrawal. Failed withdrawal attempt in November 2016, which resulted in me reinstating at 10mg's.

2017
4/1 - 9/1: 10mg.  10/1 - 19/1: 7.5mg.   20/1 - 26/1: 6.25mg.   27/1 - 2/2: 5mg.   3/2 - 10/2: 3.75mg. 12/2 - 14/2: 3.75mg. 15/2 - 28/2: 3.15mg.   01/3 - present: 2.5mg

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Well done Simo, and BTW we're ALL on a learning curve in WD.

 

You've made a huge leap in learning how you react in certain situations, i.e. being alone put you into an anxious state and made you want to CT.

 

Madeleine made a good point which was that you're not far from your finishing line.

 

View this as your "project", to take yourself safely off this poison once and for all.

 

You're almost there....... :) 

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Well done indeed, Simo.  I'm very glad you gave yourself time to seriously consider the risks of cold-turkey off the Zyprexa right now.

 

Thanks Madeleine for your post -- really helpful.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi Simo,

I too am tapering olanzapine. I've read in the tapering olanzapine thread that the liquid solution lasts in the fridge for 48 hrs. So if you take it at the same time every day - day 1 at 0 hours, day 2 at 24 hrs and day 3 at 48 hrs so you can get 3 days of doses each time you make it.

I have made a rough schedule for coming off but I am going by how I feel. Not strictly according to a schedule. That way I avoid most withdrawal symptoms. As you get to lower amounts the drug affects you less so oh well if it takes some years to come off as long as I feel fairly well while I am doing it. I make small cuts and wait till I am sleeping well again before making another cut.

How are you doing? I hope well.

Medicine History

June 2011 I was put on 10 mg Olanzapine. I stayed on that for 7 months then went down to 5 mg for 3 months and then went down to 2.5mg and slowly went down to less than .3 every few days. I have tried to come off 4 times, each time getting down to less than .3 before having to go back on at 5mg or 2.5mg. I would cut by 50% each taper. From Jan 2015 to June 2015 I reduced from about 5mg to .3 mg. This last time I went on 2.5 mg last June 2015 until July 2, 2016. July 3, 2016 I went down to 1.25mg - withdrawal hit. Up dosed to liquid 2 mg July 23, 2016.

Medicine Current

2 mg Olanzapine as of July 23, 2016

Supplements

Omega 3 1000mg, Vitamin E 400 UI, Vitamin C 1000 mg Time Released, 200 mg Magnesium Bisglycinate, Multi Probiotic, .25 mg melatonin for 3-5 days as needed

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  • 3 weeks later...

Hi Everyone,

 

Just a message to anyone out there who's successfully come off Neuroleptics.  I'm down to 2.5mg Olanzapine/ Zyprexa and have been on that for 15 days, but I'm getting very frustrated and impatient. Looking for some support.

 

I've just had to give up caffeine and cigarettes (a bad habit i acquired when so drugged up I couldn't feel anything). Giving these up will be difficult because they have been a "crutch " these last few months when I still felt heavily drugged.

 

My central nervous system is shot! Caffeine and nicotine just make me incredibly wired and i was never like that pre psych drugs.

Struggling with Olanzapine / Zyprexa withdrawal. Failed withdrawal attempt in November 2016, which resulted in me reinstating at 10mg's.

2017
4/1 - 9/1: 10mg.  10/1 - 19/1: 7.5mg.   20/1 - 26/1: 6.25mg.   27/1 - 2/2: 5mg.   3/2 - 10/2: 3.75mg. 12/2 - 14/2: 3.75mg. 15/2 - 28/2: 3.15mg.   01/3 - present: 2.5mg

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Your CNS is already dealing with changes in a neuroactive substance, making dramatic changes with another one -- caffeine or nicotine -- could be tricky. If you feel strongly about needing to reduce, please pick ONLY one -- caffeine OR cigarettes -- not both.

 

I tapered caffeine in October and November. If coffee is how you get your caffeine AND you make your coffee yourself, tapering is fairly easy to do: start with 20% decaf 80% regular for a week or so, then increase the decaf by 20% each time. Some people prefer the shorter time that a cold-turkey stop requires

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

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Hi simo

 

Im glad to read you are going well with your taper , i too was on high dose of olanzapine its one nasty drug, i really relate to what you said about time passing like treacle, for a year i stumbled out of bed every day, went straight to kitchen and would remain there just pacing up and down until it was time to go back to bed, day after day after day just physically couldnt do anything else due to olanzapine.

 

Things really do get better though, and i cant recommend the exercise enough, it might take 2-3 weeks of doing something everyday but eventually the lift you get is so worth it.

 

Stick with it and best of luck 

dec 2014 - oct 2017 20mg zyprexa, oct 2017 - feb 2017 tapered zyprexa by 25% a month

feb 2014 - mar 2016 several different mood stabilisers dont remember dates or doses, lyrica, lustral,lamictal,lithium,seroquel quit ct on most or switched from one to another due to adverse reactions or no improvements.

mar 2016 - mar 8th 2017 1000mg epilim quit ct ( i know its a bad idea but im going to stick it out now if i can)

currently on no medication 

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  • 2 weeks later...

I need to share this somewhere, so I'm choosing here, hopefully you can understand.

 

Because of what's happened to me over the last 7 years (initially suffering from low mood, then the dreaded Olanzapine and it took me ages to realise that the drug was 'keeping me depressed'). My mum is choosing to blame me for everything: her low mood, her marriage failing.

 

Because I first suffered at 22 I had nowhere else but my parents house to Live. And because of the consequent 'drugging' I haven't been able to move out and crack on with my life (this drug evacuates my motivation and interests and leaves me a blank body).

 

What's so sad is now I'm 2/3 rd's of the way through my withdrawal I need support now, I just need a bit of stability so I can finish the taper and move on. But it's now, when I'm vulnerable, that she's choosing to try to kick me out the house because she feels I have a chronic mental Illness called depression that I'm not choosing to beat. We see a totally different picture of what's wrong.

 

The future is very uncertain right now. If my parents do split up, I'm hoping my Dad will have me to stay whilst I finish the taper. The idea of trying to find a new place to live and all the hassle that comes with that whilst I'm trying to finish my taper, is very daunting. As we know, if the Withdrawals kick in life suddenly gets very difficult.

 

I went to visit the a therapeutic community in London today, where you can apply for housing benefit and stay for a while. Perhaps I need to accept the toxicity of the relationship with my parents and live in these extremely humble surroundings and try to finish my taper there. Although it would be extremely basic and definitely not an ideal place to withdraw.

 

Sorry for the long post. I just feel very alone, apart from the online community nobody I know really understands what I'm going through.

 

One more kick in the teeth, it looks like I now have to even give up decaf drinks. My CNS appears to be incredibly sensitive from the Olanzapine and even a decaf coffee is giving my akathesia.

Thanks for reading

Edited by scallywag
added extra lines at paragraph breaks

Struggling with Olanzapine / Zyprexa withdrawal. Failed withdrawal attempt in November 2016, which resulted in me reinstating at 10mg's.

2017
4/1 - 9/1: 10mg.  10/1 - 19/1: 7.5mg.   20/1 - 26/1: 6.25mg.   27/1 - 2/2: 5mg.   3/2 - 10/2: 3.75mg. 12/2 - 14/2: 3.75mg. 15/2 - 28/2: 3.15mg.   01/3 - present: 2.5mg

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Hi simo

 

Im glad to read you are going well with your taper , i too was on high dose of olanzapine its one nasty drug, i really relate to what you said about time passing like treacle, for a year i stumbled out of bed every day, went straight to kitchen and would remain there just pacing up and down until it was time to go back to bed, day after day after day just physically couldnt do anything else due to olanzapine.

 

Things really do get better though, and i cant recommend the exercise enough, it might take 2-3 weeks of doing something everyday but eventually the lift you get is so worth it.

 

Stick with it and best of luck 

thanks Chester. struggling a bit right now, mainly with life issues brought about because of the drugged years- see my most recent post on this thread.

 

how are you getting on with your withdrawal/CT?

Struggling with Olanzapine / Zyprexa withdrawal. Failed withdrawal attempt in November 2016, which resulted in me reinstating at 10mg's.

2017
4/1 - 9/1: 10mg.  10/1 - 19/1: 7.5mg.   20/1 - 26/1: 6.25mg.   27/1 - 2/2: 5mg.   3/2 - 10/2: 3.75mg. 12/2 - 14/2: 3.75mg. 15/2 - 28/2: 3.15mg.   01/3 - present: 2.5mg

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Simo, I'm sorry you're having to deal with the fallout of your parents' discord. Moving is hard when it's something we actually WANT to do.

 

The good news about the tough, tough challenges withdrawal throws at you is that once you're through it, you'll have very deep reserves of many strengths AND you'll know you have them.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

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  • 1 month later...

Hi All,

 

Checking in. I'm still on 2.5mg. I've been told you can get liquid form Olanzapine at a low dose to make tapering easier. Does anyone know of that for sure?

I was told there's a chance you can get it here in the UK.

 

Simo

Struggling with Olanzapine / Zyprexa withdrawal. Failed withdrawal attempt in November 2016, which resulted in me reinstating at 10mg's.

2017
4/1 - 9/1: 10mg.  10/1 - 19/1: 7.5mg.   20/1 - 26/1: 6.25mg.   27/1 - 2/2: 5mg.   3/2 - 10/2: 3.75mg. 12/2 - 14/2: 3.75mg. 15/2 - 28/2: 3.15mg.   01/3 - present: 2.5mg

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Hi All,

 

Checking in. I'm still on 2.5mg. I've been told you can get liquid form Olanzapine at a low dose to make tapering easier. Does anyone know of that for sure?

I was told there's a chance you can get it here in the UK.

 

Simo

 

Hi Simo,

 

You could put the same question into the "Tapering" section of SA.

 

Hopefully you'll get some responses.

 

TC,

JC

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

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  • 4 weeks later...

Hi Simo,

I hope all is going ok for you. If you have the ORA-plus it is not too hard to make the solution yourself. If you can get orally disintegrating tablets (lowest 5 mg for ODT I believe) you can dissolve this in say 4 ml of water (water needs to be less than 50% of solution) then add in say 6 ml of ORA-plus, then withdraw 5 ml of solution and you've got 2.5 mg of medicine. Then store in the fridge for 48 hours (2 more doses). I use a plastic cylinder from children's Tylenol with 5, 10, 15 & 20 ml markings and 5 ml syringe from children's medicine as well. I'm currently down to 1.25 mg so 2.5 ml of solution - I'm using a 3 ml syringe for that now with smaller incremented markings than the 5 ml syringe - I can't remember if I got the syringes through a compounding pharmacy or online - it was awhile ago. You could probably ask about purchasing syringes and cylinders through a compounding pharmacy if you can't find them online or with kids' medicine. Once you open the ORA-plus you don't have to store it in your fridge just put the cap back on, but once you mix the small amount with olanzapine you will need to store it in the fridge - I put a bit of seranwrap (sp?) over the little cylinder and a hair elastic over to seal then in the fridge. Alternately if you can't get disintegrating tablets you can just get a pill crusher (try a compounding pharmacy) and put that in your ORA-plus /water solution - it mixes just fine that way too - I've done it. With those tablets smallest is 2.5 mg so really easy to figure out the math if you put that in 10ml of water/ORA-plus solution. Please let us know how things are going for you. Best of luck to you :0)

Medicine History

June 2011 I was put on 10 mg Olanzapine. I stayed on that for 7 months then went down to 5 mg for 3 months and then went down to 2.5mg and slowly went down to less than .3 every few days. I have tried to come off 4 times, each time getting down to less than .3 before having to go back on at 5mg or 2.5mg. I would cut by 50% each taper. From Jan 2015 to June 2015 I reduced from about 5mg to .3 mg. This last time I went on 2.5 mg last June 2015 until July 2, 2016. July 3, 2016 I went down to 1.25mg - withdrawal hit. Up dosed to liquid 2 mg July 23, 2016.

Medicine Current

2 mg Olanzapine as of July 23, 2016

Supplements

Omega 3 1000mg, Vitamin E 400 UI, Vitamin C 1000 mg Time Released, 200 mg Magnesium Bisglycinate, Multi Probiotic, .25 mg melatonin for 3-5 days as needed

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Also, to make measuring easier, I pour some water in a cup & use the 5 ml syringe to draw up 4 ml of water, and put that in a little cylinder with markings with the ODT olanzapine, then I pour in slightly more than 6 ml ORA-plus into another small cylinder with markings & draw up 5 ml and then after 1 ml and put those into the cylinder with the ODT olanzapine & water. Stir it with a baby spoon wrong end (as small than the scoop end) and there you go. If you can't get the orally disintegrating olanzapine, mix the water & ORA-plus amounts first then add in the ground up olanzapine - works the same.

Medicine History

June 2011 I was put on 10 mg Olanzapine. I stayed on that for 7 months then went down to 5 mg for 3 months and then went down to 2.5mg and slowly went down to less than .3 every few days. I have tried to come off 4 times, each time getting down to less than .3 before having to go back on at 5mg or 2.5mg. I would cut by 50% each taper. From Jan 2015 to June 2015 I reduced from about 5mg to .3 mg. This last time I went on 2.5 mg last June 2015 until July 2, 2016. July 3, 2016 I went down to 1.25mg - withdrawal hit. Up dosed to liquid 2 mg July 23, 2016.

Medicine Current

2 mg Olanzapine as of July 23, 2016

Supplements

Omega 3 1000mg, Vitamin E 400 UI, Vitamin C 1000 mg Time Released, 200 mg Magnesium Bisglycinate, Multi Probiotic, .25 mg melatonin for 3-5 days as needed

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  • 1 month later...

Hi Simo,

How are you?How is your taper going on.Any update will be appreciated.Take care.

Cold turkeyed risperidone (1m.g)and trihexyphenidyl combination drug out of ignorance,In August 2016 after one month use.

Withdrawal symptoms settled at dreamful,disturbing sleep.

Thus introduced to olanzapine for sleep.Started using olanzapine out of ignorance.

Tapering olanzapine 10 m.g from February 2017.

May 2018 :Still suffering dreams,Still tapering olanzapine at 0.625.100ml water+2.5 mg olanzapine. June 2018 22.5ml=0.57mg.July 2018 20ml,August 2018-17.5ml,September 2018-15ml,October 2018 10 ml,December 2018 7 ml, BrassMonkey slide method so far at lower doses.2 nd December cold turkeyed , only to reach minure doses as reinstatement to cutshort endless tapering process.4rth December started 1ml.

Almost no symptoms and sleep is better,So started 0.5 ml from 17-12-2018.

"0"from31-12-18.Re birth happened from 10- 2020,as rejuvenation took whole2019.Completely recovered now.

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Hi Simo,

 

how  are you doing with your taper?

2011 protracted withdrawal symptoms from Effexor, managed to come off
2013-2015  risperidone consta 50 mg, started tapering from March 2015 to 1,66mg/day and from 02/2015 started seroxat 10mg/day

01/17 Seroxat 2,0mg,olanzapine 5mg,risperidone consta 25mg/every 15days

05/17 Seroxat 1mg,olanzapine 5mg,risp.consta 25mg/every 15days

06/17 Seroxat 2drops,olanzapine 5mg,liquid risperidone2mg

07/17 Seroxat 1 drop,olanzapine 5mg,Risperidone 0mg, 10/17 Seroxat 0mg,olanzapine,5mg,Risperidone 0mg, 12/17 Seroxat 1/2 drop, olanzapine 5mg,  04/18 Olanzapine 1,25mg, 04/18 xanax 0,5mg

24/06/2019 doc said to take 10mg olanzapine for 13days and down to 5mg
 been taking 10mg for 14 days, 5mg for 8 days  and  tapered to  3/4quart. 5mg  for 14 days, 1/2 for 14 days,

01/08/19 2,5mg

08/2021 5mg olanzapine

Supplements Omega 3, Turmeric, Bacopa monneri, Mucuna Pruriens

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  • 4 months later...

Guys,   I had a nightmare.

 

I jumped off at 2.5mg and actually managed to stabilise somewhat fairly soon and my energy levels came back.

 

However, my libido went through the roof unexpectedly. I wasn't just horny i was dangerously horny, it was really really scary! That combined with a massive massive rage at my dad resulted in me being placed infront of a psychiatrist and without really thinking about it agreed to go back on Olanzapine at 10mg's! major error. I had been completely off for about 4 months. I was starting to feel quite "out of control"/manic but I was managing to hold it together, just.  The libido thing scared the **** out of me, it was actually really really really inconvenient, the complete and utter opposite of my libido on Olanzapine.

 

So i feel pretty ****, like i failed, which in a way I did.

 

I imagine most of you will say jumping off at 2.5mg was too much, I felt i didn't really have any other options. Oh well, here I am.

 

Tom 

Struggling with Olanzapine / Zyprexa withdrawal. Failed withdrawal attempt in November 2016, which resulted in me reinstating at 10mg's.

2017
4/1 - 9/1: 10mg.  10/1 - 19/1: 7.5mg.   20/1 - 26/1: 6.25mg.   27/1 - 2/2: 5mg.   3/2 - 10/2: 3.75mg. 12/2 - 14/2: 3.75mg. 15/2 - 28/2: 3.15mg.   01/3 - present: 2.5mg

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Welcome back Simo, although I'm sorry that that's had to happen at all.

 

Oh wow re: the libido!

 

Where are you based these days?

 

JC x

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

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  • 1 month later...

Hi All,

 

Just a quick update. The Pdoc has transferred me over to Sodium Valproate / Epilim (a mood stabiliser) I'm currently taking 1400mg a day, but no Olanzapine. I must admit I feel sluggish and depressed.

 

Does anyone know anything about this medication?

 

Please send some messages, i'm feeling very isolated.

 

Simo

Struggling with Olanzapine / Zyprexa withdrawal. Failed withdrawal attempt in November 2016, which resulted in me reinstating at 10mg's.

2017
4/1 - 9/1: 10mg.  10/1 - 19/1: 7.5mg.   20/1 - 26/1: 6.25mg.   27/1 - 2/2: 5mg.   3/2 - 10/2: 3.75mg. 12/2 - 14/2: 3.75mg. 15/2 - 28/2: 3.15mg.   01/3 - present: 2.5mg

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Hi All,

 

Some of this message is a bit vulgar, my apologies, but I have to share, it scared me so much.

 

I messed up :(  or it messed up, something went wrong that's for sure.

 

I was withdrawing from my Olanzapine/Zyprexa. I jumped off at 2.5mg, I know for many people this would be considered too big but my options were very limited and I felt I had no other choice.

 

Initially the effects weren't too bad and after about 2-3 weeks I was starting to feel better, more "normal" which was extremely encouraging.

 

However, after 6 weeks I started to develop one extremely disturbing symptom: my libido was Sky high, all the time. No matter what I did; if you know what i mean. It was extremely debilitating as I felt completely out of control. Completely contrasted to the impotence I felt on Olanzapine.

 

I took myself to the local SAA (sex addicts anonymous) as i didn't know where else to go!

 

At the same time I was, loosely speaking, starting to lose a bit of my sense of reality. It's hard to explain, i was certainly feeling much better, I don't really know how to describe it.

 

People around me panicked that i was starting to go hypomanic/manic etc.

 

The reality of my situation is, I never had any mania until I took an AD many years ago. The problem is now, I can't shake off this "mania" that happens when I come off an Antipsychotic.

 

After having a huge rage with my Dad, by which I was truly "manic" (although could easily be because of taking Olanzapine for many years previously), I ended up in front of a Psychiatrist. She put me back on Olanzapine, but has now switched me over to Sodium Valproate / Epilim (of which there isn't much information on..?)

 

So yeah, a bad time for me; i really thought i''d escaped the system, only to be dragged back in :( 

 

I have even more lethargy on Sodium Valproate and i also have bad headaches now. I'm trying my best to avoid any AD's now and I'm hoping my Dad will support me WD from Sodium Valproate in a few weeks.

 

Thanks for reading, any help or similar experiences would be amazing.

 

Thanks again,

 

Simo

Struggling with Olanzapine / Zyprexa withdrawal. Failed withdrawal attempt in November 2016, which resulted in me reinstating at 10mg's.

2017
4/1 - 9/1: 10mg.  10/1 - 19/1: 7.5mg.   20/1 - 26/1: 6.25mg.   27/1 - 2/2: 5mg.   3/2 - 10/2: 3.75mg. 12/2 - 14/2: 3.75mg. 15/2 - 28/2: 3.15mg.   01/3 - present: 2.5mg

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It could be PGAD...

Zoloft 50 mg from April 23, 2015 to August 28th, 2016 (1 year, 4 months).

4 week taper. Last dose on August 28, 2016

 

Mianserin 30 mg in an attempt to reverse PSSD from September 6th, 2017–around mid November 2017 after a few week taper. Did not fix PSSD

 

Currently taking: Melatonin and magnesium every night.

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whats that?

Struggling with Olanzapine / Zyprexa withdrawal. Failed withdrawal attempt in November 2016, which resulted in me reinstating at 10mg's.

2017
4/1 - 9/1: 10mg.  10/1 - 19/1: 7.5mg.   20/1 - 26/1: 6.25mg.   27/1 - 2/2: 5mg.   3/2 - 10/2: 3.75mg. 12/2 - 14/2: 3.75mg. 15/2 - 28/2: 3.15mg.   01/3 - present: 2.5mg

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Hi All,

 

I'm struggling really bad and could really do with some messages.

 

I was very suicidal recently after my failed WD attempt from Olanzapine and the realisation i'm now back in the mental health system in the UK and I worry I'll never leave it. I'm petrified of my future.

 

Anyone out there with heroic survival stories who can inspire me to keep going?

 

I also feel dreadful because the doctor has put me on Prozac because of how suicidal I was, however the only effects so far have been anxiety, headaches, neaseau nothing positive.

 

And at the end of my thinking is, maybe the doctors and other people are right, maybe i really do have bipolar and maybe I need to be on meds forever. I don't really think thats true but i always go manic when coming off olanzapine. Now im Valproate anyway.

 

love to you all,

 

Tom

Struggling with Olanzapine / Zyprexa withdrawal. Failed withdrawal attempt in November 2016, which resulted in me reinstating at 10mg's.

2017
4/1 - 9/1: 10mg.  10/1 - 19/1: 7.5mg.   20/1 - 26/1: 6.25mg.   27/1 - 2/2: 5mg.   3/2 - 10/2: 3.75mg. 12/2 - 14/2: 3.75mg. 15/2 - 28/2: 3.15mg.   01/3 - present: 2.5mg

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58 minutes ago, Simo said:

Hi All,

 

I'm struggling really bad and could really do with some messages.

 

I was very suicidal recently after my failed WD attempt from Olanzapine and the realisation i'm now back in the mental health system in the UK and I worry I'll never leave it. I'm petrified of my future.

 

Anyone out there with heroic survival stories who can inspire me to keep going?

 

I also feel dreadful because the doctor has put me on Prozac because of how suicidal I was, however the only effects so far have been anxiety, headaches, neaseau nothing positive.

 

And at the end of my thinking is, maybe the doctors and other people are right, maybe i really do have bipolar and maybe I need to be on meds forever. I don't really think thats true but i always go manic when coming off olanzapine. Now im Valproate anyway.

 

love to you all,

 

Tom

 

Tom,

 

My phone is on the blink, will be in touch.

 

JC xx

Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD).  Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal.

Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy.

Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum"Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals.

Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions).

Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking.

Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO.  April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol.   25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L).

Symptoms:  Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing).  **Histhamine intolerance (suspected).

Major Life Events: 

Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016

My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs)  Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018  "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018  Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome

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Hows the mental health system in the UK?

What father is saying about that?

2011 protracted withdrawal symptoms from Effexor, managed to come off
2013-2015  risperidone consta 50 mg, started tapering from March 2015 to 1,66mg/day and from 02/2015 started seroxat 10mg/day

01/17 Seroxat 2,0mg,olanzapine 5mg,risperidone consta 25mg/every 15days

05/17 Seroxat 1mg,olanzapine 5mg,risp.consta 25mg/every 15days

06/17 Seroxat 2drops,olanzapine 5mg,liquid risperidone2mg

07/17 Seroxat 1 drop,olanzapine 5mg,Risperidone 0mg, 10/17 Seroxat 0mg,olanzapine,5mg,Risperidone 0mg, 12/17 Seroxat 1/2 drop, olanzapine 5mg,  04/18 Olanzapine 1,25mg, 04/18 xanax 0,5mg

24/06/2019 doc said to take 10mg olanzapine for 13days and down to 5mg
 been taking 10mg for 14 days, 5mg for 8 days  and  tapered to  3/4quart. 5mg  for 14 days, 1/2 for 14 days,

01/08/19 2,5mg

08/2021 5mg olanzapine

Supplements Omega 3, Turmeric, Bacopa monneri, Mucuna Pruriens

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Simo,

 

Really sorry to read you last post.

 

When you get a chance, please update your drug signature.  This link goes straight to it:  Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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I’ve had the exact same issues since I came off Effexor. Both libido and mania. It is not pgad. It is our nervous system being revved up an causing these symptoms.

I started Effexor/venlafaxin august 2014: 1st year 75 mg 2nd year 37.5 mg.

Taper: first try 37.5 to 0 in one month. Second try: 18.75 to 0 in two months.

Completely off effexor since 26-11-2016 with severe withdrawals such as blurred/constrained vision, brain fog and vertigo.

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  • Moderator Emeritus
43 minutes ago, Oran said:

I’ve had the exact same issues since I came off Effexor. Both libido and mania. It is not pgad. It is our nervous system being revved up an causing these symptoms.

 

During the first month after the death of my husband my libido greatly increased.  I was taking an AD at the time but was not tapering.  I would agree with what Oran said about the cause.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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