Lauren0804: How to taper off of 2.5 mg of Zyprexa

[Lauren0804]

Hello. I have been on zyprexa and prozac for 2 years. I tried stopping twice and began to have severe insomnia. The last try was just stopping the zyprexa by itself and after a week of stopping 2.5 mg, the insomnia was so bad that I began taking again. I really want to be off of both medicines, but I'm struggling. My doctor told me that the dose that I'm taking is like taking tic tacs and its not doing too much. I was originally prescribed the medicine because I had a nervous breakdown and couldn't sleep or eat. The doctor feels I should be off of the medicine but she is not giving me much help with tapering. I'm scared that I will be on it forever and I don't want that. How do I taper from 2.5 mg successfully?

Edited June 10, 2017 by scallywag
tags, moved to introductions forum

[Dwell]

Hi Lauren you may want to repost this in introductions and updates (topic has been moved by moderator) as this post might not get the proper attention in this forum. I'm sure the moderators will recommend a 10% of each previous amount taper every 4-6 weeks. This is the safest way to minimize withdrawal symptoms.


http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/803-dr-peter-breggins-10-taper-method/

Edited May 21, 2017 by ChessieCat

[Donkey]

my doctor told me to take it one night yes and one night not for a month... i am woder if it will work.

[Madeleine]

There are tips for tapering Zyprexa here:  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/3743-tips-for-tapering-off-zyprexa-olanzapine/?hl=zyprexa

[Plshelp]

Hello. I have been on zyprexa and prozac for 2 years. I tried stopping twice and began to have severe insomnia. The last try was just stopping the zyprexa by itself and after a week of stopping 2.5 mg, the insomnia was so bad that I began taking again. I really want to be off of both medicines, but I'm struggling. My doctor told me that the dose that I'm taking is like taking tic tacs and its not doing too much. I was originally prescribed the medicine because I had a nervous breakdown and couldn't sleep or eat. The doctor feels I should be off of the medicine but she is not giving me much help with tapering. I'm scared that I will be on it forever and I don't want that. How do I taper from 2.5 mg successfully?

This site will help you. Don't give up hope. I'm trying not to. Go slow. 10% decrease.

[Plshelp]

Hello. I have been on zyprexa and prozac for 2 years. I tried stopping twice and began to have severe insomnia. The last try was just stopping the zyprexa by itself and after a week of stopping 2.5 mg, the insomnia was so bad that I began taking again. I really want to be off of both medicines, but I'm struggling. My doctor told me that the dose that I'm taking is like taking tic tacs and its not doing too much. I was originally prescribed the medicine because I had a nervous breakdown and couldn't sleep or eat. The doctor feels I should be off of the medicine but she is not giving me much help with tapering. I'm scared that I will be on it forever and I don't want that. How do I taper from 2.5 mg successfully? What can I use for the insomnia?

Decrease by 10%. Buy a scale from Amazon to cut the pills. It probably will be easiest. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B0012TDNAM/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1495343388&sr=8-7π=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=American+Weigh+Scales&dpPl=1&dpID=41XAsyqMKqL&ref=plSrch

 

Look up how to taper in the taper section.

 

For insomnia, use tart cherry juice or magnesium. It's listed somewhere here on this site. Lavender essential oils or Epsom salt bath soak.

 

You should also join the zyprexa should be illegal fb page. There's more info there about tapering and alternative health options.

[Lauren0804]

Thank you guys so much. I will join the fb page as well. I hope this is all helpful. Should I wait until I am having insomnia again before I start on the tart cherry juice and magnesium?

[mammaP]

Hi Lauren, welcome to SA. I am so sorry that we missed your post, the forum moves very fast sometimes. I see our members have been helpful, thank you everyone. 

 

Unfortunately doctors really don't know very much about the drugs they prescribe, or how powerful even small doses are. Skipping doses is never a good thing and does not help with tapering, your nervous system needs consistency. 

If you are wanting to be off both prozac and zyprexa, we reommend tapering the anti depressant first. This is because the zyprexa might help with the insomnia that sometimes comes along when tapering SSRIs.  Are you sleeping ok again now? 

 

Here are some links to help you with your tapers. Read them and plan carefully, you will then be able to taper off the drugs  safely. 

The others have posted some links for you, I will repost them so that they are all together. 

 

It will help if you can fill in your signature, you can find instructions here

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/12364-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/

 

Tapering multiple drugs

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2207-taking-multiple-psych-drugs-taper-the-antidepressant-first/

 

Tapering prozac

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/759-tips-for-tapering-off-prozac-fluoxetine/

 

Tapering zyprexa (olanzapine)

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/3743-tips-for-tapering-off-zyprexa-olanzapine/?hl=zyprexa

 

 

Many people find magnesium helpful and it is often deficient due to modern farming methods, it is good to take it daily. 

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1300-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

Also fish oil

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/?view=findpost&p=100596&hl=magnesium