Spookypaws: Has anyone successfully tapered off zyprexa?

[Spookypaws]

I'm having a hard time taper off 2.5 mg of zyprexa. I went every other day for 7 days then quit taking it and only managed to go two nights before insomnia and anxiety kicked in. I'm on zyprexa for sleeping anyway, is there hope for me getting off this drug?

[Altostrata]

Of course. Go to the Introductions forum and search for "zyprexa"

[Spookypaws]

Does anyone have any tips for tapering off zyprexa? I'm pretty desparate..

[Meimeiquest]

I took it for six years, 15 to 5 mg. I have been off a bit over 2.5 years. 2.5mg is way too large a dose to jump off from. Hopefully you have seen the Zyprexa tapering thread by now. Good luck!

[Skyler]

Go here to read about tapering Zyprexa.  I pulled this up by entering 'taper zyprexa' in the tapering sub fprum.

[Skyler]

I moved this thread to the Introductions and Updates forum.  Please fill out a sig. line with a brief history.  One of the AD moderators will be along shortly to give you a further assist.

[Altostrata]

Welcome, Spookypaws.

 

Please let us know more about your situation. How much Zyprexa are you taking? How long have you been taking it? Are you taking any other drugs.

 

Thank you, Skyler, for starting Spookypaws's Intro topic and giving her the informative link Tips for tapering off Zyprexa (olanzapine)

[Katy91]

I'm trying

[Spookypaws]

I've managed in the past 2 months to go from 7.5 mg to 2.5 mg. I tried to taper off a week ago but got such bad insomnia and anxiousness that my psychiatrist told be to just stay on 2.5. The last two nights I've gotten such fragmented sleep and today I've been so anxious, it comes in waves like a half hour I feel crappy and then the next I feel fine. I'm afraid tonight I won't sleep, and insomnia is the whole reason I'm on these drugs. Should I updose to 5 mg to see if I get better sleep?

[Altostrata]

Spookypaws, please put your questions in this Intro topic. You won't have to repeat yourself and we can see your progress all in one place.

 

If I were you, I might updose to 3.5mg Zyprexa. How to take small doses is explained in Tips for tapering off Zyprexa (olanzapine)

[Spookypaws]

Ok sorry for that. I've been on zyprexa since March along with luvox, gabapentin, and and trazadone. I would also add I was on klonopin too, but got off that 2 months ago. I had a panic attack last December which started this whole thing, I didn't sleep for 4 days.

[Altostrata]

That's a lot of drugs for a panic attack. Please put ALL the drugs you take in the Drug Interactions Checker http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html and copy and paste the results in this topic.
 

[Spookypaws]

Drug Interaction Report

Drug interactions for the following 4 drug(s):

 

Unsaved Drug List Email | Print | Save | New list

gabapentin

trazodone

Luvox (fluvoxamine)

Zyprexa (olanzapine)

 

Consumer

Professional

Major Moderate Minor Food

Interactions between your selected drugs

 

trazodone ↔ fluvoxamine

Applies to: trazodone, Luvox (fluvoxamine)

Using traZODone together with fluvoxaMINE can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

Switch to professional interaction data

 

 

trazodone ↔ gabapentin

Applies to: trazodone, gabapentin

Using traZODone together with gabapentin may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience some impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

Switch to professional interaction data

 

 

trazodone ↔ olanzapine

Applies to: trazodone, Zyprexa (olanzapine)

Using traZODone together with OLANZapine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience some impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

Switch to professional interaction data

 

 

gabapentin ↔ fluvoxamine

Applies to: gabapentin, Luvox (fluvoxamine)

Using gabapentin together with fluvoxaMINE may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience some impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

Switch to professional interaction data

 

 

gabapentin ↔ olanzapine

Applies to: gabapentin, Zyprexa (olanzapine)

Using gabapentin together with OLANZapine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience some impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

Switch to professional interaction data

 

 

fluvoxamine ↔ olanzapine

Applies to: Luvox (fluvoxamine), Zyprexa (olanzapine)

Using OLANZapine together with fluvoxaMINE may increase the effects of OLANZapine. Contact your doctor if you experience drowsiness, agitation, aggression, slurred speech, confusion, increased heart rate, jerky or uncontrolled muscle movements, trouble breathing, or fainting. If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special test to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

[Spookypaws]

the luvox is for Racing thoughts and OCD and I had some serious depression going on as well.

[Altostrata]

Your drug cocktail is very eccentric for any psychiatric diagnosis. The doctor who prescribed them must believe in the "one drug per symptom" philosophy. Certainly prescribing gabapentin, trazodone, and Zyprexa together is excessive -- they all "brakes."

 

It's a lot of drugs and, as you can see, some bad interactions. Risking serotonin syndrome is a big drug-prescribing no-no. Even if they're not so intense you feel them, these interactions degrade your general health. They can also cause "racing thoughts and OCD and some serious depression."

 

See Serotonin Syndrome or Serotonin Toxicity

 

Please read some of the other Introductions topics. You will see many people have gotten extensive psychiatric diagnoses for what turns out to be the normal stresses of daily living.

 

To go off drugs successfully, you will need to learn to manage your symptoms with non-drug techniques, which is entirely possible.

[Katy91]

The drop from 5mg to 2.5mg olanzapine has in the past cause intractable insomnia for me, then dropping to nil was the same with insomnia.  I went 6-9 months being olanzapine free and I still had insomnia.  I think it's just to much of shock to the nervous system to make these drops.  At the moment I'm on 3.85mg and overall I have been sleeping okay.

 

You really can't cut the pills accurately so I hope you get the orodispersible tablets or the wafers that will dissolve in water and make tapering easy and accurate for you.

[Altostrata]

Thank you for that excellent information, Katy.

 

Spookypaws, please read Tips for tapering off Zyprexa (olanzapine)

[Spookypaws]

Another night of fragmented sleep. I took only 2.5mg last night, but I'm thinking of up dosing tonight back to 5mg to see if that helps. I feel like I'm on a merry go round and will never recover.

[Altostrata]

Spookypaws, it will take some time for your nervous system to recover from skipping doses and quitting. You were only taking 2.5mg before.

 

Please read About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms
 
The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

If you go up to 5mg, that will be that much more to taper off.

[Spookypaws]

What do you suggest alto? I really need some sleep, and going down to 2.5 seems to not be working. I was on 7.5, then went to 5mg, then that same month went to 2.5mg, then tried to taper off. When I suffered complete insomnia my dr. Put me back on 2.5, but it's not working..I'm desperate here..

[Altostrata]

You might try 3mg. Don't get antsy and overdo it.

 

Have you read Tips for tapering off Zyprexa (olanzapine) ? It explains how to take small amounts.

[Meimeiquest]

You need to read the link on tapering Zyprexa that was noted above. You are going to need to make dosages in between the tablet sizes at some point. Read some of the threads on insomnia, there are many ideas. It is such a common problem.

[Spookypaws]

Thanks for the advice. I did read the article, but I get confused on making my own liquid. I have a pill splitter, I can do that, but I'm confused on how to make my own liquid and how to measure out the 10% from what I should take. Maybe someone can help me, but first I need to get stable. I'll try 3.75 tonight and see if that works I don't know how to cut only 1 mg from 2.5 mg tablet, I can cut one in half though.

[Spookypaws]

Well I slept better last night I'm pretty sure, but I'm going to see my psychiatrist tomorrow to talk about the medications and see what she wants me to do. I took 3.75mg last night and I feel ok today. I just wish I could get off this poison.

 

Can someone explain to me how to do a liquid titration, and how to cut 1% out of the solution. It's really confusing to me.

[Skyler]

Hi Spooky... you would benefit from looking thru the information on the tapering sub forum.  How to make a liquid from capsules. Taper by 10% of my dosage.  While it may sound complicated to make a liquid solution, it really is very easy once you get the hang of it...  

[brassmonkey]

Hi Spooky-- Not need to get confused about making the liquid and using it.  Skyler pointed you toward a really good thread about making liquid solutions;

 

How to make a liquid from tablets or capsules

 

There is also a good one on how to use it;

 

Using an oral syringe and other tapering techniques

 

How long have you been on the 3.75 mg and how are you taking that dose?  If you haven't been taking it at that lever very long it would be a good idea to stabilize for a while before starting a taper.

 

It would be very helpful if you would fill out a signature block with all your meds and taper history;

 

Please put your withdrawal history in your signature      

[Spookypaws]

I read it but I'm still confused. How would I make a1:1 solution from 3.75mg? I know I crush that amount into my container but how much water would I add? And do I draw out the amount I want to take or do I draw out the amount of reduction I'm making?

[Altostrata]

What is the milligram size of your Zyprexa tablet?

[Spookypaws]

I was on 2.5, but now I'm taking 3.75. That might change tomorrow though when I see my psychiatrist. I'm so angry the doc at the hospital put me on this med, I wish they tried something else for sleeping besides this. I'm fearful to take this drug and I'm fearful not to. I hate zyprexa even if I do feel ok on it.

[Altostrata]

What is the size of your Zyprexa tablet before you cut it up?

[Spookypaws]

It's a 2.5 mg tablet

[Altostrata]

This is how you might make a suspension to take 3.75mg (or less):

 

- Measure out 10mL water into a clean jar.

 

- Put 2 2.5mg tablets in it. Wait until they dissolve. You will have 5mg Zyprexa in 10mL water (1:2 concentration or 1mg in 2mL).

 

- Put the cap on and shake the jar gently.

 

- With a 10mL oral syringe, take 7.5mL of the liquid, which contains 3.75mg Zyprexa.

[Altostrata]

If you read Tips for tapering off Zyprexa (olanzapine) , you will see you can make a liquid with the Zyprexa orodispersible wafers as well.

[Spookypaws]

Another night of not sleeping well. I'm probably going to have to go back to 5 mg I see my psychiatrist today so we'll see what she says. I hate this so much I feel like a failure and like I don't want to live anymore, my family deserves better than a shell of a person.

[Spookypaws]

And thanks for the layout Alto, I'll see what the doc says today. I'll probably have to go back to 5 mg again

[jammin83]

I'm not on it anymore, but I was. Really messed me up. I've been off it since january but had to take it a few times intermittently. I still take 100 mg of seroquel. I know how hard it is. Hang in there!

 

Once you get low, you may want to give microtapering a go with the orodispersible tablets. I think 10% is too much when you get low.