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Olanzapine withdrawal update.

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Posted 1/13/2020 11:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Folks

As some of you know I decided to stop taking Olanzapine and reduced my dose from 15mg down to 0 over a 4 week period and stopped at the end of October last year. Since then I have been experiencing bad withdrawal effects with the worst being not being able to sleep.

I was at my doctors this morning and we decided that the only way to sort this out is to go back on a small dose of Olanzapine 5mg for a period of a few months and then start to withdraw again but over a much longer period. I'm feeling a bit down about this as I really did not want to go back on this medication but I can't see any other way.

Hibee
Posted 1/13/2020 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
I know how you feel and it is frustrating. I went off Xanax only to go back on as needed, but finding I don't need it everyday like before. But it is nice not to feel like you need medications. Just don't beat yourself up HiBee. You will get there.

What all do you try for sleep? My husband takes 10mg of melatonin but the trick is to take it about 6:00 pm and go to bed about 10:00, not everybody realizes that. I still do meditation but it hasn't been working as well. I have too much going on in my mind which isn't good. I also find if I am on my phone (playing a game or something) before bed that I can't sleep. It must be stimulating to the brain and effects shutting down. So I am trying not to do that for a couple hours before bed time.

I hope you start getting sleep. It is miserable without it. Hang in there. You got this.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 1/13/2020 10:43 PM (GMT 0)
With the Clozaril I've been on (since 2011), I get a good night's sleep practically every night.

However, before 2011, when I was on other psychiatric pills, I couldn't read an interesting book within a couple of hours of bedtime because if I did, I often couldn't get any sleep (literally) that night.

So I can relate, Karen.
Posted 1/14/2020 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
I think a good move under the circumstances. Keep strong. HT
Posted 1/14/2020 11:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Karen

Yep your right it is very frustrating but hopefully the Olanzapine will help me sleep I pick up my prescription today so will take the first pill tonight. I do a lot of Mindfulness Meditation but it's not been helping me sleep I have been staying up really late and go to bed around 2am when i'm feeling tired but as soon as I get into bed I start getting racing thoughts and can't get to sleep.

Mike

I have not heard of Clozaril is it an antidepressant?

HT

Cheers mate I agree it's the right move but I just don't want to end up stuck on it.

Hibee
Posted 1/14/2020 3:35 PM (GMT 0)
I hope it helps you. It is very difficult to function without getting good sleep. I got woken up at 2:00 am to let the dog go out to potty. She does this every night. Usually it is about 5:00 though and sometimes I just stay up. Early riser. But in the middle of the night makes it feel like I didn't get any sleep. Maybe an afternoon nap will help.

I hope you have a good day and that the medication helps. Best wishes...

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 1/16/2020 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
sorry to hear about your troubles hibee. as one who went tru a truly awefull bout with klonipin I feel for you. are taking our much discussed mix of melatonin and valerian to try to sleep? add Benadryl if needed. a supplement which helped me was POWER TO SLEEP. is a mix of herbs and supplement.s . tim tam turned me onto this and it helped. you were always a rock to us and sorry you are now affected. your knowledge of meds was always helpful.check power to sleep indgreadents and see if any interact with your meds
Posted 1/17/2020 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Dan

Thanks for your reply I started taking 5mg of Olanzapine on Wed night and I have been sleeping much better so that's good news.

I have taken Valerian root for years it also helps but not with this recent bout of Insomnia.

Hibee
Posted 2/6/2020 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
how are you doing hibee?
Posted 2/6/2020 9:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Dan

I’m doing better thanks sleeping better and the small dose of Olanzapine has really helped with the paranoia I was getting.

Hibee
Posted 2/10/2020 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
carry on
Posted 2/10/2020 2:46 AM (GMT 0)
Keep 💪 hibee. HT
Posted 2/11/2020 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
Cheers guys.
Posted 2/13/2020 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Hibee,

Just popping in to say that I hope things are still going well and that you are getting sleep that you need. Keep hanging in there. Have a blessed day...

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 2/14/2020 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Karen

Yep i'm doing much better thanks my sleep is a lot better and due to not being so tired during the day I have been able to get out walking every day clocking up 3 miles a day which is getting the Serotonin flowing helping my mood.

How's you?

Hibee
Posted 2/14/2020 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
That's awesome Hibee!!!

I can't wait for spring so I can walk again. I fell one winter so I don't walk anymore when there is snow and ice. I use to cross country ski. I have thought about that. I need new poles though. I have all kinds of excuses. I am so happy you are able to walk and that it is helping with the serotonin.

My husband picked up my meds today and they gave the wrong brand of Pristiq. I have to carry them back tomorrow. They will give me the right ones, I usually remind them but it is a DAW prescription so they shouldn't be giving me the wrong brand. I have taken these for two months before and got depressed. It is a shame that they can be so different in the amounts of medication in the pills. That's my little rant for today. I kind of feel I am at the mercy of society and big pharma when I have to take the medications to be okay.

It is a nice sunny day here today but only about 12 degrees so it is cold. I could always walk in place inside I guess. You have an awesome day and thanks for the reply.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 2/15/2020 8:18 PM (GMT 0)
Yep you are right different brands of same medication can be very different but the drug companies swear they are exactly the same.

Hibee.
Posted 2/16/2020 11:35 AM (GMT 0)
Gets frustrating...

Hugs, Karen...
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