Thursday, January 17, 2013

About Zyprexa Withdrawal

About Zyprexa Withdrawal


Olanzapine is the active ingredient in Eli Lilly's antipsychotic drug Zyprexa, so it's usually just called Zyprexa for convenience's sake. Zyprexa is prescribed mostly for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but it's also prescribed for anxiety and depression. It takes time for the body to get used to Zyprexa and to get used to going without it.


Identification


Zyprexa withdrawal symptoms can change from person to person, so you should pay close attention to any sudden change in your health after going off Zyprexa. The most common symptoms are insomnia, sweating, nausea, tremors, visual or sound hallucinations, delusions, return to schizophrenic behavior and thinking, or return to bipolar symptoms or thinking. There is often a headache or a constant feeling of restlessness or anxiety.


Prevention/Solution


The only way to avoid withdrawal symptoms is to cut back on your Zyprexa dosage only with your doctor's approval. He will put you on a schedule of how much to cut back and for how long you can go before cutting back further. You should also let your close friends and family know that you are cutting back on Zyprexa and that they should be aware of any symptoms developing.


Warning


Never stop taking Zyprexa cold turkey. You could wind up being just as depressed or psychotic as before. You have to follow your doctor's instructions. Also, there is no generic Zyprexa. Eli Lilly has the patent on Zyprexa until 2011, so do not fall for any scams about getting generic olanzapine. Taking what you think is Zyprexa but it isn't can also bring on withdrawal symptoms.


Misconceptions


Having to take Zyprexa does not mean that you are a drug addict. It is normal for people with mental illnesses to think that somehow they are a bad person for needing to take medications. Mental illness is a physical illness and not a failure of character. Always talk to your doctor or therapist about cutting back on Zyprexa before you actually do so.


Expert Insight


You need to work with your doctor and keep busy with chores or hobbies for at least two weeks after reducing Zyprexa. The body needs two or even three weeks to adjust to the lowered dosage. Keeping yourself busy and talking to your doctor can help you through this adjustment period. Try to avoid keeping by yourself all of the time, as this can leave you to focus too much on your symptoms.









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