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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by morganator on April 9, 2010, at 18:14:28
I am trying to get off Zyprexa and having a hell of a time with it. I'm so anxious and my brain is locking up on me. I just don't think I can do this because I need to be able to perform at my job. This is a complete nightmare. I was able to get off it about 4 months ago successfully. The first few days were a bit rough but that passed and I felt o.k. shortly after. I guess I'm just going to have to split up my pills and taper very slowly. The only problem now is getting my father to pay for the prescription that is filled, or at least half of it. I don't even want to leave the house I'm so agitated. Ugh.
Posted by Phillipa on April 9, 2010, at 21:57:18
In reply to Zyprexa Withdrawal, posted by morganator on April 9, 2010, at 18:14:28
I'm sorry your're having a rough time guess there are no meds without withdrawal so why not stick with benzos? Phillipa
Posted by morganator on April 9, 2010, at 22:28:50
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal » morganator, posted by Phillipa on April 9, 2010, at 21:57:18
I should use a little klonopin if I haven't thrown it all away. I go threw phases where I think I will never use a drug again and I don't want to so I toss em. I probably shouldn't do that.
You know what, I went to Wholefoods tonight and bought a product called Stress Care by Himalaya Herbs(similar to their other product called Mind Care). I really think it is helping already. I am feeling much better, not back to normal, but better.
Posted by bleauberry on April 12, 2010, at 17:41:25
In reply to Zyprexa Withdrawal, posted by morganator on April 9, 2010, at 18:14:28
I can definitely relate. 8 years on 5mg. It took me 3 months to totally wean off.
I cut pills in half. Then with their half-moon shapes it was easy to chop tiny pieces off the corners, slowly making the doses smaller and smaller over time. Steps down in dosage were probably in the 1/4 milligram range at the largest. Sometimes I would stay at a new lower dose for a while to stabilize, maybe go up a tiny bit because I went too fast, but the trend was smaller doses as much as tolerated without causing me to friek out in the ways you are describing. When I went too fast, I felt exactly the way you describe.
The last week I was doing literally crumbs. Felt good and stable. I had no idea that the withdrawal that hit about 3 days after the final crumbs would be so strong. It was the nervousness, unrealness, anxiety, butterflies.
After a week I did a few more crumbs for a couple days and then stopped again. Smoother this time.
But there were rough moments for sure that lasted as long as 3 months after the final dose. During those times I used natural things like Passionflower, Valerian, Skullcap, and a combo of gaba/glycine to weather those hours.
These drugs are powerful brain tinkering chemicals. The power they display during withdrawals, I only wish they had that same power in terms of healing. Difficult prolonged withdrawals with post-withdrawal complications seem to be almost expected. I wish the same could be said of how well they work.
In any case, slow weaning in tiny tiny steps makes it all smoother. Recruiting the aid of some temporary relief agents can help weather the roughest moments. I chose for myself to keep those natural agents rather than more drugs.
> I am trying to get off Zyprexa and having a hell of a time with it. I'm so anxious and my brain is locking up on me. I just don't think I can do this because I need to be able to perform at my job. This is a complete nightmare. I was able to get off it about 4 months ago successfully. The first few days were a bit rough but that passed and I felt o.k. shortly after. I guess I'm just going to have to split up my pills and taper very slowly. The only problem now is getting my father to pay for the prescription that is filled, or at least half of it. I don't even want to leave the house I'm so agitated. Ugh.
Posted by morganator on April 12, 2010, at 21:00:26
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal, posted by bleauberry on April 12, 2010, at 17:41:25
This is hell, maybe I should just stay on it. Ugh.
I had such an easy time getting off it 5 months ago. I'm not sure why this is different. I almost feel like I have the flu. I feel dried out and my skin is itching. Nightmare. I may have to pick up the script and do some more weening.
Thanks for sharing your experience BB.
Posted by Phillipa on April 12, 2010, at 21:19:15
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal, posted by morganator on April 12, 2010, at 21:00:26
And some feel benzos and pain meds are so bad sounds like the atypicals also are. Good luck. Phillipa
Posted by morganator on April 13, 2010, at 20:30:55
In reply to Zyprexa Withdrawal, posted by morganator on April 9, 2010, at 18:14:28
Don't know if I'm going to be able to get off Zyprexa. I never thought I would feel more fatigue coming off Zyprexa than I did on it. It's been a complete nightmare. I can't believe I've been waiting tables. I need to get another job for sure.
.
I've almost felt like I had the flu, my body aches, my head hurts and my brain is in even more of a fog.So what did I do? I ran to the pharmacy straight after I got off work today and picked up some of my prescription(I could only afford part of it for now). I took some immediately. I think I'm feeling better.
I got off this damn drug 5 months ago with no problems, now I can't seem to live without it. I'm only on a 2.5 mg dose. I wish it were a medication that had some kind of potential benefit to my health, unfortunately, I don't think it does. I don't want to be on it long term but I may just have to stay on a low dose until I figure out what to do and start feeling much better.
Posted by SLS on April 14, 2010, at 6:52:16
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal, posted by morganator on April 13, 2010, at 20:30:55
What are the symptoms that appear when you experience Zyprexa withdrawal?
- Scott
Posted by morganator on April 14, 2010, at 15:40:35
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal » morganator, posted by SLS on April 14, 2010, at 6:52:16
Well this time around has been different than any other- Flu-like symptoms, fatigue, headache, leg sweating, extreme anxiety(experienced that briefly the last time I got off it), feeling of loneliness, feelings of fear, some agitation, feeling disconnected, out of focus. I'm sure there is more. The thing is, I have experienced some of these while on Zyprexa. Which makes me wonder if something else is going on(other than me being bipolar) and Zyprexa is helping to manage the symptoms.
Posted by SLS on April 14, 2010, at 15:58:07
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal, posted by morganator on April 14, 2010, at 15:40:35
> Well this time around has been different than any other- Flu-like symptoms, fatigue, headache, leg sweating, extreme anxiety(experienced that briefly the last time I got off it), feeling of loneliness, feelings of fear, some agitation, feeling disconnected, out of focus. I'm sure there is more. The thing is, I have experienced some of these while on Zyprexa. Which makes me wonder if something else is going on(other than me being bipolar) and Zyprexa is helping to manage the symptoms.
It sounds similar to SSRI withdrawal.How do you respond to nortriptyline or mirtazapine? I'm just wondering if you might be sensitive to fluctuations in 5-HT2a receptor binding.
- Scott
Posted by morganator on April 14, 2010, at 22:35:07
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal, posted by morganator on April 14, 2010, at 15:40:35
I forgot to mention the dry itchy skin. I'm not sure if this is a side effect from withdrawal or not, I've just noticed it when I was trying to come off Zyprexa.
Posted by morganator on April 14, 2010, at 22:40:53
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal, posted by SLS on April 14, 2010, at 15:58:07
I only tried a low dose of mirtazapine one time and I was so groggy and out of it the next day that I decided not to take it again.
I've never tried nortriptyline. I have been interested in trying nortriptyline in the past.
Why do you ask about mirtazapine and nortriptyline?
Do they both antagonize 5ht2a receptors like zyprexa?So last night I took Zypexa, 2.5 mg, and today I felt somewhat better. I am afraid I am stuck with this drug for the time being.
Posted by SLS on April 15, 2010, at 6:44:57
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal » SLS, posted by morganator on April 14, 2010, at 22:40:53
> Why do you ask about mirtazapine and nortriptyline?
> Do they both antagonize 5ht2a receptors like zyprexa?That's what I was thinking. Linkadge might have a better idea as to what's going on. If you can cross over to nortriptyline, you might mitigate the withdrawal syndrome plus set yourself up for a nortriptyline trial.
How small a dose of Zyprexa do you think you could prepare?
- Scott
Posted by morganator on April 15, 2010, at 12:28:09
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal » morganator, posted by SLS on April 15, 2010, at 6:44:57
Well I'm taking 2.5 mg now. I can run water over the tablet and wash the coating off making it easy to split in half.
I'm on 40 mg fluoxetine right now, do you think adding some Nortriptyline would be o.k.? I would almost rather be taking Zoloft again if I were to add Nortriptyline.
I really can't help but wonder if Bleauberry is right and something else like Lyme is going on here. I've never in my life experienced fatigue and some of the other things I'm experiencing now.
I know I've said this before, but I so miss the days when I just took 100 mg of Zoloft and some fish oil and went to the gym and felt pretty damn good. Feeling "normal" has always been my thing. Sure I would like to feel less depressed and anxious, but feeling normal physiologically was mostly the goal back when I took Zoloft. Now I need help in all three areas, feeling normal, depression, and anxiety. And like I said, for the first time in my life I am struggling with fatigue, both mental and physical. And the muscle and joint stiffness and aches along with some muscle fasciculations, especially in my legs, all make me wonder if something else is going on here.
Posted by Phillipa on April 15, 2010, at 19:41:37
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal » SLS, posted by morganator on April 15, 2010, at 12:28:09
Morgan sorry I forgot did you have a Western Blot for lymes? I'm still positive with six bands Of IGG positive. Infection control doc has me now on 100mg of doxycycline twice a day. Will see that happens in next month as he said If Igg goes down that means the infection is at least less. If never had lymes first IGM rises then the IGG which stays high for years. IF have had lymes IGM will never rise again only the IGG so that's what he's following. Phillipa
Posted by conundrum on April 15, 2010, at 19:42:58
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal » SLS, posted by morganator on April 15, 2010, at 12:28:09
Did you experience this problem with fatigue before decreasing Zyprexa? If it just started when you started coming off it, then it probably is just the drug. They effect movement and muscles.
Posted by morganator on April 15, 2010, at 21:13:57
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal » morganator, posted by conundrum on April 15, 2010, at 19:42:58
I did have problems with sporadic fatigue before stopping Zyprexa. But, the fatigue was much much worse while off Zyprexa.
Posted by morganator on April 15, 2010, at 21:19:37
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal » morganator, posted by Phillipa on April 15, 2010, at 19:41:37
> Morgan sorry I forgot did you have a Western Blot for lymes? I'm still positive with six bands Of IGG positive. Infection control doc has me now on 100mg of doxycycline twice a day. Will see that happens in next month as he said If Igg goes down that means the infection is at least less. If never had lymes first IGM rises then the IGG which stays high for years. IF have had lymes IGM will never rise again only the IGG so that's what he's following. Phillipa
I have been tested for Lyme, 3 times. From what I have read recently, and what Blueaberry told me, this does not necessarily mean that I do not have Lyme. I'm going to see a doctor in the next few weeks that is extremely thorough. My pdoc believes he will do everything possible to rule out any cause of my symptoms beyond medication, stress, and anxiety. I am hoping that he also does not believe that the testing for Lyme is completely accurate and he does whatever it takes to eliminate the possibility of Lyme. This might require being treated with antibiotics that are usually given to Lyme patients.
Posted by Phillipa on April 15, 2010, at 21:27:22
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal » Phillipa, posted by morganator on April 15, 2010, at 21:19:37
That's good. I wish I'd tested negative this time though as about 6 years since last treated . Can you believe the health dept wouldn't even acknowledge a paper that said positive? Because it's expensive to treat. First I had doxy only l0 days, then Rocepin via pic line in hospital, then two years of pulsing biaxin long acting. Infection doc said the biaxin is what took my taste and smell away. My biggest loss. No quality of life no smelling flowers, no tasting food. So also check the side effects of the antibiotics seriously. Back on doxy now got ll refills. I feel he'll take me off them when see him after two months if make it as rash. Not bad though just itch. Phillipa
Posted by conundrum on April 15, 2010, at 22:25:15
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal » Phillipa, posted by morganator on April 15, 2010, at 21:19:37
Its possible that you have Lyme's disease or its possible that you just imagine you do. I used to think I had fatigue and phsycial problems. Parasites, thyroid issues, leaky gut etc. I went to my doc and he gave me tests for absorbtion, thyroid, and liver, etc. Once I saw that my hormones, IGA, IGG, and absorbtion were fine the fatigue went away. It was totally mental. Not really there. I mean I used to get dead tired in the middle of the day and take naps and lay down, but once I held the test results in my hand it went away and now I only get tired mid day if I eat a lot, which is normal for most people. What a relief as well! Not to have that concern on my back.
I still have some joint pains, but I just ignore them, knowing they're part of depression.
Posted by morganator on April 15, 2010, at 22:36:25
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal » morganator, posted by conundrum on April 15, 2010, at 22:25:15
I think the fatigue could also be due to my brain simply not functioning properly on the medications I am on. I know that when I feel good on medications, fatigue is not an issue. Maybe it has something to do with how medications and depression/anxiety impact the HPA axis. Who knows. Whatever it is, I have never experienced it before and it seems to come without rhyme or reason.
Posted by conundrum on April 15, 2010, at 23:00:37
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal » conundrum, posted by morganator on April 15, 2010, at 22:36:25
Well it makes perfect sense that if you are still depressed that you will have fatigue and that when the drugs work you don't have this problem. Hope you find something that works soon, trialing drugs is so f**king annoying.
Posted by morganator on April 17, 2010, at 2:21:44
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal » morganator, posted by conundrum on April 15, 2010, at 23:00:37
Thanks..BTW, isn't the new pic a bit gay in a creepy sort of way.
Posted by morganator on April 17, 2010, at 3:11:07
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal » conundrum, posted by morganator on April 17, 2010, at 2:21:44
I would like to take back the gay comment, don't want to offend anyone.
Posted by Phillipa on April 17, 2010, at 19:52:31
In reply to Re: Zyprexa Withdrawal » morganator, posted by morganator on April 17, 2010, at 3:11:07
I don't like it either kind of creepy. Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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