dshoemaker: Zyprexa

[dshoemaker]

I am on my fourth try of stopping Zyprexa. I was on 5 mg for one year. I also take 10 mg of Lexapro. On my first try I took 2.5mg for two weeks, then 1.25mg for two weeks, then stop. I felt  sick most the time but when I went to zero, things went from bad to worse. I had constant vomiting, no desire to eat and I was so dizzy I could hardly stand-up. After two weeks I gave-up and took a 2.5 mg pill. I felt better that day and after two days I felt normal.

 

On my second try I was crushing the tablet and mixing with Ora-Plus. Ora-Plus is a suspension liquid that is suppose to allow for even mixing. Even after vigorous mixing I still had chunks  of Zyprexa in the liquid . I didn't feel confident of even mixing so I stopped using the Ora-Plus.

 

Next I tried DMSO. I crushed the Zyprexa and added 10ml of DMSO. This dissolved the Zyprexa. I then added 190 ml of distilled water. This caused the Zyprexa to re-crystalized and quickly sink to the bottom. Plus the DMSO taste horrible.

 

Currently I am using a jewelry scale. I crush the tablet and then measure the required amount. I use a 5mg tablet versus the 2.5mg tablet because the 2.5mg tablet is coated. I plan on decreasing the amount by 10% every month. I am concerned about the accuracy with lower amounts but if I have any problems I will post them.

[ChessieCat]

Hi dshoemaker and welcome to SA,

 

We ask all members to create a drug signature.  Please update it whenever you make a change.  Please keep it nice and simple.  We only need details for the last 2 years.  Date, drug and dose only, no symptoms or diagnoses.  The other years can just be an overview.  

 

This is the preferred format which is helpful for the mods.  Thank you.

 

A request: Would you summarize your history in a signature - ALL drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 2 years particularly?

• Please leave out symptoms and diagnoses.
• A list is easier to understand than one or multiple paragraphs. 

• Any drugs prior to 2 years ago can just be listed with start and stop years.
• Please use actual dates or approximate dates (mid-June, Late October) rather than relative time frames (last week, 3 months ago)
• Spell out months, e.g. "October" or "Oct."; 9/1/2016 can be interpreted as Jan. 9, 2016 or Sept. 1, 2016.
• Link to Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.Before you begin tapering what you need to know

 

I'm going to give you lots of links to check out.  Please don't feel overwhelmed, just work your way through them one at a time as you feel able.

 

SA recommends tapering by no more than 10% of the previous dose followed by a hold at that dose for about 4 weeks to allow the brain to adapt to not getting as much of the drug.  This is because psychiatric drugs create a physiological dependence, not physical like caffeine or nicotine.

 

Patience is needed to get off these drugs.  We suggest throwing out the calendar and listening to your body and your symptoms.  If after 4 weeks you don't feel stable, are unwell or life circumstances are a bit more stressful than usual (for example the Christmas period, winter time, or job change) it is better to stay at that dose for a bit longer until things settle down.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Taking multiple psych drugs? Which drug to taper first?

 

Tips for tapering off olanzapine (Zyprexa)

 

Tips for tapering off Lexapro (escitalopram)

 

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's Withdrawal Symptoms

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?

What should I expect from my doctor about withdrawal symptoms?

 

Brain Remodelling

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

Keep it Simple, Slow and Stable

Keep Notes on Paper

 

Rate Symptoms Daily to Check Patterns and Progress

Tapering Calculator - Online

 

The only supplements which SA recommends are Magnesium and Omega-3 Fish Oil.  Try a small amount one at a time to see how you react.  It is best to make only 1 change at a time.  It is also better not to start taking a complex vitamin because if you experience issues you will not know what exactly is causing it.  B vitamins can be stimulating especially B6.  hypersensitive-to-b-vitamin-or-b-vitamin-complex  If trying anything new, start with a small amount to see how you react and build up to the recommended amount.  

 

Even with a careful and slow taper you will most likely experience times of discomfort.  It is best to learn and use Non-drug techniques to cope

 

There are many existing topics and discussions on this site.  You can use the site search function on the main page of the site at the top right, or use a search engine and include survivingantidepressants.org in your search string.

 

As I said, lots of information, but I really want you to have what you need so you can have a successful taper.

 

This is your own Intro topic where you can ask questions and journal your progress.  We suggest that members visit each others Intro topics so that can support and encourage each other.