FireflyFyte: Latuda withdrawal

[Thorin]

27 minutes ago, Willowman said:

 

You are correct! A better way of putting it would be: I have depression and anxiety which is not responding to the treatments made available to me.

 

Even many psychiatrists will admit that current treatments are woefully inadequate. I also think their method of diagnosing is also terribly inadequate. I’ll stop there I think lol.

29 minutes ago, Willowman said:

And you are also right in saying that psychiatrists make it look like that is somehow your fault. A very human response to feeling helpless I believe.

I think many psychiatrists can see that they’re not REALLY able to help a large number of people. It would be hard to realise that something you’ve devoted your life to doesn’t work a lot of the time. Unfortunately so many psychiatrists are incredibly arrogant and can’t admit that they’re either wrong, or aren’t equipped to help. My current psychiatrist (I see him every 6 months because that is what is required in order to continue prescribing) is a lovely, caring and highly intelligent man. But I can see he is very frustrated by the tools he has. He was the one that basically told me to stop taking SOME of my medication (I decided to stop taking the rest) and convinced me that I needed to do therapy rather than take medication. He has offered me other medications at times though (i guess that’s his job). He understands now that I need to stop all medication and has encouraged me at times saying I am on the correct path. Anyway, I’m off track. You’re not ‘treatment resistant’ this is not YOUR fault and there’s not something wrong with you (and that if there wasn’t they could help you). I don’t know whether you’ve found a great therapist ( I think it takes a GREAT therapist, not just an ok one) but hopefully you could work through some of the things you’re struggling with. I started that journey 12 months ago and it’s excruciatingly painful but my gut tells me I’m slowly heading in the right direction…… 

[FireflyFyte]

On 12/28/2022 at 10:49 PM, Willowman said:

You said you have trouble relaxing. Have you tried an active relaxation method like PME or slow yoga?

 

I do practice yoga occasionally but need to be more consistent with it. It's one of my goals for 2023. I also do coloring and crossword puzzles to try and relax.

On 12/28/2022 at 10:54 PM, Thorin said:

You say you have treatment resistant depression? I was just thinking about this earlier. Are you treatment resistant or are the treatment options not equipped to treat the depression? I don’t think it’s us that is the problem. I think the tools available aren’t very good (pharmacological tools anyway). When they say treatment resistant they make it sound like there’s something wrong with us rather than the available treatment options….

 

I think you are onto something here. 

[hayduke]

18 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

I do practice yoga occasionally but need to be more consistent with it. It's one of my goals for 2023. I also do coloring and crossword puzzles to try and relax.

Yoga is one of the best things.  I wish I could get to class more often than I can, but it remains a keystone of recovery.

[FireflyFyte]

8 hours ago, hayduke said:

Yoga is one of the best things.  I wish I could get to class more often than I can, but it remains a keystone of recovery.

 

I tend to do yoga following instructors on YouTube but it might be helpful to attend some classes in person.

[FireflyFyte]

Yesterday's log -

• FitBit Sleep Score of 78
• 7:00 AM : Wake up (slept through the night)
• 7:45 AM: Gabapentin (300mg)
• 8:00 AM: Breakfast (think! bar and coffee)
• 9:45 AM: Prozac (40mg)
• 10:00 AM: Walk the pups (25 minutes)
• 12:15 PM: Lunch (pizza)
• 4:45 PM: Gabapentin (300mg)
• 5:10 PM: Dinner (jalapeno chicken and cauliflower)
• 7:00 PM: Zyprexa (2.5mg)
• 9:00 PM: Gabapentin (300mg)

Had periods of depression and loneliness during the second half of the day. I believe I might start my period soon which might explain these feelings.

 

Also, have spaced the Gabapentin and Prozac as well as the Gabapentin and Zyprexa so will stay on this schedule to ensure they are taken at least two hours apart.

 

My plan is to start my taper in February, should I begin introducing magnesium now or wait until I begin the taper?

[FireflyFyte]

Yesterday's log -

• 7:00 AM: Wake up. Woke up a few times in the early morning.
• 7:45 AM: Gabapentin (300mg)
• 8:30 AM: Breakfast (think! bar and coffee)
• 10:00 AM: Prozac (40mg)
• 10:15 AM: Walk the pups (25 minutes)
• 11:45 AM: Lunch (pizza)
• 5:00 PM: Gabapentin (300mg)
• 5:30 PM: Dinner (green chile chicken and cauliflower)
• 7:00 PM: Zyprexa (2.5mg)
• 9:00 PM: Gabapentin (300mg)
• 10:00 PM: Fell asleep

Overall, felt better yesterday but I am still struggling with motivation so need to find better non-drug ways to accomplish more in the day. I already use a whiteboard planner on my fridge to mark off tasks as I accomplish them but seems I need something more. Open to any suggestions that members may have.

 

I also met with my new therapist yesterday and told her that concerns about my upcoming taper is occupying too much of my brain space so it will be something that we work on together. She seemed to understand my concerns given how badly my withdrawal from Latuda went so appreciate that I will have her as part of my support system during this process. The more the merrier, right?

 

 

[FireflyFyte]

I ordered some omega-3 fish oil and magnesium supplements that should get delivered today or tomorrow. I am planning to start the fish oil first and if no adverse effects in two weeks will add the magnesium supplement so that I will have another two weeks before I start the conversion from the pill form of Olanzapine to a compounded liquid form. Hopefully this plan makes sense.

 

I already checked and magnesium can affect gabapentin so will ensure I space the dosing of those two by at least two hours.

[FireflyFyte]

Haven't kept great logs the last few days but today is the second day of taking omega-3 fish oil with my breakfast and haven't noticed any adverse effects thus far. I will continue taking for two weeks and if there are still no issues will try introducing magnesium.

[manymoretodays]

That's okay.  It looks like you've got your drugs spaced out from each other now.  And I'm still not seeing any symptoms of note or even noted.  Are you just in a medicated goo type state now?

On 1/3/2023 at 11:38 AM, FireflyFyte said:

already checked and magnesium can affect gabapentin so will ensure I space the dosing of those two by at least two hours.

 

And good.  This way you will adjust to the 2 supplements prior to starting tapering.  I think having the omega's on board and at dosage might help during withdrawal.  I look at the omega's as a stabilizing force for me now.  You may need to split the dosage up throughout the day so you don't have to take massive capsules all at once.

Magnesium I have always found calming, and often works best is taken orally, split as well.

 

Review those links, tons of information in them:

BASIC SUPPLEMENT TOOLKIT

King of supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

On 1/3/2023 at 6:43 AM, FireflyFyte said:

Overall, felt better yesterday but I am still struggling with motivation so need to find better non-drug ways to accomplish more in the day. I already use a whiteboard planner on my fridge to mark off tasks as I accomplish them but seems I need something more. Open to any suggestions that members may have.

 

I also met with my new therapist yesterday and told her that concerns about my upcoming taper is occupying too much of my brain space so it will be something that we work on together. She seemed to understand my concerns given how badly my withdrawal from Latuda went so appreciate that I will have her as part of my support system during this process. The more the merrier, right?

 

That's your drugs.  Working how they work unfortunately.........

At least you are stabilizing or stable prior to beginning to taper. 

I honestly think you could begin pretty soon.  You might as well get onto the supplements now.  And I think February will roll around pretty quickly as far as a begin taper month.

 

Gabapentin can be pretty subduing too, for some.  So that may be keeping you real chill, a bit blah or de-motivated too.

 

Yes, I sure hope your therapist will go the distance with your wishes, and not cave at the first sign of a WD(withdrawal) symptom.  I hope she will encourage and learn more perhaps about this whole thing.  Does she specialize in any specific coping skill set training?  Some do.  Or ask her if she'd help you learn more about a practice you are interested in......and then help you practice it, the practice.  You're in charge.  She's on your payroll.....something we sometimes forget after being somewhat beaten down in the system to believing we are so ill.

 

Hugs FfF.  I appreciate so much your patience and being willing to wait a little while before just jumping into tapering again.  I know how hard it was back when you did the hospital.  You are doing great!!!

 

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

[FireflyFyte]

15 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

That's okay.  It looks like you've got your drugs spaced out from each other now.  And I'm still not seeing any symptoms of note or even noted.  Are you just in a medicated goo type state now?

 

Yes, think I am in a stable state at the moment. A bit unmotivated and some mild periods of depression and anxiety but not of much note. Should I halt the logs until I start my taper?

 

15 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

That's your drugs.  Working how they work unfortunately.........

At least you are stabilizing or stable prior to beginning to taper. 

I honestly think you could begin pretty soon.  You might as well get onto the supplements now.  And I think February will roll around pretty quickly as far as a begin taper month.

 

I might wait until March to start as I now have a vacation booked for the beginning of March and not sure I want to risk experiencing withdrawals while there but will make a decision on that front in a few weeks.

 

15 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

Yes, I sure hope your therapist will go the distance with your wishes, and not cave at the first sign of a WD(withdrawal) symptom.  I hope she will encourage and learn more perhaps about this whole thing.  Does she specialize in any specific coping skill set training?  Some do.  Or ask her if she'd help you learn more about a practice you are interested in......and then help you practice it, the practice.  You're in charge.  She's on your payroll.....something we sometimes forget after being somewhat beaten down in the system to believing we are so ill.

 

She seemed to believe me when I told her about my withdrawal experience with Latuda so don't think she will shy away if I have some experiences with tapering off of the Zyprexa/Olanzapine. She focuses on DBT, talk therapy, and exposure therapy.

 

15 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

Hugs FfF.  I appreciate so much your patience and being willing to wait a little while before just jumping into tapering again.  I know how hard it was back when you did the hospital.  You are doing great!!!

 

Thank you so much 💜 I don the like the idea of staying on these drugs any longer than I need to but I recognize that it is important to be stable before I begin so I will continue to introduce the supplements and then transition from pill form to a compounded liquid, stabilize on that for a bit, and then make my first 5% cut.

[FireflyFyte]

Yesterday's log -

• 7:00 AM: Wake up. Lots of dreaming so didn't feel well rested.
• 8:00 AM: Gabapentin (300mg)
• 8:15 AM: Breakfast (think! bar and coffee) and Omega-3 Fish Oil (1,250mg)
• 10:10 AM: Prozac (40mg)
• 12:30 PM: Lunch (pesto chicken panini and chips)
• 2:10 PM: Gabapentin (300mg)
• 5:10 PM: Dinner (goat cheese risotto and carrots)
• 7:00 PM: Zyprexa (2.5mg)
• 9:00 PM: Gabapentin (300mg)
• 10:00 PM: Fell asleep

Another day where I struggled with motivation but managed to get a few things done at work that I had been dragging my feet on so that felt nice. No noticeable periods of anxiety or depression. 

[FireflyFyte]

I haven't kept great logs the last few days but trying to get back into the habit. Haven't noticed any ill effects from taking 1,250mg of Omega-3 Fish Oil so will continue taking that and  add Magnesium in a little over a week.

 

My original plan was to switch to a compounded liquid but I have concerns about making the transition so might try making my own liquid compound following @hayduke's lead as I can make a slow transition using the pills and know that I am getting my full dose. I really don't want to accidently kick off withdrawals by not getting a full dose while attempting to transition to the compounded liquid.

 

I picked up a new prescription of Olanzapine last week and it was from a different manufacturer. I am really hoping that the switch doesn't cause any problems but I had a bad reaction when the same happened with my Wellbutrin several years ago. I really wish they would stick to a single manufacturer.  

 

Had something happen yesterday that really should have triggered a lot of emotions but it hasn't yet which is an indicator to me that the Olanzapine is numbing my emotions. I am looking forward to beginning my taper and having more pronounced feelings once again.

[Altostrata]

@FireflyFyte you are taking a lot of drugs! No wonder you often feel "unmotivated", many people would be immobilized by your drug burden.

[FireflyFyte]

5 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

@FireflyFyte you are taking a lot of drugs! No wonder you often feel "unmotivated", many people would be immobilized by your drug burden.

 

I am, thankfully, able to work full-time (though probably not at my best capacity), maintain my house, care for my pets, and even socialize to a degree but it is often difficult to find the motivation. Hopefully I'll feel a bit more pep as I begin to taper down the Olanzapine and once done with that am planning on a six month break before beginning to taper down the Gabapentin.

[j1290]

6 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

I picked up a new prescription of Olanzapine last week and it was from a different manufacturer. I am really hoping that the switch doesn't cause any problems but I had a bad reaction when the same happened with my Wellbutrin several years ago. I really wish they would stick to a single manufacturer.  

Those generics really are something, aren't they?!?  My last pharmacy switched me to a different generic Wellbutrin and it knocked my socks off.   I never knew how different they could be.  Now I'm using a pharmacy that lets me select the manufacturer instead of getting an unwelcome surprise when I go pick up my pills!

 

1 hour ago, FireflyFyte said:

I am, thankfully, able to work full-time (though probably not at my best capacity)

I know that all too well.  I've just accepted I'm not at my best, unfortunately it can't be helped.  

 

1 hour ago, Altostrata said:

many people would be immobilized by your drug burden.

Altostrata has a good point.  Honestly I never had a clue how heavily medicated I was myself until trying to get off the Bupropion, and I started reading how other people were on much smaller doses.   We should all get medals for getting off of these pills.   

 

Always enjoy your updates!

[FireflyFyte]

14 hours ago, j1290 said:

Those generics really are something, aren't they?!?  My last pharmacy switched me to a different generic Wellbutrin and it knocked my socks off.   I never knew how different they could be.  Now I'm using a pharmacy that lets me select the manufacturer instead of getting an unwelcome surprise when I go pick up my pills!

 

It is incredibly frustrating. When it happened with my Wellbutrin, I started sweating profusely and had no clue what was going on until I realized it was a side effect from the new manufacturer. I am hoping this time will be uneventful.

 

14 hours ago, j1290 said:

I know that all too well.  I've just accepted I'm not at my best, unfortunately it can't be helped.  

 

I am struggling to accept it but is something I need to work on. While I might not be working at my best, I am doing my best at work and that's what's important.

 

14 hours ago, j1290 said:

Altostrata has a good point.  Honestly I never had a clue how heavily medicated I was myself until trying to get off the Bupropion, and I started reading how other people were on much smaller doses.   We should all get medals for getting off of these pills.   

 

Always enjoy your updates!

 

Thank you 💜

 

How are you doing with your taper? What was your starting dose?

[FireflyFyte]

Yesterday's log -

• 6:00 AM: Wake up (little earlier than usual for me)
• 7:10 AM: Gabapentin (300mg)
• 7:50 AM: Breakfast (think! bar and coffee)
• 8:00 AM: Omega-3 Fish Oil (1,250mg)
• 10:00 AM: Walk the pups (25 minutes)
• 10:40 AM: Prozac (40mg)
• 11:40 AM: Lunch (1/2 apple, almonds, and cheese)
• 2:30 PM: Gabapentin (300mg)
• 2:40 PM: Feeling exhausted and unmotivated
• 5:00 PM: Yoga (25 minutes)
• 5:45 PM: Dinner (Greek Feta Chicken Bowl)
• 7:30 PM: Zyprexa (2.5mg)
• 9:30 PM: Gabapentin (300mg)
• 10:00 PM: Fell asleep

Over the last few days, my sleep hasn't been as consistent. I am curious if I am building up a tolerance to Gabapentin and/or Zyprexa/Olanzapine and they are not acting as sedating as before. I will continue to monitor this.

 

It's been a week using the omega-3 fish oil and no ill effects so will introduce the magnesium next week. I am thinking of taking it twice a day and will space it out from the Gabapentin.

 

I really had to push myself to practice yoga yesterday but glad that I did. I am planning on another session tonight and might look up studios in my area. I could probably use some help with my form.

[j1290]

4 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

I am hoping this time will be uneventful.

I hope so too.  

 

4 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

I am doing my best at work and that's what's important.

 

I put my manager hat on and say what would I ask of someone, and the answer is do your best.  My work will be good enough, or it won't, but if I do my best then I have no regrets.  I've had some close calls, but somehow still haven't been fired.  

 

4 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

How are you doing with your taper? What was your starting dose?

Years ago I was on the max dose of Effexor and Wellbutrin, tapered off the Effexor over 3+ years.  I started an unsuccessful taper 18 months ago, then reinstated and restarted a new taper about 6 months ago, from 450mg down to 260mg.   All things considered, my taper is going pretty well.  Glad to be getting closer to the goal!

[FireflyFyte]

1 hour ago, j1290 said:

I put my manager hat on and say what would I ask of someone, and the answer is do your best.  My work will be good enough, or it won't, but if I do my best then I have no regrets.  I've had some close calls, but somehow still haven't been fired.  

 

I am a manager and try to approach my employees this way so hopefully my manager follows the same approach. I had to take 6 weeks off this year and thankfully returned to a supportive environment.

 

1 hour ago, j1290 said:

Years ago I was on the max dose of Effexor and Wellbutrin, tapered off the Effexor over 3+ years.  I started an unsuccessful taper 18 months ago, then reinstated and restarted a new taper about 6 months ago, from 450mg down to 260mg.   All things considered, my taper is going pretty well.  Glad to be getting closer to the goal!

 

That is wonderful - congratulations! I read through your thread and have to commend you for following the slow and steady approach. It seems to be working for you thus far.

[Altostrata]

Damned if I can figure out why you're taking gabapentin at all. I guess your psychiatrist wanted to make sure you were fully tanked up with a variety of drugs, just in case. I am struck by the stupidity of every one of her recommendations. Is she a graduate of Harvard Medical School?

[FireflyFyte]

12 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Damned if I can figure out why you're taking gabapentin at all. I guess your psychiatrist wanted to make sure you were fully tanked up with a variety of drugs, just in case. I am struck by the stupidity of every one of her recommendations. Is she a graduate of Harvard Medical School?

 

I was put on my current cocktail while I was inpatient so wasn't exactly my psychiatrist's decision she supports it. She has agreed to my slow taper of Zyprexa but seems to think that Gabapentin has promise as a mood stabilizer so not sure she will be as understanding when I want to taper that one. I won't be ready to taper it for a few years so can worry about it at that stage.

[FireflyFyte]

Yesterday's log -

• 5:30 - 7:00 AM: Tossed and turned
• 7:25 AM: Wake up
• 7:30 AM: Gabapentin (300mg)
• 8:00 AM: Breakfast (think! bar and coffee)
• 8:15 AM: Omega-3 Fish Oil (1,250mg)
• 9:30 AM: Prozac (40mg)
• 10:00 AM: Indigestion (3/10)
• 10:15 AM: Walked the pups (25 minutes)
• 11:45 AM: Lunch (stuffed pepper casserole)
• 3:00 PM: Gabapentin (300mg)
• 4:45 PM: Yoga (25 minutes)
• 7:00 PM: Zyprexa (2.5mg - new manufacturer)
• 9:00 PM: Gabapentin (300mg)
• 9:30 PM: Fell asleep

Last night was the first dose of the Zyprexa/Olanzapine from the new manufacturer which so far so good but am well aware that it might take a few days for effects to surface. Hopefully they don't but I know that I am not out of the woods yet.

 

I also noticed that I had some indigestion yesterday which I think is related to the Omega-3 Fish Oil so going to keep track of that and see if it settles. 

[Altostrata]

6 hours ago, FireflyFyte said:

seems to think that Gabapentin has promise as a mood stabilizer so not sure she will be as understanding when I want to taper that one

 

If by "mood stabilizer" you mean that it will keep you groggy all day.

 

Psychiatric drug regimens are a product of the doctor's belief system. There is no scientific basis for any of these assumptions. BTW, Prozac is not a calming drug and increasing your dosage, which is already sizable, will not be anxiolytic.

 

Your doctor is working for you. If you decide your drug regimen is not working, you have to right to go off it, you don't need the doctor's permission -- though cooperation would be helpful.

 

However, your decision to first go off Zyprexa, which is a powerful and truly dangerous drug, is correct.

 

Please understand if you go to the hospital and tell them you are suicidal, you will come out on some random combination of drugs, as before, possibly even more disabling. They do not want you to have the will to suicide and couldn't care less about you keeping your job.

 

[FireflyFyte]

3 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Your doctor is working for you. If you decide your drug regimen is not working, you have to right to go off it, you don't need the doctor's permission -- though cooperation would be helpful.

 

I agree and hope my psychiatrist will be cooperative and, if not, my PCP has already said that she would fill any prescriptions that I need.

 

4 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

However, your decision to first go off Zyprexa, which is a powerful and truly dangerous drug, is correct.

 

Thank you, I do feel this is the right move given how powerful Zyprexa is and the long list of potential side effects. I am eager to begin my taper but trying to be patient.

 

5 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Please understand if you go to the hospital and tell them you are suicidal, you will come out on some random combination of drugs, as before, possibly even more disabling. They do not want you to have the will to suicide and couldn't care less about you keeping your job.

 

I have been inpatient twice so am fully aware of the drug train they are operating which is why I want to avoid having horrendous withdrawals again so I can not be hospitalized. I want off the Zyprexa/Olanzapine but understand that I need to taper as safely as possible to continue to work and be functional. It will take me at least 20 months to taper off, by following the 5% drop every two weeks method, and possibly longer if I need to add in any holds or do smaller drops.

[FireflyFyte]

Yesterday's log -

• 7:00 AM: Wake up
• 8:00 AM: Breakfast (think! bar and coffee)
• 8:15 AM: Gabapentin (300mg) and Omega-3 Fish Oil (1,250mg)
• 10:15 AM: Prozac (40mg)
• 10:30 AM: Walked the pups (25 minutes)
• 11:15 AM: Indigestion (1/10)
• 11:45 AM: Lunch (1/2 apple, almonds, and cheese)
• 2:15 PM: Gabapentin (300mg)
• 5:00 PM: Dinner (pizza)
• 7:30 PM: Zyprexa (2.5mg - 2nd day of new manufacturer)
• 9:30 PM: Gabapentin (300mg)
• 10:00 PM: Fell asleep

Experienced some mild indigestion around the same time yesterday so I do think it's related to the omega-3 fish oil but it wasn't as pronounced so am hoping it will pass as a side effect. It's manageable though so would prefer to handle it and continue taking the supplement.

 

My motivation was OK yesterday but still struggling to work optimally. I am happy that I have a three day weekend coming up and might have a conversation with my boss about my upcoming taper so he knows I might have to take occasional days off to manage symptoms. 

[Altostrata]

What we need to see in your daily notes is your symptom pattern before and after each dose.

 

It's very likely your "anxiety" symptoms are paradoxical reactions to the excessive amounts of gabapentin you are taking all day long, and your disorientation is likewise due to your overall drug overdosing. If so, you're not going to "stabilize" on this cocktail, it's the cocktail that's causing your problems.

 

What is your objective at this point? 

 

If you've decided to reduce Zyprexa, that's as good as any place to start in your entirely questionable regimen, so if that's decided, there's no point in continuing your daily notes.

 

Please note that we do not treat depression, "treatment-resistant" or otherwise, here, nor can we respond to emergencies. If you feel you need to follow your psychiatrist's instructions in order to control your mental condition (whatever it might be), you will need to take your questions to her, because most likely our advice to minimize your drug burden would conflict with hers.

 

It's appalling that she does not recognize that you are experiencing adverse effects of her excessive drug regimen and that she wants you to stay drugged up until March. If you have hinted at suicide, keeping you somewhat disabled is her strategy for covering her own a**.

 

 

[FireflyFyte]

42 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

What is your objective at this point? 

 

If you've decided to reduce Zyprexa, that's as good as any place to start in your entirely questionable regimen, so if that's decided, there's no point in continuing your daily notes.

 

My objective is to start my Zyprexa taper in early-to-mid February. 

 

I will discontinue my notes - don't want to clutter here unnecessarily. 

 

44 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

It's appalling that she does not recognize that you are experiencing adverse effects of her excessive drug regimen and that she wants you to stay drugged up until March. If you have hinted at suicide, keeping you somewhat disabled is her strategy for covering her own a**.

 

We have an appointment for February 7th where I am going to ask for the compounded liquid so I can transition from the pill to the liquid in early February and then begin the taper. I'm not going to wait until March. I think I am as stable as I will be so no point in waiting another month. 

[Altostrata]

1 hour ago, FireflyFyte said:

I think I am as stable as I will be so no point in waiting another month. 

 

I'd agree. Could be that reducing the Zyprexa will also relieve some of the daytime grogginess.

[FireflyFyte]

14 hours ago, Altostrata said:

I'd agree. Could be that reducing the Zyprexa will also relieve some of the daytime grogginess.

 

My pharmacy just switched the manufacturer of my Zyprexa/Olanzapine so going to give it a week on this manufacturer and then will start the transition to liquid so I will be ready to start my taper at the end of January/beginning of February. Hopefully it will lift some of the daily grogginess.

 

I will also be introducing magnesium today as I have been on the omega-3 for just over a week and am tolerating it fairly well outside of occasional indigestion so hopefully adding the magnesium doesn't add any bumps in the road. Planning to split my dose between lunch and dinner so it's with food and spaced away from my Gabapentin doses.

[Altostrata]

Magnesium is best taken in small doses throughout the day. 

[FireflyFyte]

On 1/13/2023 at 3:16 PM, Altostrata said:

Magnesium is best taken in small doses throughout the day. 

 

I need to space it two hours from my Gabapentin and the bottle says to take it with food and water which is why I decided to split the dose between lunch and dinner but can work on spreading it more evenly throughout the day but apart from my Gabapentin.

 

Last night, I started the transition to a homemade liquid but am worried that Zyprexa/Olanzapine doesn't disperse evenly in water. I put 1/4 of a pill in 25ml of water, put it in the fridge for an hour, took it out, and mixed it with a coffee stirrer but there were a lot of visible, white pieces which might just be filler/casings but has me nervous that my doses won't be even utilizing this method. 

 

@hayduke - when you dissolved your pills, did you have a similar experience? My idea is at the beginning of my taper to take out the reduction (1.25ml to start which is a 5% drop) and drink the rest but when I tried to drink it last night noticed some white pieces stuck to the container. Again, maybe it's just the casing but am worried. I have a scale so could try filing down the pill but also worried that won't be super accurate when down to lower doses.

 

Yes, I am already stressed out about this 😅

[Altostrata]

See Tips for tapering off olanzapine (Zyprexa)
 

[FireflyFyte]

16 hours ago, Altostrata said:

See Tips for tapering off olanzapine (Zyprexa)
 

 

Thank you, have read through that and have followed Rhi's instructions but suppose I was looking for additional reassurance which is something I need to work on with my therapist.

 

Last night, took 3/4 of my pill normally and 1/4 suspended in 25ml of water. Tonight, I will take 1/2 of my pill normally and the other 1/2 pill suspended in 25ml of water. So far, haven't noticed any effects from the transition but acknowledge that I might not feel anything different for 4+ days after a change anyway. The plan is to continue my transition and make my first 5% cut on Sunday.

[Altostrata]

You do not need to take your entire dose in liquid form. You may wish to take half a tablet with the rest in liquid, taper from the liquid portion.

[FireflyFyte]

14 hours ago, Altostrata said:

You do not need to take your entire dose in liquid form. You may wish to take half a tablet with the rest in liquid, taper from the liquid portion.

 

As long as I tolerate the switch, which I have thus far, it's easier for me math wise to reduce if my entire dose is liquid. Last night was 1/2 pill and 1/2 liquid so will do that again this evening before moving onto 1/4 pill and 3/4 liquid. Will be on path to make my first cut Sunday night.

[FireflyFyte]

Have been dealing with some increased anxiety today but it's difficult to know if it is related to the transition to liquid (I hope not) or with some difficulties I have had arise in my life recently including an ex reappearing and then disappearing once more, concerns about my performance at work, and the realization that I have a lot to unpack and address as I begin talking with a new therapist including a possible OCD diagnosis (no, I am not planning to address it with medication but hope to learn new coping skills if applicable).

 

My stomach has also been iffy today but think that is probably related to indulging in chicken and waffles for dinner last night versus an adverse reaction to the liquid transition 😅

 

I have to get through the work day but am planning on trying to address the anxiety with some of my go-to coping skills tonight including yoga (am so glad that Yoga with Adrienne has a new series to follow), journaling, and reading. My therapist brought up building additional go-tos when my brain is being a "jerk" (there is another word I would like to use but will refrain) which I agree with so will see what we can discover together.