AFAF: tapering journey (lexapro 20mg, olanzapine 2.5mg)

[AFAF]

Hi I am currently on lexapro and olanzapine. The olanzapine was used to augment my ssri. I've been feeling flat for a while now. I am not sure if it is the depression or the medication. I am somewhat stable (albeit perhaps lower/flatter mood than most) but am considering waiting a month or longer to check if I am stable enough to start tapering. I have read a lot of stuff here and the tips to taper olanzapine (which I will do first) and will do it liquid based and perhaps 5% of current dose every two weeks and speed up if things are ok, and see if anything improves. May lessen lexapro after a break after tapering olanzapine perhaps or see how I feel post taper of olanzapine.

 

I feel right now it is a big balance of becoming more stable/healthy before tapering as well weighing it up against the side effects of the medication (some cognitive/memory decline and fatty liver/high cholesterol). I guess if things don't go well I can reinstate the olanzapine so that's a possibility. I just worry I don't have the motivation each day to measure the dosages but once I start it probably won't be a big deal I hope. If anyone has any tips or insights I appreciate them? I'll keep posting on my journey once I start it. Thanks.

Edited October 27, 2023 by FireflyFyte
updated title

[FireflyFyte]

Hi AFAF,

 

Welcome to SA. Thank you for summarizing your drug history in your signature.

 

It appears that you have read them already but, just in case, you can find tips for tapering Olanzapine at Tips for tapering off Zyprexa (olanzapine).

 

3 hours ago, AFAF said:

will do it liquid based

 

If you plan to taper via a liquid solution, we encourage a slow switch from pill form to liquid form to ensure there are no issues with a new medium. A schedule for a switch could be -

• 4-7 days at 3/4 pill and 1/4 liquid
• 4-7 days at 1/2 pill and 1/2 liquid
• 4-7 days at 1/4 pill and 3/4 liquid
• 4-7 days at 4/4 liquid

3 hours ago, AFAF said:

I just worry I don't have the motivation each day to measure the dosages but once I start it probably won't be a big deal I hope.

 

I have been making a liquid solution for tapering Olanzapine since January and it can be slightly annoying sometimes, especially if I wait too late in the day to make it, but it is usually a fairly fast and straight forward process.

 

Thanks,

 

Firefly

[hayduke]

On 10/27/2023 at 7:48 PM, AFAF said:

I just worry I don't have the motivation each day to measure the dosages but once I start it probably won't be a big deal I hope.

Sounds like a sensible taper plan overall.  One thing that makes the daily dosing easier is an adjustable pipette that will draw out the amount you dial in on it.

 

There's a good amount of info on withdrawing from olanzapine here:  

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/3743-tips-for-tapering-off-zyprexa-olanzapine/

and general info on making a liquid suspension here:

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/3743-tips-for-tapering-off-zyprexa-olanzapine/

Cheers

 

[AFAF]

Thank you for the replies guys. Ok I will transition to liquid slowly and at the current dose. Does it matter what syringe I use? I worry the syrine will be too small to suck up the medication. I will be using the orodispersible tablets to create the solution soon.

 

Also syringe says discard after use. Can I reuse them?

[LotusRising]

11 hours ago, AFAF said:

Also syringe says discard after use. Can I reuse them?

 

I reused my syringes. Just rinsed and let dry. Also, if you have trouble with the black measurements wearing off, you can put a piece of clear taper over it, which will extend the life of the syringe. 

[AFAF]

Well I've finished tapering perhaps I should have slowed down more at the end but the withdrawal is bad but bearable. I have insomnia mainly which is the main problem and lack of energy/motivation. Anxiety is back but not too bad. I had been on this for 2.5 years or so I believe. How long should I expect the withdrawals to last for roughly? I worry it will be a long time. Thanks!

[hayduke]

Did you follow the 10%/month tapering guidelines, @AFAF?