rubywednesday Posted May 6, 2021 Share Posted May 6, 2021 Hi, I've been on Olanzapine for over 15+ years (I'm 57), mostly on 20 mgs (but occasionally as high as 30mg). Someone put me on 200 mg Quetiapine and 10 mg Olanzapine last year and the depression was debilitating so I was weaned off the quetiapine over about a month. I got quite bad mood swings, dizziness, anxiety, insomnia etc but I got through it. Then I was on 10 mg Olanzapine for about 5 months until I tried unsuccessfully to reduce gradually to 5 mg but had to go back on the 10 mg for another 3 months. My new psychiatrist wants to take me off all my medication completely (I'm also on 60 mg Duloxetine) reducing over the next year. So for the last 18 days I've been on 7.5 mg Olanzapine but I'm getting quite bad mood swings and irritability. I'm really stressed and angry in the mornings, not bad in the afternoons but feel a little 'high' in the evenings (I was diagnosed with bipolar, which I believe I do have, but it has been changed to borderline personality disorder (BPD) by the new psychiatrist). I'm under a lot of stress which I thought was making me wake up several times in the night but now I'm wondering if it's the Olanzapine withdrawal is why I can't sleep right through (I used to find it extremely hard to get to sleep but rarely woke up during the night). I'm trying to look after myself, I don't drink (or take drugs), take regular exercise, go to bed at the same time (and use aromatherapy oils), meditate and try and eat well. I fell out with my ex-partner (we're still very close) and sister today which has led me to believe that this isn't BPD but withdrawal symptoms from the Olanzapine. I also read on WEBMD that personality disorder can be a side effect of Olanzapine and wondered if anybody can shed any light on that? Thanks for reading and I look forward to any advice/reading your own journeys. 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 9, 2021 Administrator Share Posted May 9, 2021 Welcome, @rubywednesday When did you reduce olanzapine to 7.5mg? Your symptoms sound like withdrawal symptoms. There is no reason to put your nervous system through that, and withdrawal insomnia is not good. That dosage decrease was too big. Here are our Tips for tapering off olanzapine (Zyprexa to discuss with your doctor. On 5/6/2021 at 12:34 PM, rubywednesday said: I also read on WEBMD that personality disorder can be a side effect of Olanzapine and wondered if anybody can shed any light on that? This does not seem possible to me. The fact is, doctors do not understand these drugs or their effects very well, they don't listen to patients properly, and they quite commonly mistake drug adverse effects for psychiatric illness, which of course demands more drugs. Misdiagnosis is rampant in psychiatry. To help us out, follow these instructions Please put your drug and withdrawal history in your signature You may need to use a computer to do this. Please let us know how you're doing. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted May 9, 2021 Author Share Posted May 9, 2021 @Altostrata Hi Altostrata, thank you so much for your advice. I reduced the Olanzapine on 19 Apr 2021, I realise now it was a big reduction but I think I'm coping with it. I don't work so I don't need to get up early if I've had a bad night's sleep and generally I'm not feeling too bad even though I waken in the night and funnily enough I seem to be getting to sleep better on the lower dose. I read on this site that you advise reducing the Duloxetine prior to quitting the Olanzapine which I'm keen to do once I stabilise on the 7.5 mg Olanzapine (ie sleeping right through). I was hoping to do this by counting the beads and dropping about 10% every few weeks and then tackling the Olanzapine once I have the Duloxetine out of my system. I would be very grateful if you could advise if you think this is a sensible plan? Thanks again for taking the time to read my post and any advice is gratefully received. 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 9, 2021 Administrator Share Posted May 9, 2021 Yes, you might reduce duloxetine while you hold at a low dose of quetiapine. I would not make another drug change until your withdrawal symptoms have gone away entirely. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted May 10, 2021 Author Share Posted May 10, 2021 @Altostrata Thanks Alto, I won't make any changes until I can sleep right through. My mood seems to have stabilised, had a good day today, long may it last. Ruby xx 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted June 26, 2021 Author Share Posted June 26, 2021 I've reduced my olanzapine from 7.5mg to 6.25mg from 24 June 21. Ok so far although I did struggle to get to sleep last night. Had a good day today. 1 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted June 27, 2021 Author Share Posted June 27, 2021 Day 4, another good day despite waking in the night. 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted June 28, 2021 Author Share Posted June 28, 2021 Day 5, struggled to get to sleep about 2 am, didn't have a very good night, awake 5.30 - 7.30 am but slept to 11.15am. Mild anxiety but overall a good day. 11.30 am 60 mg duloxetine 10.30 pm 6.25 mg olanzapine 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted June 29, 2021 Author Share Posted June 29, 2021 Day 6, woke a few times in the night but got back to sleep ok. Didn't have a good day (walked out on my voluntary job cause the chef kept shouting at me), upset, no appetite 10.30 am 60mg duloxetine 10.00 pm 6.25 olanzapine 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted June 30, 2021 Author Share Posted June 30, 2021 Day 7, no sleep, no appetite, diarhorrea 7.30 am 60 mg duloxetine 9.30 pm 6.25 olanzapine 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted July 1, 2021 Author Share Posted July 1, 2021 Day 8, Slept well 11pm - 10.30 am, much better day 10.30 am 60 mg Duloxetine 9.45 pm 6.25 mg Olanzapine 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted July 4, 2021 Author Share Posted July 4, 2021 Day 11, been a bit of a rollercoaster over the last few days. Sleep is still a hit or a miss and my mood is up and down. I'm using a pill cutter but it doesn't appear to cut the tablets exactly in half, so some days I'm getting a higher dose than others. 11 am 60mg duloxetine 10 pm 6.25 mg olanzapine 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
JohnBanes Posted July 4, 2021 Share Posted July 4, 2021 Your sleep doesn't sound that bad, all things considered. Many people coming down on Olanzapine (including myself) report 2-3 hours of sleep a night, consistently. It sounds like you are having rough patches, but your sleep is sustainable. Keep up the good effort! You are making great progress. 1 Previously: Lithium (incorrectly diagnosed bipolar although I never had a manic or hypomanic episode)(taken during summer/fall 2020); Olanzapine (taken from late spring 2020 until late December 2020); Abilify (briefly for a couple of weeks in 2016, caused akethesia); Risperidone (2014-2016); Fluoxetine (two weeks in 2020); various sleep aids, e.g., Ativan, trazadone, mirtazapine and other antihistaminics (winter through summer of 2021). I don't remember most of the dosages and am leaving them blank. Currently: Latuda (40mg) (hoping to taper). Other: I do not smoke, do not drink, have only one cup of coffee in the morning, and don't use anything else. I exercise 3-4 times per week and watch my diet. My posts do not include any medical advice and I am not trained in medicine. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted July 5, 2021 Author Share Posted July 5, 2021 @JohnBanes Thanks for the reply, yeah I know it could be a lot worse. I once stopped the olanzapine C/T, not recommended. Good luck with the latuda taper. 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted July 12, 2021 Author Share Posted July 12, 2021 Day 19, 6.25 mg, quite low and tearful. Sleep not great, feeling a bit paranoid but even negative emotions are better than the zombie I was. Speaking to my GP on Wednesday, only waited 2 months for the appointment, hoping to taper the duloxetine once I stabilise on the olanzapine. Anyone got an idea of how long these symptoms will last? 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
JohnBanes Posted July 13, 2021 Share Posted July 13, 2021 Bad sleep can go on for a while, easily over eight weeks. But it differs person by person, and your symptoms may dissipate much sooner. Previously: Lithium (incorrectly diagnosed bipolar although I never had a manic or hypomanic episode)(taken during summer/fall 2020); Olanzapine (taken from late spring 2020 until late December 2020); Abilify (briefly for a couple of weeks in 2016, caused akethesia); Risperidone (2014-2016); Fluoxetine (two weeks in 2020); various sleep aids, e.g., Ativan, trazadone, mirtazapine and other antihistaminics (winter through summer of 2021). I don't remember most of the dosages and am leaving them blank. Currently: Latuda (40mg) (hoping to taper). Other: I do not smoke, do not drink, have only one cup of coffee in the morning, and don't use anything else. I exercise 3-4 times per week and watch my diet. My posts do not include any medical advice and I am not trained in medicine. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted July 13, 2021 Author Share Posted July 13, 2021 Day 20 Thanks John, had a much better day albeit with a broken night's sleep. Hoping to stabilise on this dose for a while. 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted July 14, 2021 Author Share Posted July 14, 2021 Day 21, woke a couple of times in the night but slept late. Quite tearful and beating myself up. Worried my symptoms have come back and it's not withdrawal symptoms. Spoke to my GP who's agreed to reduce my duloxetine, hoping to taper this when I stabilise on the reduced dose of olanzapine. I didn't tell her I've reduced the olanzapine and I'm on half the dose of duloxetine that I'm prescribed. Have lost all faith in the medical profession. Hoping for a better day tomorrow. 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted July 15, 2021 Author Share Posted July 15, 2021 Day 22, a much better day, sleep quite good, mood good, full of energy, appetite reduced since reducing the olanzapine. 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
JohnBanes Posted July 15, 2021 Share Posted July 15, 2021 Glad to hear things are stabilizing! Way to hang in there! Previously: Lithium (incorrectly diagnosed bipolar although I never had a manic or hypomanic episode)(taken during summer/fall 2020); Olanzapine (taken from late spring 2020 until late December 2020); Abilify (briefly for a couple of weeks in 2016, caused akethesia); Risperidone (2014-2016); Fluoxetine (two weeks in 2020); various sleep aids, e.g., Ativan, trazadone, mirtazapine and other antihistaminics (winter through summer of 2021). I don't remember most of the dosages and am leaving them blank. Currently: Latuda (40mg) (hoping to taper). Other: I do not smoke, do not drink, have only one cup of coffee in the morning, and don't use anything else. I exercise 3-4 times per week and watch my diet. My posts do not include any medical advice and I am not trained in medicine. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted July 17, 2021 Author Share Posted July 17, 2021 Day 23, thanks John, another good day, only woke once briefly in the night and had a good day. Going to start tapering duloxetine next week. 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
Mentor Greatful Posted July 18, 2021 Mentor Share Posted July 18, 2021 @rubywednesday Hi stopping by to say hi and let you know you are doing a great job with your taper. By your signature you and I have several years in the drug merry go round system. I to have lost respect for the medical field that hand these meds out like candy and then don't know how to help you get off them. But as you can see there is a huge support system here on SA. It looks like you are holding your own and have a great attitude. I have continence that you will keep moving forward and will be off these drugs before you know it. I would recommend you get a scale to help you get more accurate dosing. I uses a scale to weigh my pill that I have to cut down. It really is important for your drug levels in your blood be constant and stable. This will help keep your cns to stay stable. https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/24894-greatful-is-this-withdrawal-or-to-many-med-changes-at-once/ 1995? Prozac, tried several Paxil, Serzone, St John's Wart back to Prozac and Trazodone ct:d Traz Lexapro. Tried to stop Crash in 2015 Kindled Hospitalized, Vybrid, Seroquel, Effexor, Abilify Pristiq, Wellbutrin-- 2016 ended back on Prozac and Lamictal 200mg 5/2020 thru 12/2020 taper from 20mg Prozac down to 3mg. Crashed 12/13/2020 Zoloft 50mg 1/29ct 1/29/2021 Seroquel 50mg ct 2/12/2021 Wellbutrin 75mg. Became hypo manic 2/1 6ct Trazodone 50mg 4/25 25mg 2/5/ 2021 Lamictal 150mg. 2/24 100mg 4/9 75mg 4/21 37.5 2/16/2021 Seroquel 50xr 3/3 100mg 3/17 150mg side effects ct 4/3 2021 Lexapro 5mg 4/14 7.5mg 4/30 10mg 5/10 7.5mg 2021/ 5/16 5mg Lexapro 37.5 Lamictal 25mg trazadone, xanax .0625mg 3x a day Lexapro Sept/01/2021 4.90mg> Sept/25 4.75mg> Oct/19 4.69mg > Nov/14 4.2mg Jan/30/2022-- All liquid 4.2mg (2.20mg at 8am & 2mg at 4pm) 2/17 4mg> 2/24 3.8mg slow taper to Aug/12/2022 2.04mg 2023> 2mg, 1.90mg, 1.80mg, 1.70mg Lamictal taper to 0 from July 2022 to Oct 2022 off Trazodone..2023.>down to 14mg, 7mg, 6mg Xanax 0.0625 3 x a day, 2023> 0.042 3x a day Supplements Magnesium glycinate, Omega 3, D3, vitamin c , zinc, NAC Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted July 18, 2021 Author Share Posted July 18, 2021 @Greatful thank you so much for the advice and encouragement. My sleep's not perfect but ok and I feel ready to tackle the duloxetine now. I think I've found an accurate scale on Amazon so will order that today. Can't wait to be off these drugs but I'll just have to be patient. Good luck with your taper too. I'm so glad I found this site. Ruby 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
Neon Posted July 20, 2021 Share Posted July 20, 2021 Hi, I just wanted to stop by and say hello. I was also put in a drug-merry-go-round and found myself on Venlafaxine and Olanzapine.. It gives me hope that you seem to manage well enough. You can do it! I also have lost trust in psychiatrists and the whole system.. we will make it in the end! I wish you all the best 🙂 2010-2020: Venlafaxine (between 37.5mg and 225mg (CT twice from low doses 2018, 2020) and Trazodone (between 25 and 50mg, CTd twice without problems) April 2021: Crash with OCD, anxiety, akathisia after taking benzo and microdosing mushrooms 11th June-2nd July(3 weeks total): Seroquel 150mg, Seroquel XR 50mg, Trazodone 150mg, Zoldem 10mg July 2nd-Feb 15: Venlafaxine between 37,5 and 75mg, Olanzapine between 2,5 and 5mg August 22nd: introduce 0.5mg Lorazepam (0.25 10am, 0.25 7pm) December 7th: stop morning dose Lorazepam without problems January 10: Reduce evening dose from 0.2mg to 0,15, cant sleep and take 1.5mg Lorazepam, plus forgot to take my Venlafaxine that day --> severe crash with suicidal akathisia go up with Lorazepam to 4mgs, starting 4mgs on March 28th February 15th: increase Venlafaxine to 93,75, tried 150 with bad reaction, slight increase seemed to settle the akathisia a bit June 14 lose sleep, return of akathisia in full force 20th June increase Lorazepam to 5mg current medication: Venlafaxine 93,75mg (8am) Olanzapine 3mg (9:30pm), Lorazepam 5mg taken 4x daily at 8-12-17-21:30 o'clock Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted July 20, 2021 Author Share Posted July 20, 2021 @Neon thank you so much. Yeah they're all quacks if you ask me. I feel very much empowered in coming off psychiatric drugs, long may it last lol. Day 27, Didn't have a great sleep last night but feeling ok. The scales I bought are knackered so I'll need to send them back and order another one. I see you're back on the merry-go-round too. Good luck with your taper, we can do this, slow and sure Ruby 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted July 21, 2021 Author Share Posted July 21, 2021 Day 28, olanzapine taper. Much better sleep, really good day. Starting duloxetine taper tomorrow, planning on going down from 60mg to 50mg. Ordered another scale, arriving tomorrow. Not got a long term plan, just taking a day at a time. Ruby 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
Mentor Greatful Posted July 21, 2021 Mentor Share Posted July 21, 2021 @rubywednesday Great job. Everything is moving along for you😊 https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/24894-greatful-is-this-withdrawal-or-to-many-med-changes-at-once/ 1995? Prozac, tried several Paxil, Serzone, St John's Wart back to Prozac and Trazodone ct:d Traz Lexapro. Tried to stop Crash in 2015 Kindled Hospitalized, Vybrid, Seroquel, Effexor, Abilify Pristiq, Wellbutrin-- 2016 ended back on Prozac and Lamictal 200mg 5/2020 thru 12/2020 taper from 20mg Prozac down to 3mg. Crashed 12/13/2020 Zoloft 50mg 1/29ct 1/29/2021 Seroquel 50mg ct 2/12/2021 Wellbutrin 75mg. Became hypo manic 2/1 6ct Trazodone 50mg 4/25 25mg 2/5/ 2021 Lamictal 150mg. 2/24 100mg 4/9 75mg 4/21 37.5 2/16/2021 Seroquel 50xr 3/3 100mg 3/17 150mg side effects ct 4/3 2021 Lexapro 5mg 4/14 7.5mg 4/30 10mg 5/10 7.5mg 2021/ 5/16 5mg Lexapro 37.5 Lamictal 25mg trazadone, xanax .0625mg 3x a day Lexapro Sept/01/2021 4.90mg> Sept/25 4.75mg> Oct/19 4.69mg > Nov/14 4.2mg Jan/30/2022-- All liquid 4.2mg (2.20mg at 8am & 2mg at 4pm) 2/17 4mg> 2/24 3.8mg slow taper to Aug/12/2022 2.04mg 2023> 2mg, 1.90mg, 1.80mg, 1.70mg Lamictal taper to 0 from July 2022 to Oct 2022 off Trazodone..2023.>down to 14mg, 7mg, 6mg Xanax 0.0625 3 x a day, 2023> 0.042 3x a day Supplements Magnesium glycinate, Omega 3, D3, vitamin c , zinc, NAC Link to comment
Mentor Hanna72 Posted July 21, 2021 Mentor Share Posted July 21, 2021 Hi @rubywednesday 15 minutes ago, rubywednesday said: Much better sleep, really good day. That’s really good news. Rooting for you 🙏 1999-2020 20 mg Paxil Bridged with Fluoxetine to help me get off Paxil. Did a way to fast taper off of 20 mg fluoxetine. Crashed after being 8 months free of drug. Reinstated went up to 20 mg 2022 Fluoxetine 15 mg 12/12 14mg 27/12 13mg jan 12mg feb 11mg mars 10mg, 9 mg 8,5 mg If you fail, never give up because F.A.I.L. means First Attempt In Learning' and End is not the end, in fact E.N.D. means Effort Never Dies' Abdul Kalam Supplements; Magnesium, fish oil, d vit I am not a medical professional nor is this a medical advice. I only talk from my own experience. Link to comment
ScottishLass Posted July 22, 2021 Share Posted July 22, 2021 Hi 👋🏻 Thanks for your message on my thread. I haven’t kept up with anyone’s postings as I was so wrapped up in my own head and not managing. In fact I lost my mind there for a while. Wow. Things are hopefully getting better now and Im feeling more myself. Less derailed. Well done on your Olanzapine taper. 👏 The fact you’ve managed to keep up a daily post is testament in itself and your attitude is great. Good luck with the Duloxetine taper too. Don’t let my experience worry you. My Duloxetine taper was far too quick and I wish I’d found this site before doing that rather than listening to Docs.....and as we know everyone’s experience is different. Sending you kind thoughts and good wishes. Keep up the good and all that. SL Prozac 60mg ( 1998-2014). Also between (1998-2000) Short instances on Lithium, Risperidone, Quetiapine, Lamictal. Off all antipsychotics in (2000). Prozac stopped and switched Duloxetine(2014-Feb 2021) - after failed withdrawal from Prozac- misdiagnosed as 'Relap 2015 - approx 3 mths Lamictal Duloxetine:(Feb 21) Tapered from 60mg of Duloxetine over approx 6wks. (8th April 2021) Reinstat Duloxetine (1mg) 16/05: Updose Duloxetine (2mg) 6mg Diazepam prn 20/06: stopped Duloxetine. Started On 10mg Fluoxetine. 12/07: Updose 20mg 6/08: Switch to liquid fluox 4.5ml/18mg. 20/09: 4ml/16mg Supplements:Omega,Vit D. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted July 22, 2021 Author Share Posted July 22, 2021 @Greatful@Hanna72 @ScottishLass Day 1 Duloxetine taper (from 60mg to 50mg) Thanks everyone for taking the time to wish me well. Another good sleep and good day. I'm not sure how long it will take for the duloxetine to come out of my system but I imagine it to be a week to 10 days. My scales arrived today, will try not to break this one doh! Downloaded the Dose Weights Spreadsheet, will look at it tomorrow. Hope everyone is doing well in their journeys and thanks again. Ruby x 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted July 24, 2021 Author Share Posted July 24, 2021 Day 3, not a great sleep about 5 hours, been skipping my meditation the last couple of nights but got back to it tonight. Not a bad day, just a bit tired. Ruby 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
JohnBanes Posted July 25, 2021 Share Posted July 25, 2021 You are doing a great job with a slow taper. Keep it up! I'll keep my fingers crossed that your sleep returns to normal. Previously: Lithium (incorrectly diagnosed bipolar although I never had a manic or hypomanic episode)(taken during summer/fall 2020); Olanzapine (taken from late spring 2020 until late December 2020); Abilify (briefly for a couple of weeks in 2016, caused akethesia); Risperidone (2014-2016); Fluoxetine (two weeks in 2020); various sleep aids, e.g., Ativan, trazadone, mirtazapine and other antihistaminics (winter through summer of 2021). I don't remember most of the dosages and am leaving them blank. Currently: Latuda (40mg) (hoping to taper). Other: I do not smoke, do not drink, have only one cup of coffee in the morning, and don't use anything else. I exercise 3-4 times per week and watch my diet. My posts do not include any medical advice and I am not trained in medicine. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted July 26, 2021 Author Share Posted July 26, 2021 Day 5 Duloxetine taper @JohnBanes Thanks for looking in on me and for the encouragement. Nothing exciting to report, sleeping ok, mood good, better than when I was on higher doses of Duloxetine and Olanzapine. I'm even doing housework and gardening lol! Ruby 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted July 28, 2021 Author Share Posted July 28, 2021 Day 7 Not a great sleep which might account for my irritable mood today? Pissed off at a couple of people but overall mood still not too bad and made it up with my ex-partner after a couple of hours! Need to get up early tomorrow so planning on taking Nitrazepam (5mg?). It shouldn't be a problem as I rarely take it (can't remember the last time). Ruby 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
rubywednesday Posted July 29, 2021 Author Share Posted July 29, 2021 Day 8 The nitrazepam worked a treat and I got a night of unbroken sleep. A much better mood today, if this continues I'm hoping to reduce the duloxetine to 40 mg soon. A couple of years ago I reduced the duloxetine from 120mg to 60mg, I don't remember how I did the taper but I didn't have significant withdrawal symptoms that I can remember. Someone said that approximately 50% of people don't have too much trouble coming off psychiatric meds and I hope I fall into that category. I guess only time will tell. Ruby 2003 - 2018 Started/stopped lithium, sodium valproate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, seroxat, citalopram and many more that I can't remember 2018 - 120 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine 2019 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 20 mg Olanzapine Feb 2020 - Quetiapine - up to 200 mg slow release, 60 mg Duloxetine, reduced Olanzapine to 10 mg Aug 2020 - Tapered Quetiapine far too fast under GPs advice - withdrawal symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness (misdiagnosed BPPV), low blood pressure - 60 mg Duloxetine, 10 mg Olanzapine 4 Mar 2021 - failed taper to 5 mg Olanzapine 20 Mar 2021 - reinstated 10 mg Olanzapine 19 Apr 2021 - 60 mg Duloxetine, 7.5 mg Olanzapine 24 June 2021 - 6.25mg olanzapine, 60mg duloxetine 22 July 2021 - 6.25mg Olanzapine, 50mg Duloxetine 10 August 2021 - 6.25 mg olanzapine, 40 mg Duloxetine 28 August 2021 - 6.25 Olanzapine, 35 mg Duloxetine - low mood/depression, insomnia withdrawal symptoms 26 August 2021 - 5 mg Nitrazepam , previously I took one 3 or 4 weeks ago; 7 October - 5 mg nitrazepam Other meds/supplements: solifinacin, loperimide, lutein/zeatheanin,, methyl cellulose, I also have nitrazepam, lorazepam, propranolol - I take rarely 14 October 2021 stopped - magnesium oxide & B6, menopause tablet. Link to comment
JohnBanes Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 Ruby-- You are right, many people don't have trouble titrating down (or only have trouble with certain meds). That's what makes this website so useful -- it serves those that do encounter challenges. Unfortunately, psychiatrists tend to base their recommendations on the experience of the population that does not have trouble withdrawing. And again, they have some basis for their assumptions. But sadly, some people do encounter severe challenges in titrating down. I hope your sleep remains good and that you have smooth sailing... John Previously: Lithium (incorrectly diagnosed bipolar although I never had a manic or hypomanic episode)(taken during summer/fall 2020); Olanzapine (taken from late spring 2020 until late December 2020); Abilify (briefly for a couple of weeks in 2016, caused akethesia); Risperidone (2014-2016); Fluoxetine (two weeks in 2020); various sleep aids, e.g., Ativan, trazadone, mirtazapine and other antihistaminics (winter through summer of 2021). I don't remember most of the dosages and am leaving them blank. Currently: Latuda (40mg) (hoping to taper). Other: I do not smoke, do not drink, have only one cup of coffee in the morning, and don't use anything else. I exercise 3-4 times per week and watch my diet. My posts do not include any medical advice and I am not trained in medicine. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. Link to comment
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