sumit153: Olanzapine withdrawal

[sumit153]

On 20-10-2020 started taking olanzapine 15 mg and clonazapem 2 mg at night and 7.5 mg olanzapine and 1 mg in day.

On 22-01-2021 dose changed to olanzapine 20 mg and clonazapem 0.5 mg

Then on 12-07-2021 started a plan to taper olanzapine

 

Olanzapine 20 mg for first 15 days

Olanzapine 15 mg for next 15 days

Olanzapine 10 mg for next 15 days

Olanzapine 5 mg for next 15 days 

 

The main side effect I am facing because of olanzapine is no sexuality. Is there any remedy for sexual improvement while taking olanzapine. Please suggest.

[arbor]

Hello @sumit153,

Welcome to SA.  

To get you started and to give you pertinent information, we ask members to summarize their medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements in a list format.  Please make the exact dates as clear as you can:

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

It sounds as if you are in a current plan of discontinuation that is much faster than we recommend.  Here is our suggestion and explanations:

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?  (The general philosophy of gradual tapering)  

 

I recommend you read these links as well, as I believe it will help you to avoid worse withdrawal symptoms as you continue. 

Important Topics in Tapering

 

Tips for tapering off Zyprexa (olanzapine) 

 

This link has information regarding sexual side effects in relation to psych-drugs. 

PSSD Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction - Symptoms and self-care ..

 

You can also find more information by browsing the site.  I recommend using your main browser under the heading: PSSD: survivingantidepressants.org.  There is a lot of discussion and information as this is a fairly common symptom both while taking and withdrawing from these drugs.  It can be of course, distressing.  However, the good news is that it will eventually heal.  We can't predict how long it will take, so patience is very important.  Also, keep in mind that clonazepam is in all likelihood, contributing to the sexual problems you are experiencing.

 

 

This is your Introduction site where you can ask questions and connect with other members.

I'm glad you've found us. 

Arbor

[sumit153]

Thank you for the reply and suggestions.

[sumit153]

Hi @arbor,

 

Thanks for your suggestions. I do not find any permanent solution of sexual dysfunction in the given link. The sexual dysfunction is not only seems to be because of clonazepam but it seems to be due to olanzapine.

 

Do you know any permanent solution to sexual dysfunction while taking olanzapine.

[arbor]

Dear @sumit153

No, I'm sorry, the only method of healing that I have heard that works is w/d from the drug and then time and patience.  I know that people also mention that leading a healthy life-style is a good idea.  I wish I could speed up your healing, but for that part all I can suggest is to keep up your determination to regain your health.  I recommend reading other people's comments, especially, the success stories:

Recovery Success Stories

 

I'm sad that you are having to experience this symptom, and look forward to the return of your good health,

Arbor

[sumit153]

Hi @arbor ,

 

Thank you very much for the encouragement. I will try my best to come off the medicine and regain my health.

[sumit153]

Hi @arbor,

 

 

"It sounds as if you are in a current plan of discontinuation that is much faster than we recommend."

 

It is because my psychiatrist designed this tapering plan for me. He didn't listened to my advice of 10% taper. What can I do ?

 

[arbor]

Dear @sumit153--

I encourage you to read closely the material here on tapering slowly in the links above.  You can also research this on the site where other members report their experiences.  This site wouldn't exist if there weren't so many disasterous outcomes in the approaches the doctors continue to take.  In my opinion, it is very important to put your care for your own health above the approval of your doctors.  This can take strength.  Without there being enough research for anybody to know with certainty the very best approach to take in each case, the decision in the end, rests with you.  No matter what you decide, I respect you, and support your health and well-being. 💗❤️💗  Arbor

[sumit153]

Thank you @arbor for the encouragement.

[JohnBanes]

People have very different experiences withdrawing from Olanzapine and other psychiatric drugs.  It looks like you have not had the severe insomnia that some folks have when they taper Olanzapine.  This is good, although I'm sorry you are having sexual effects. 

 

I would keep in mind that everyone is different and there is no one strategy that is right for everyone when it comes to withdrawal.

[sumit153]

Hi @JohnBanes,

 

I am tapering olanzapine too fast and I am not completely withdrawn from the medicine. I think due to it, I do not have severe insomnia.  May be it would come when I completely stop the medicine.

[JohnBanes]

Maybe.  Or maybe you will have a relatively uneventful taper.  It's hard to predict how your brain will react.  I wish you luck on this difficult journey.

[sumit153]

Thanks @JohnBanes

[sumit153]

Hi @JohnBanes,

 

Did you experience insomnia while withdrawing from olanzapine?

[JohnBanes]

Yes, I and a few others on this website, had severe insomnia for a long time.  And my sleep continues to be affected.  However, others who have tapered have done so without insomnia, and some folks taper quickly and without side-effects from the taper.  There is sadly no way of predicting how your brain/body will react.

[sumit153]

@JohnBanes how did you dealt with insomnia? What are your ways of coping with insomnia?

[JohnBanes]

I used Ativan every night for 2-3 months at decreasing doses with the help of a psychiatrist.  And I was transitioning to another antipsychotic at the time (Latuda).  I do not recommend this process, and many on this website will warn you about benzos.  Some have serious difficulty withdrawing from them (fortunately, I did not).  

 

If you don't have insomnia, that's a very good thing.  It is likely that you will be able to complete the taper and recover, unless you encounter other problems or the olanzapine actually treats a psychiatric condition (I say this knowing that in many cases psychiatric drugs are not effective and/or are mis-prescribed).

[sumit153]

@JohnBaneshow many hours we sleep in insomnia? After how many days the sleep time increases?

[JohnBanes]

These things vary quite a bit.  It can be as little as two or so hours of sleep a night for a few weeks.

[sumit153]

Thanks @JohnBanes

[sumit153]

Hi @arbor,

 

Do you know any benzo wise doctor or a doctor who is specialist in tapering in New Delhi, India

[arbor]

Hi @sumit153

Forgive me for not answering you sooner.  I've had a heavy work schedule recently.  Unfortunately, I don't know of a benzo wise doctor or tapering doctor in New Delhi.  I don't know of knowledgeable doctors anywhere at this time.  Hopefully, that will change.  In the meantime, these links may be interesting or helpful:

 

How to talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?

Recommended doctors, therapists, and clinics - Tapering ...

I hope you're doing ok.

Best wishes,

Arbor

[sumit153]

@arbor thanks

[arbor]

Best wishes, today @sumit153

Arbor

[sumit153]

Hi @arbor

 

My psychiatrist wants to add one more medicine other than olanzapine. Name of the medicine is Sulpitac 50 mg (amisulpride). What should I do?

I decided let him prescribe but I will not take it.

[arbor]

Dear @sumit153,

 

I think you are very wise not to take amisulpride.  If you type  "amisulpride: survivingantidepressants.org" into your browser, you'll find entries from members writing about their terrible experiences.  

My experience is that the doctors, especially psychiatrists, want to add drugs and that is all they know how to do.  They don't seem to understand the problems these drugs cause.  From your experience with drugs already, I would predict a very high chance that all psych-drugs will only make your current issues worse and for longer.  

 

Here is the link to our symptoms and self care section where you can find discussions among members for dealing with problems without using more drugs.

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but 3 that many of us find helpful (instead of drugs) are magnesium, omega-3, and melatonin. Here are the links for info about those. It is suggested to add one at a time, and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

 

Magnesium

Omega 3 Fish Oil

Melatonin

 

I wish to caution you, Sumit153.  I believe this to be a very serious threat to your future well-being.  

Please stay in touch, and seek as much help as you need here.

My best wishes to you,

Arbor

 

 

 

 

[sumit153]

Hi @arbor so should I take it (amisulpride) or not?

[Altostrata]

Hello, @sumit153

 

Exactly what drugs are you taking now, at what dosages and times o'clock each day?

 

Why are you asking about taking amulsipride? If your main concern is sexual dysfunction, it is unlikely amulsipride will restore it.

[sumit153]

Hi @Altostrata,

 

I am currently taking olanzapine 20 mg at 8:30 pm everyday.

My psychiatrist wants to add one more medicine that is amulsipride. What should I do?

I do not want to take more medicines. Should I ignore it. I decided let him prescribe I will not take it.

[hayduke]

Hi @sumit153.  They've given you a big dose there.  I think if you can find your way down to 10mg and then 5mg in a gradual taper, as @arbor is suggesting, you'll find your libido will improve.  It takes time but as the dosage lowers during the taper, the more your normal faculties tend to be restored.  I've always found a bit of a rebound in libido after I make a cut, too, so hopefully you can enjoy those windows as you come off.

 

Cheers

[Altostrata]

19 hours ago, sumit153 said:

Hi @Altostrata,

 

I am currently taking olanzapine 20 mg at 8:30 pm everyday.

My psychiatrist wants to add one more medicine that is amulsipride. What should I do?

I do not want to take more medicines. Should I ignore it. I decided let him prescribe I will not take it.

 

This is a site for going off drugs. We help people taper off drugs. We cannot tell you how to mix up a drug cocktail, that is your psychiatrist's job.

 

As long as you're taking olanzapine or amulsipride -- any antipsychotic at the substantial dosages you're taking -- you probably will have sexual dysfunction. It's a common adverse effect of psychiatric drugs.

 

We have explained how to very gradually go off olanzapine. Please let us know if you would like support tapering this or any other drug.

 

[sumit153]

Hi @Altostrata,

 

I am planning to go to 10 mg olanzapine directly from 20 mg olanzapine. Is it ok?

[hayduke]

10 minutes ago, sumit153 said:

I am planning to go to 10 mg olanzapine directly from 20 mg olanzapine. Is it ok?

 

I wouldn't do that, or suggest it's ok.  At best it's bound to be very uncomfortable, and quite likely to lead to trouble that you can avoid by tapering gradually.

 

Please read the links arbor posted for you again.

 

Why taper by 10% at a time

Tips for tapering off olanzapine
 

Edited August 20, 2021 by hayduke
Fix links

[Altostrata]

@sumit153 we cannot answer questions regarding increasing your drugs or adding to them for therapeutic purposes. That is what your doctor is paid to do.

 

This is a site for going off drugs. Please come back when you want assistance tapering off.

[sumit153]

Hi @Altostrata,

 

I want to taper my 20 mg round tablet of olanzapine. How should I proceed?

[Altostrata]

On 8/20/2021 at 5:16 AM, hayduke said:

Please read the links arbor posted for you again.

 

Why taper by 10% at a time

Tips for tapering off olanzapine