how long does olanzapine withdrawal last?

Hi can I retaper after almost 2 years off of it or will I be in more trouble ? How should I retaper? I need to do something.😪😪😪

Kristine have you been off zyprexa for 2 years and still suffering from withdrawal?  What are your symptoms?  How long were you on the drug for?  What dose?  Did you stop cold turkey?  

I really hope you are feeling better.  I have stopped taking olanzapine cold turkey about 2 months ago and the symptoms seem to be getting better.  The insomnia is still rough but getting better with some melatonin and exercise.

Hi Francis I'm now 9 months olanzapine free has been the toughest time but have finally done it on my own I actually feel normal after 10 yrs. Good luck it's tough but do able.

Hi Sarah,

Well done! I have tried cutting down on olanzapine and I became psychotic. My GP recommends I reduce my diazepam first. He has given me 2mg tablets, so I can reduce it very slowly. 2.5mg off was too much. I am still taking CBDs and they do calm me, however, I presently cannot afford the high dose I would need to cut down on Olanzapine. I will soon. I am back to smoking too as I have extra stress at the mo. Do you have a supportive network of friends and relatives? I don't, so I have to do it all on my own. It's tough! What alternatives to olanzapine did you use? I find the CBDs and mindfulness work for me and exercise. I also train my mind to think positive and creative thoughts.

Stress seems to trigger my symptoms. Good Luck and congratulations!

Hi Frances. Thank u for the reply. I stopped all my meds in Nov 2016 ( olanzapine, proxitine , trifluoperazine) the reason for this is because my youngest boy got diagnosed with remitting relapsing ms. In the 10 yrs I've taken these drugs I feel like I've been in a coma all I did was sleep. I realised my son needs me so made the drastic measures of stopping all meds against advice from mental health team. Nearly a yr on and I feel ok . I can think now . People have commented how much different I am now( in a good way) believe me it's the toughest thing I've ever done I honestly thought I would die with the withdrawal. My family have been amazing. I sacked mental health team. I do use cbd which has helped loads. You need to be strong but you shouldn't do it without support. Wish u all the best. Here if u need to chat. Sarah😁

Hi, Sarah Well done and congratulations on coming off psychiatric meds. You are brave. Did you find your family support made the difference in coming off meds? I don't have a close family nearby and few close friends. Would you be willing to help me come off drugs? The only support I have is the Samaritans and my GP! And my cats lol. I wish I had a family to support me. I am strong, as I have to cope alone. It isn't easy. Yes, it must have been one of the toughest times of your life. That is brave! I am starting a CBT Certificate course this weekend. I am also moving to a larger house soon. So, it is not a good time to cut meds. I will cut the diazepam in the New Year, as my GP says its causing anxiety and probably doing no good after over 20 years of use. Where you prescribed diazepam?

I am glad you feel better in yourself. Did you know that CBD can be used for MS too? Hope your son is okay soon. Take care. Francis.

Hey Francis. I was not offered anything totally relied on cbd. I have in the last 2 months been prescribed sertraline 50mg that has taken edge off ( depression) I'm now wide awake at 7.30 and fresh as a daisy. But still get crappy days. I couldn't of done this without my family. The psychosis and depression was bloody awful . I shock , vomitted , slept then couldn't sleep . Also reached some very dark places. Was honest with mum and she understood. My son uses cbd to. He has a infusion every 4 weeks. Positive thinking helps and lots of deep breathing . Sarah

Hi Sarah. You have been through a shocking time with your meds. I understand how scared you became as I vomited before an operation caused by olanzapine! I couldn't sleep at all. Your lack of sleep may have made your psychosis and depression worse. It did with me. CBDs have lifted depression and calmed me. What is the CBD infusion? Does your boy say he feels better? Sure, breathing deeply and positive thinking works too. My friend is helping me to be mindful and live in the present moment of now. It helps. Hope you both sleep well now. Francis.

hi francis20252, could you provide some more info on the CBD gel caps you are using pls? Brand, strength, amount, price etc.

thank you

I've been on olanzapine for 6 weeks and coming off 2.5 mg a month. I feel the withdrawal symptoms. Is there anything that can help with the withdrawal ?

Hi Troy, Thanks for your reply. I started with Canabidol Gel=tabs about 3 months ago and found they often calm me and ease paranoia. I began with 10 mg pure CBD gel-tabs, twice per day and gradually increased the dose to 2 x 50 mg per day (100 mg pure CBD per day). I felt calmer and more courageous. They are expensive tabs, although you may get a bulk discount. I pay £39 for 20 gel-tabs, instead of £44. I believe that it is a matter of trial and error. I suggest you start with a small dose of 10 mg pure CBD per day and slowly build it up to a strength and price you can afford. I combine the CBDs with mindfulness and some beer. A lesser evil than the cigs I was on. I am now a week off nicotine. Also, I've found 85% pure cocoa chocolate and pints of milk help calm me too. I wish you the best with CBDs and please let me know how you get on with the Gels. Google Canabidol. Good luck!

Hi, Ash, It is very tough coming off Olanzapine, even slowly like you. What is the full dose you're on? Try CBDs, especially pure CBD Gel-tabs like Canabidol. They are expensive and are calming. I found they help with paranoia too. Drink pints of milk to calm you. What are your withdrawal symptoms? I am concentrating on reducing Olanzapine from 20 mg to 15 mg per day and Diazepam from 15 mg to 14 mg per day. Best I can offer. Take care and keep in contact. Love to know how you get on. Francis.

Whats the difference between bei g prescribed diazepam than alprazolam with olanzipine like I was prescribed???

Hi Sarah jus wanted to ask you are u still off Zyprexa an how is your son ?? Hope he's well.. into my 3rd wk off Zyprexa an at times is horrendous aches an pains headaches an terrible insomnia but my mind is stil clear an hopefully as time goes by my withdrawals wil improve. Best wishes an take care Lloyd

Hi Ash , jus wondering how you are coping with your coming down off Zyprexa ?? How are your Withdrawal symptoms now ?? Im into my 3rd wk off Zyprexa an having some terrible Withdrawals aches an pains headaches an terrible insomnia but i do get short periods during the day where i can cope alot better an im determined to see it thru. Only Antidepressant im still on is Mirtazapine 1 tablet at night. When i get thru these horrible Withdrawals from Zyprexa I'll come down off my Mirtazapine aswell. Stay strong an best wishes for the future. Lloyd

Hi Sarah, sorry to bother you again but how long was it for you that aches an pains eased off ??? If i can get a break from the aches an pains i shud b able to cope better with the headaches an insomnia. Melatonin still not working for me atm but will keep going with it. Hope your well best wishes Lloyd

Hi Sarah, now into my 4th wk of Withdrawals an still having aches an pains some headaches an insomnia for which ive been taking Melatonin for jus over a wk but wiv little effect. I still hava very clear mind which ive had since coming off Zyprexa Wafers. I have at times Dizzy Spells and was wondering if these might be due to the Withdrawals. Roll on 3mths and maybe things will ease up for me. Take care Lloyd