I tapered off Olanzapine (Zyprexa) 💊 for two months!

In this video, I discuss how I tapered off Olanzapine (an atypical antipsychotic drug, I was misprescribed).
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro.
0:12 - We can work together as a community, and raise awareness.
0:34 - I decided to stop taking Olanzapine.
1:00 - The beginning of my taper off.
2:13 - "Go back on it".
2:32 - I got advice on how to taper off.
2:52 - Zyprexa withdrawal.
3:05 - Why was the Zyprexa withdrawal so bad?
3:51 - Elevated anxiety & low mood.
4:02 - Zyprexa left a scar on my psyche.
4:09 - I'm still rattling that cage.
4:34 - This is just my own experience.
4:53 - No aftercare offered.
5:13 - Zyprexa withdrawal should be done in a controlled environment.
5:49 - Outro.
Relevant sources:
NHS (2021) Olanzapine -Brand names: Zyprexa, Zentiva
www.nhs.uk/medicines/olanzapine/
Anwar, Miyata, and Zsombok (2016) Brain stem as a target site for the metabolic side effects of olanzapine
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Bacil, Marcondes Filho, Dias, Portes, de Araujo, Oliveira-Silva, dos Santos and Serrano (2021) The chemical interaction between the neurotransmitter dopamine and the antipsychotic drugs olanzapine and quetiapine
www.sciencedirect.com/science...
Guzman (2014) Mechanism of Action and Pharmacodynamics of Olanzapine
psychopharmacologyinstitute.c...
Garakani, Murrough, Freire, Thom, Larkin Buono and Iosifescu (2020) Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety Disorders: Current and Emerging Treatment Options
www.frontiersin.org/journals/...
Visuals:
man health pill
Video by Julien Tromeur from Pixabay
judgment justice judge
Video by Emrah Aktaş from Pixabay
brain mind knowledge
Video by Tiago Levi from Pixabay
meeting office advice
Video by cottonbro studio
man depressed agitation
Video by cottonbro studio
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This video documents my own personal experience with Olanzapine, so it's important to remember that everyone's situation is different, and that viewers should consult with their mental health professional before making any decisions about medication. Nothing in this video is intended to be taken as medical advice.
FAIR USE DISCLAIMER: This video is intended solely for educational purposes and is in compliance with the fair use guidelines. No copyright infringement is intended. If you are the copyright owner of any of the materials featured in this video, or if you represent the copyright owner and have concerns regarding the usage of such materials, kindly contact me via email at [e-mail]
DISCLAIMER: This video is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to criticise psychiatrists or their practices. The sole purpose of this video is to present factual information. Any interpretation beyond this disclaimer is not intended.
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION: I have the right to freely express my convictions and opinions under Article 40.6.1.i of the Irish Constitution.
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🫂 Please share this video - let's spread some awareness, and save someone else from suffering a similar fate.
#olanzapine #zyprexa #antipsychoticdrugreview #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters
Thank you for watching this video.
John O'Rourke, May 29th, 2024.
@JohnORourke.
COPYRIGHT © 2024 John O'Rourke. All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.

[@SpankyJR007]

Took olanzapine for psychosis. Ended up with ocd! I’m on 2.5 just went to 1.8. Say I have ocd because of intrusive thoughts. I think it was the olanzapine

[@JohnORourke.]

Thanks for your comment. Were you hit with any side effects?

[@SpankyJR007]

@@JohnORourke. just weight gain and brain fog. Had me on 15mg in the hospital now trying to come off. Like I said though I think the ocd was triggered by the olanzapine. Been on olanzapine 2 years at like 5mg though

[@JohnORourke.]

I can relate to the weight gain and brain fog. Olanzapine seems to have a recurring theme; lots of adverse side effects 💊. Hope the tapering off goes well for you.

[@user-ci3ek7xw4q]

I took olanzapine for eight year

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi Jas. Were you hit with any of the side effects? 💊

[@DavidSmith-tn9rm]

I'm currently take 1.25 mg for the past 2 weeks or so, I cut the 2.5 mg pill in half, and so far I'm doing okay..right at this moment I have a bit of a headache, but can't say if it's a withdrawl symptom or just a regular headache....wondering how much longer I should take 1.25 mg's until I cut it back even more..1.25mg is a TINY dose for this medication. the minimum dose is like 5 mg's I think. I had horrible sexual dysfunction because of this drug, because my prolactin levels were through the roof, luckily I found an anti-prolactin medication online and it has TOTALLY fixed my sex drive!, kind of expensive to get each month, but worth every penny

[@JohnORourke.]

Thanks for your comment. It's great you're doing okay on 1.25 mg. Sorry to hear about your headaches - they can suck! For dosage adjustments, it's best to check with your doctor. Glad to hear that the anti-prolactin med is working out 💊.

[@DavidSmith-tn9rm]

@@JohnORourke. yeah it was just a regular old headache I think, lol still kinda recovering from a cold too. I think I will keep taking this 1.25 mg dose for a bit, and then cut it in half after a couple months.

[@Pipboy88689]

I’ve been off for 2 months no withdrawal

[@JohnORourke.]

How long were you on it?

[@Pipboy88689]

@@JohnORourke. 5 months 5 mg

[@JohnORourke.]

I'm glad you didn't suffer from the withdrawal @Pipboy88689 - it's indescribably bad 💊.

[@averag3medium758]

what was the smallest dosage you've been taking during taper off and did you suffered from insomnia?

[@JohnORourke.]

I was down to 2.5 during the taper off. The initial dosage was 5mg. Thankfully, no insomnia 💊.

[@averag3medium758]

@@JohnORourke. i'm on 1.25 mg but i was earlier on 10 mg. When i go 0 mg i cant sleep unfortunately

[@JohnORourke.]

That's quite an oscillation of dosage @averag3medium758, may I ask why you were prescribed Zyprexa?

[@averag3medium758]

@@JohnORourke. I think the doctors dont know for sure. I guess they speculate. One said i had pre psychosis state, another one said i had actually a pscyhosis :(

[@JohnORourke.]

Maybe get another opinion?

[@PirateCowboy69]

Did you have severe nausea with withdrawal?

[@JohnORourke.]

I didn't experience any nausea during the withdrawal. Were you taking Olanzapine?

[@PirateCowboy69]

@JohnORourke. yes, I've been off for 3 weeks and the nausea is unbearable

[@JohnORourke.]

Sorry to hear that, wishing you a speedy recovery.