I was on Olanzapine (Zyprexa) 💊 for two years!

In this video, I discuss my horrific experience with Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug I never should have been prescribed (I never presented with psychoses).
Hopefully, you won't have to endure what I endured.
**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**.
0:19 - What is Olanzapine/Zyprexa?
0:22 - What is Olanzapine prescribed for?
0:35 - My dosage.
1:05 - I presented with mood disorders.
1:15 - Why was I prescribed Olanzapine?
1:26 - Damaging side effects.
2:34 - Weight gain.
3:04 - I have medical records documenting all of the side effects.
3:29 - My opinion of Olanzapine.
3:34 - Olanzapine posed some serious risks to my physical health.
4:46 - Have you been prescribed Olanzapine?
4:50 - The 'potential' side effects.
4:55 - My Consultant Psychiatrist.
5:10 - "This is your GP's problem".
5:17 - A mental health professional's role.
5:43 - Withdrawal from Olanzapine.
6:02 - Why did my mental health get worse?
6:14 - Antipsychotic drug withdrawal syndrome.
6:24 - Off Olanzapine for almost a year.
7:10 - Anxiety, depression and dissociation.
All of the metabolic side effects I experienced:
*[8-11 not mentioned in video]*.
1. Weight gain.
2. Bloating.
3. Elevated cholesterol (8.5 per mmol/L).
4. Fatty liver (steatosis).
5. Libido problems.
6. Acid reflux/heartburn.
7. Severe adverse reactions to alcohol.
8. Waking up with bile and choking.
9. Shortness of breath.
10. Difficulty swallowing.
11. Gagging, after eating too fast.
I also was terrible at managing my finances during my time on Olanzapine - I've never experienced that kind of carelessness otherwise.
{Also to note, after discontinuing Olanzapine, my mental health took a severe downturn, leading to a period of intense suicidality, which lasted for the initial three weeks that followed}.
Relevant articles:
Fitzgerald I, O'Dwyer S, Brooks M, Sahm L, Crowley (2021). Worth the Weight? Olanzapine Prescribing in Schizophrenia. A Review of Weight Gain and Other Cardiometabolic Side Effects of Olanzapine
www.frontiersi...
Li R, Zhu W, Huang P, Yang Y, Luo F, Dai W, Shen L, Pei W, Huang X, (2021).
Olanzapine leads to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through the apolipoprotein A5 pathway
www.sciencedir...
Berenson, A (2007). Lilly Adds Strong Warning Label to Zyprexa, a Schizophrenia Drug
www.nytimes.co...
Simons, P (2020). Randomized Controlled Trial Confirms That Antipsychotics Damage the Brain
www.madinameri...
IMAGES:
Crying laughing emoji.
clipartmax
2D structure of antipsychotic drug olanzapine (original brand name Zyprexa)-a thienobenzodiazepine derivative.
Harbin, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Free vector diagram showing cholesterol blocking artery in human body.
Image by brgfx on Freepik.
Zyprexa box 10mg.
Report: Lilly Hid Info On Zyprexa.
yourlawyer.com
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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].
Please like, comment and share - let's spread some awareness, and save someone else from suffering the same fate.
#olanzapine #zyprexa #antipsychoticdrugreview #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters
Thank you for watching this video.
John O'Rourke, June 22nd, 2023.
‪@JohnORourke.‬
Copyright © 2023 John O'Rourke. All rights reserved.

[@JohnORourke.]

Thank you for watching! If you found this video informative, please consider giving it a thumbs up and sharing it with others. This can help mitigate the off-label prescrbing of Olanzapine 💊. Please do check out my follow-up video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKWkeoKErcxnoac A massive kudos to everyone for their ongoing support 🙏❤.

[@aoandrew7532]

One of the worst drugs there is in my opinion. I believe some schizophrenics may need it but it was horrible for me. I dont take it these days.

[@aoandrew7532]

And I was never diagnosed as schizophrenic either.

[@JohnORourke.]

There is a consensus throughout the comments, which is this; the side effects are horrible.

[@billybandyk0720]

@@JohnORourke. Yup; when the cumulative adverse effects far outweigh the so-called "benefits" RE: psych meds, u know their exact purpose. As I previously mentioned; psych meds r "chemical pacifiers" & most often used as punishment when u stand up 4 urself against abuse, bullying, & harassment inflicted upon u by others.

[@xy-qy2yg]

I was given cortisone for clogged Ears and I got very very ill and no ohne Believed me and ended up in more drugs omg

[@JohnORourke.]

Sorry to hear that. Were you ever prescribed Olanzapine? 💊

[@SheilaGuinness-cp2ti]

Disgusting that you were put in this, my bro was on it nd had a terrible time wit it

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi Sheila, hope your brother is doing well now.

[@TVSUNNAH]

The question is, what do you do once you are off it?

[@JohnORourke.]

Thanks for your comment @TVSUNNAH, after withdrawing from Olanzapine I (initially) attended the public service for support. It then took about five months before I could function again. Ever since, I have focused on maintaining a stable routine and healthy diet.

[@ErikHietland]

Had the same and more side effects and the ,,poison,, of pharmaceutical companies completely destroyed my life, for more than 30 years. You,re not alone. Manny, Manny lifes i saw completely destroyed by it. I,m still recovering from what remains.

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi @ErikHietland, thanks for your comment. It takes a lot of bravery to talk about your own experience. I hope you're doing ok now.

[@ErikHietland]

@@JohnORourke. No problem. The message is going out there. And it,s verry good, your video is been seen so Manny times. Also on Manny other sites, I saw the reveiling truth about the dangers of psychofarmaseuticals. Hopefully it will make people think twice, before they stap into the game of what i call Russian Roulette with pills. Most never know whats coming. Also neuroscience instead of the pharmaceutical pseudosciences, makes great discovery,s and breakthroughs. Verry nesecesy in these times of dispair of as wel younger people,as the elders. The world is seaking, but also finally finding answers. As long as people are warned for wolves in sheepclothes, or the ,,white,, coats, that trick them into slavery of the ,,licent,, drugg abuse. Opiates given to children. As an insider, I saw even their lives beying destroyed. Time for a real solution. Time for changes. Time for ,,i am,,

[@katherinelalli776]

I'm in the same boat. 35 years, including ECT and heavy duty drug "cocktails", including atypical anti-psychotics. I think I've been on every one of them at some point. I'm also trying to move forward with what I have left, but I'll be struggling for the rest of my life. I'm too old to start over .. maybe with money and a support system I could do it, but not the way things are. I try to comment about my experiences even though it's painful. I think it's good that we speak out. Maybe we'll spare someone else a similar fate.

[@JohnORourke.]

Thanks for your comment, I agree with you regarding awareness - I hope this video and the community around it, helps to spare someone else an unnecessary fate. Who knows how many people could be saved 🙏🏻.

[@XyzPolitical]

I am coming off of olanzapine after being on it for about 4 or 5 years. EXTREME weight gain. I would have to eat so much on it or I would feel STARVING. I liked it at first but realized I was only taking the drug so I didn’t have to deal with the god awful withdrawal side effects. For example I have been off for 2 months now. I could not sleep a single minute last night because I had no way to self medicate. My body is going through extreme changes. The medicine made me feel suicidal often times. I also feel like I have lost myself to that stupid drug. It should not be on the market place you are right it is very dangerous. I can’t sleep unless I drink alcohol. Maybe going to try melatonin. I also feel like some of my psychotic symptoms are coming back. I am diagnosed with mixed bipolar. But generally feel better since I have weened off of it. It’s so hard to get off of. I still am not completely off of it. I had the bloating and puffy face as well. Acid reflux. Everything. Low libido especially I basically have a non existent dating life when I should have something as I am young. Doctors acted very scared when I told them that I believe this stupid drug ruined my life. I am a shell of what I used to be

[@JohnORourke.]

@XyzPolitical, I'm really sorry to hear about the challenges you've been facing whilst coming off Olanzapine. It sounds like you've been through a lot, and I can understand how difficult it can be. Remember that you're not alone, and reaching out for support is important. I hope you find the right path to recovery and well-being - in the meantime, take care of yourself!

[@billybandyk0720]

​@@JohnORourke.I was on Zyprexa (along w/Depakote) 4 ovr 8 yrs (btwn 2008-2016; been psych med-free since 1/1/2017 after 30+ different psych meds ovr 44 yrs. My DOB: 7/20/1967). I experienced the EXACT SAME ADVERSE EFFECTS as u, John (weight gain & lethargy in particular). The weight gain (by-product of Olanzapine-induced shutdown of my metabolism) compounded by mental health issues (bipolar disorder). When I ditched those meds (again; been psych med-free since 1/1/2017), I regained my metabolism & have maintained a relatively healthy weight (currently @ 170 lbs vs. 250 lbs while on Olanzapine). Furthermore; psych meds (much less Olanzapine) DO NOT ADDRESS NOR RESOLVE WHAT ACTUALLY TRIGGERS MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS @ ALL!!!!! They r simply "chemical pacifiers" (i.e.: designed 2 silence u when getting abused, bullied, & harassed by other people; especially those deemed as "authority figures" like law enforcement officers, judges/justices, parents, etc.).

[@JohnORourke.]

​@@billybandyk0720, thanks for the detailed reply. I agree with you that this drug is a pacifier, but it's important to remember that everyone's experience is unique to them. Always talk to a 'professional' re medication. I hope you're doing ok at present.

[@billybandyk0720]

@@JohnORourke. I do know that it varies from person 2 person. As 4 "talking 2 a professional"; the 1s I've dealt w/were very dismissive 2 my concerns & experiences so I had 2 take it upon myself 2 go off of psych meds. W/all due respect; U R the 1 taking the meds. U shall know what's best 4 u. As 4 my current situation; I have struggles but @ least I have FEELINGS that psych meds would deny me of. That's where I stand.

[@JohnORourke.]

@@billybandyk0720 your experience with 'professionals' mirrors my own. This kind of tact seems to be commonplace. And it's always, "your fault", and so forth. Well, my experiences outlined in this video.. can hardly be defined as 'self-inflicted'. Keep fighting the system, my friend.

[@smithybaracus-ln3ij]

Why would someone prescription antipsychotic drug when you no psychotic?

[@JohnORourke.]

I don't think I'll ever get an answer to that question. I lodged a complaint against my consultant and she has since retired from her position.

[@From_Another_WRLD]

Maybe because with dissociation the consultant though about a psychotic disorder and AD have more side effect on the libido

[@JohnORourke.]

@@From_Another_WRLD, well I never got a diagnosis (of anything) 🤷‍♂.

[@From_Another_WRLD]

@@JohnORourke. That’s weird for a treatment with a lot of sides effects like that

[@JohnORourke.]

@@From_Another_WRLD it is weird. Olanzapine was handed to me like a Pez Dispenser.

[@sylvainrochex2369]

Thanks for this video. Please could you speak more about the horrendus and hellish withdrawal effect : insomnia. You didn't talk about that while it's the biggest issue with the cognitive issue. Lot of friendship.

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi, no problem and thanks for watching. I actually didn't experience insomnia post withdrawal. I guess everyone will have a different experience.

[@sylvainrochex2369]

@@JohnORourke. Thanks to have answered. What dose you have had, how do you tapering ?

[@JohnORourke.]

​@@sylvainrochex23692.5, it was a very tough taper off!

[@chosenone580]

Are you still experiencing insomnia?

[@chosenone580]

@@sylvainrochex2369are you still experiencing insomnia?

[@Chillbear47]

I was prescribed zyprexa and it made me so tired and knocked me out, currently I’m on risperidon, and it’s annoying cause I have no other choice than to take it, I haven’t been prescribed either schizophrenia or bipolar, only delusions, it’s pity, but I hope I can quit this drug soon.

[@JohnORourke.]

@Chillbear47, I'm sorry to hear about your experience with Zyprexa, and the side effects it has brought with it. Please do communicate your concerns with your healthcare professional, they may be able to suggest an alternative or adjust your dosage.

[@giucrist]

You have a choice of being you and face your fears🤍 and trust yourself more!!! You can do it! Find a good terapist, speaking is the healing!

[@JohnORourke.]

@@giucrist well said.

[@billybandyk0720]

Chillbear; Actually; u DO NOT HAVE 2 TAKE PSYCH MEDS @ ALL but if u believe otherwise, then more power 2 u.

[@Chillbear47]

@@billybandyk0720 they changed it to abilify, but still, I currently have no choice but to take it.

[@icydev]

Can completely associte with u bro. In fact your anxiety worsened due to taking olazapine, and withdrawal increased it further as ap impairs ur nuero receptors and in some cases can cause irrepairable brain damage. Thankfully in your case the damage seems to be reversible but my only advice to you is any psychiatric medication shld be tapered slowly otherwise it damages the brain permanently. Cheers

[@JohnORourke.]

Thanks for sharing your experience, @icydev. I can tell you that my brain fog became very elevated during the withdrawal, and has remained elevated, after almost two years 💊.

[@dannyllerenatv8635]

Antipsychotics aren't even a first-line treatment for depression or anxiety unless there are clear psychotic symptoms present. That is just flat-out unfortunate and scary. I can understand very severe disorders like bipolar and schizophrenia where the patient has symptoms so severe that it affects their ability to live their daily lives. However, even then, Zyprexa was formed as an attempt to be an alternative to Clozapine. If you are going to have to endure hard side effects, they might as well start prescribing clozapine more. AT LEAST that one is proven to be extremely effective and more likely than not WILL stop your symptoms. Plus, you will. be monitored closely due to the required blood testing. Olanzapine was found to have an almost similar chance of causing agranulocytosis in some studies yet only the LAI version of olanzapine is on a REMS program.

[@JohnORourke.]

@dannyllerenatv8635, it's truly disconcerting that antipsychotics can be prescribed without the presence of psychotic symptoms. Olanzapine, specifically designed for treating bipolar and schizophrenia, also functions as a mood stabiliser for dementia patients. Despite the absence of psychotic symptoms in my presentation, I was prescribed Olanzapine off-label and endured several severe adverse side effects, as detailed in my video. I continue to grapple with persistent acid reflux and liver fat. In my experience, challenging the consultant in question is a futile exercise, as they simply do not admit any wrongdoing - in addition, they are shielded by internal policies and external forces who have their back should further action arise. However, the awareness my video is raising can hopefully prevent others from the negligent misprescription of Olanzapine. That alone provides solace.

[@dannyllerenatv8635]

@@JohnORourke. It's truly disconcerting. On top of that, let's say there is no choice but to give some antipsychotic in the case where features severe enough are present. There are other atypical BETTER for the treatment of depressive symptoms, such as Seroquel and Abilify. Those can be poisonous too of course, but there is at least a dosing range with them where those side effects are far less likely than not. Olanzapine is just too potent and does not have as flexible of a dosing range.

[@JohnORourke.]

@@dannyllerenatv8635 - I'm aware of Seroquel (Quetiapine) which is often prescribed for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. I read somewhere that Abilify is in the same family and used accordingly. I rarely use medications for my mental health these days. Diazapam can have a numbing effect but it's merely a quick fix. Xanax has its moments but the waning off can be pretty rough. My recovery is based on exercise, a monitored diet and social outlets.

[@dannyllerenatv8635]

@@JohnORourke. Yeah I've resorted to exercise, social outlets, and diet more as time goes by. It definitely helps big time. I'm still on anti-depressants and stimulants, but I can get off on a lot less than before. I was once offered benzos, but I turned them down. Too sedating.

[@JohnORourke.]

Yes, benzos can zombify, so you have to be careful around them.

[@tjsphotosandvideos531]

It made me gain over fifty pounds in three. Months. I had a ok a1c. It elevated my a1c 6.9. Cholesterol. Yes it increased. I felt sick. Reflux was worse. Less then four months after stopping my weight went from 252poinds dow to 198 pounds. And they said I have fatty liver because of my diet

[@JohnORourke.]

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Sounds like you went through a lot in a short period of time. I really hope your doctor has provided a management plan. Keep us updated! 💊.

[@littlewoodchopper2659]

They started me on 10 mg. Been on it a little over a year. Been thinking of getting off

[@JohnORourke.]

Thanks for your comment. Have you experienced any side effects?

[@littlewoodchopper2659]

@@JohnORourke. Just feel flat. Don't feel any of the good emotions. I'm waiting to talk to my shrink about lowering the doses.

[@JohnORourke.]

That sounds like a good idea, let me know how you get on.

[@AbbieWyndham-animator]

This was an eye opener, thankyou 🙏🏼

[@JohnORourke.]

You're welcome.

[@baladadisidenta8219]

Just yesterday I read that in Sweden psychatrists are not allowed to give antipsychotics to people who have never had optical or acoustic hallucinations. Being psychotic is something very precise, people with extreme anxiety, fears, stress or depression should never take them. I don't know why they are prescribed so often and so easily to non psychotic/schizophrenic patients.

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi @baladadisidenta8219, it's interesting to hear about this. I still have no idea why I was prescribed Olanzapine - it will never make sense to me.

[@baladadisidenta8219]

@@JohnORourke. I think they do this on purpose. Financiak gain and experiments all in one. They prescribed me one too, for depression and anxiety. I read the leaflet and never took it.

[@JohnORourke.]

That sounds crazy. Thanks again for your comment.

[@marianname]

@@baladadisidenta8219hey! Can you please share where u read that?

[@kareendeveraux1847]

Exactly. They prescribe it "off-label", even to cancer patients, who have no mental issues, because the patients "must feel sad about their cancer". This very drug creates dependency in the shortest amount of time and a lot of other health and also mental issues, so the patient gets sicker and needs more treatment in order to create more money for big pharma. You needed a reflux medication... longer down the road, you'd 100% develop diabetes, which means insulin, which is also produced by this very company Eli Lilly. The prescription of the drug had nothing to do with your issues, but with a pharmaceutical scheme. I hope, I made sense. In the medical archives, the drug is also classified as "acute toxic". I'm glad, you're off of this crap.

[@evenfrivold3033]

Very postive of you sharing youre expierience! Im on it now, and have been on it for almost 5 months. But i get very stiff becaouse of it, so i think i will not take it any more. Did not know about the things you said. Thank you!

[@JohnORourke.]

@evenfrivold3033, thanks for your comment. Please do check out the side effects - which are notorious. And they are of course different for everyone, hence why I said potential side effects in my video. Do check back in a while with any updates.

[@evenfrivold3033]

@@JohnORourke. I will!

[@mikelisteral7863]

did you get any withdrawal symptoms? or did you avoid them by tapering? i tried going off olanzapine and got some bad symptoms: diarrhea, reduced appetite, dry mouth, horrible pain, feelings of meaninglessness and suicidal thoughts

[@evenfrivold3033]

i got meaninglessness. I got cought not taking my medications so now im on it again. @@mikelisteral7863

[@mof4rr3ll]

It's horrible that you experienced those side effects.

[@JohnORourke.]

@mof4rr3ll, it was horrible and it took a while before my body started warning me.

[@paulch5394]

Unfortunately they forced me to take that medication at the mental hospital. I'm on 10mg at the moment,been taking it for a year now and my psychiatrist told me I'll be on them for the rest of my life. Do you think there's a way out of it ?

[@JohnORourke.]

@paulch5394, thanks for your comment. Please do discuss your concerns and any side effects with your psychiatrist. They are best equipped to assess your situation and explore different treatment options. Also, if 10mg starts causing adverse side effects, it's important to highlight them.

[@ririnnamasa]

i have been taking 10mg olanzapine for two years. it makes my schizophrenia symptoms go away. But it give me many side effect like weight gain, frequent urinate, low memory. i want to quit olanzapine but i am afraid my symptoms will come back. i don't know what to do.

[@JohnORourke.]

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing undesirable side effects. Has your doctor offered any solutions?

[@jamesmullaney5841]

It happened to me too. I'm 61; I live in New York. There's a nacent social and political movement consisting of survivors of psychiatry which has helped me feel less isolated. Some of its tags are: Survivors of Psychiatry; Mind Freedom; Mad Pride; and Mad In America. There are alternative psychiatrists writing books against mainstream practices too: Dr. Peter Breggin, Dr. Seth Farber, Dr. Robert Whitaker, and Dr. Peter Gotzsche are four of the leading lights but there are many others. It's a growing movement; these are the days when we can finally do sonething to put an end to this abusive human rights violation. Best of luck, John. It gets better but not 100% Go holistic: I think it's the best way. Traditional Chinese and Ayuverdic medicine, Naturopathy, Integrative medicine a la Dr. Andrew Weill. Thanks for posting about your tragic experience.

[@JohnORourke.]

Thank you for sharing your experience @jamesmullaney5841. It's encouraging to hear about these social and political movements challenging mainstream practices. I'm not overly familiar with holistic approaches. My experience was tragic and I'm still very shook from it (one year & three months later). Best of luck to you too James.

[@PAULLONDEN]

Well..what medication should you have been prescribed ? I recently got prescribed one 2,5 mg tablet a day. I take one every 3 days and feel rather relaxed on it , so the temptation is there to use it every day. The two inbetween days I take 0,5 mg Lorazepam (sleep medication) against tension headaches. This about takes care of my anxiety and light schizophrenia. I'm 72 bytheway. What medication you think I should be prescribed for light suicidal depressed feelings ? benzodiazepines are very tempting , but they are no option , unless used *very* sparingly .

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi @PAULLONDEN, in retrospect - medication wasn't necessary and I don't believe I should have been prescribed anything. My anxiety, depression and disassociation stemmed from overwhelming stress, not a mental illness. Prescribing an antipsychotic drug was *highly* inappropriate. What I presented with didn't align with psychoses. I'm sorry to hear about your challenges and I hope things improve. While I can't offer medical advice, consulting your doctor is recommended. Please keep me posted on your progress.

[@PAULLONDEN]

@@JohnORourke. Thankfully my situation has improved. My depression was caused after moving to a new house, which had overbearing sounds , like when it was slightly windy , something in the house complex started to rattle day and night ,with no idea where it was coming from, even the house master was at a loss, which caused my distress. On top of that the reason I moved , in the previous house I had a similar problem . Thankfully finally after 5 months the culprit was discovered in a loose iron balcony door. I feel totally relieved and can leave the Olanzapine. Only occasionally a sleeping pill for a knock-out. Greetings 👍🙂

[@bzzinrnd]

This is some scary chit. Don't think I've ever heard of someone having a 'positive' experience with happy pills.

[@JohnORourke.]

I can only talk about my experience with this particular drug and it wasn't a positive one. Thanks for your comment.

[@EnglishAfrican85]

I loved the drug, it helped, me. I gained 6stone. Coming off them is hell, but they do there jobs. 2years on them and no beer. I used smoke so much weed now it’s a joint a night. These tablets saved my life.

[@bzzinrnd]

@@EnglishAfrican85 deeeeeeeep

[@EnglishAfrican85]

@@bzzinrnd was on deep waters, got out, it’s an horrible illness once your sucked in. We got this. We not ill we are special

[@-tag3nmyta873]

​@@EnglishAfrican85 zyprexa+weed a good way for frying your brain , boost and down AT the same Time ,clever..

[@leonardhiggins444]

Good video, I don't advocate any kind of drug... 😐

[@JohnORourke.]

That's ok Leonard, thanks for the comment.

[@LauraGreen-qo2ud]

Your blue face emoji looks like a drug binge taper off 🤣

[@smithybaracus-ln3ij]

What's with the weird blue eyed emoji?

[@PAULLONDEN]

@@smithybaracus-ln3ij That's obvious...someone too long on the wrong medication....lol.

[@AlexAders-d9l]

Hey, thanks for bringing awareness to this awful drug. I took 18 months to taper off 5mg. It was very tedious with a scale and a razor blade, but it was worth it. People need more success stories.

[@JohnORourke.]

Thanks for your comment Alex, I truly hope you're in a better place now.

[@AlexAders-d9l]

I am doing much better. The truth is, I was put on the drug because I smoked too much weed and had a bad reaction. It has been over two years since I quit the weed so this is the first time since high school that I have been truly drug-free. I do not even think I could drink alcohol again after all that I went through getting off this drug. It is just not worth the risk.

[@JohnORourke.]

@@AlexAders-d9l , I'm sorry to hear about your experience with Olanzapine but it sounds like you're in a better place. Onwards for 2024!

[@mikelisteral7863]

did you get any withdrawal symptoms? or did you avoid them by tappering? i tried going off olanzapine and got some bad symptoms: diarrhea, reduced appetite, dry mouth, horrible pain, feelings of meaninglessness and suicidal thoughts

[@icydev]

Hi User That was infact the correct way of stopping any psych meds. A slow taper over a long period. If u quit cold turkey or too fast it causes permanent brain damage. Cheers

[@jackmarkarian1179]

100% true. Mate, I can definitely feel for you, been there myself with my own scary stories about it all a few times now over the last 14 years. I'm currently withdrawing down from 15mg 2 week depot (needle). Went back onto 10mg oral pills, and spent last 3 months slowly coming down. I'm at 3mg now and struggling with it again. The last part is the hardest. Past experiences have been awful, so know you're not alone, but I did eventually get there in the past. My prayers are with you bro 🙏.

[@JohnORourke.]

Thanks for your comment Jack. Sounds like you’ve been through a lot. You're dead right re, "the last part is the hardest". There is hope at the end of the Olanzapine journey, for all of us! 💊

[@blurbicontotalicus]

Been taking it for like 2 years, was prescribed after a psycotic episode. Eat 5mg most nights, and sometimes 10. Works absolute wonders for my sleep, I fall asleep much easier, not as much intrusive thoughts etc. Also sleep better and awake more alert. Am aware of the weightgein issues etc. and therefore try to max take 5mg each night, which is a relatively low dose. But there are absoluty positive effects of the drug.

[@JohnORourke.]

@blurbicontotalicus, thanks for your comment and for outling your experience. It's important to remember though, that the effects of Olanzapine are different for everyone - I got hit with most of the undesirable effects on 2.5 mg and therefore, had to discontine. I was also misprescribed this drug. Being mindful of your Olanzapine induced weight gain is important, and working closely with your doctor is crucial.

[@Bibliophagos___]

Zyprexa is a heavy drug. I’m so sorry for your experience. I’ve been taking it for a year as a treatment for bipolar disorder and thankfully it has helped tremendously. That is to say not without side effects; I have gained 35 pounds and i have trouble waking up in the morning as it knocks me out. The truth is that we don’t really know how zyprexa works, we just know it affects neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, thus can help with depression when usually combined with fluoxetine and anxiety disorders. For most drugs like this, there are a lot of side effects and you have to weigh them out before you start taking them.

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi @Bibliophagos___ •, I completely agree with you. Zyprexa *is* a heavy drug. I hope that the side effects you're experiencing aren't proving to be too much of a burden. And yes, lots of people really don't know how Zyprexa works, especially those who should know. I understand that the drug aligns with the disorders it was specifically manufactured for. In my case, I was never given a diagnosis (I also never presented with symptoms related to bipolar disorder or schizophrenia) - and yet, I was put on it. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@blazebuckley9830]

I hope you're doing better now! While I was on a number of these drugs many years ago, thankfully I never took that one. My weight sky rocketed, I felt completely dull, and was sleeping 15 hours a day.

[@JohnORourke.]

I'm doing much better now thanks, almost two years off this extremely dangerous antipsychotic drug. I hope you're doing better now too! 💊

[@Lmcgloneee]

I was forced 10 mg then 20 mg for ocd told me it was irrational thinking I’m not good at describing the things that go on I took one 10 mg firdt day was forced in hospital the rest of the days I was hiding in my gums and spitting it out and I even told doctor made me worse and he upped my dose without telling me I’m disgusted I’m in a severe depression rn bcos of this idk if it was the olanzapine or if it was the experience of being in psych ward but it’s FUCKEN scary

[@JohnORourke.]

Hey, I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Doesn't sound great. Are you still taking Olanzapine? 💊

[@rikbelfour2645]

Antipsychotics are bad news me thinks.

[@JohnORourke.]

@rikbelfour2645, yes they can be.

[@billybandyk0720]

​@@JohnORourke."Can be"? They ARE!!!!!

[@AndreaAndrea-bv6mk]

I was pou on it too. After a month taking this drug, I started to see myself looking older than I used to look. At that moment I became so angry that I could not hold my tears ...Before hearing voices, I was beeb byllied in my community which called me " the poor woman" but I did not understand why. Anyway some day I began hearing bad coments about this poor woman, who has got older and people laughed about it, and said things like " she is bad, therefore looks horrible"...and tjhings like that...women were laughing about my age....the train is gone by, poor woman....I was beeing bullied because I looked older than before and people were glad a out it cause someone lied about me telling I am the one crisizing women in SaLzburg for aging so fast...I suposse, people reacted with mobbing. ....

[@JohnORourke.]

I'm really sorry to hear about what you've been through. It sounds incredibly tough dealing with hurtful comments in your community and the impact Olanzapine has had. I hope you're able to find some support, and remember that how others treat you doesn't define your worth. Take care of yourself 💊.

[@xolillolaxo]

I think my family is trying to make me take this

[@JohnORourke.]

@xolillolaxo, how come?

[@stolendreamscatcher]

Very informative, thank you very much! Right now I`m in a process of tapering off olanzapine, I`m taking my time and it was mostly a good period for me but now I have a hard time, I can really feel that the drug is leaving my system and my system that is used to it is starting to disagree, but I will not bow down to the drug. That is why I watch videos like these to help me cope and know that there is a way out. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@JohnORourke.]

@stolendreamscatcher, thanks for your kind words. And you are dead right - there is absolutely a way out. Stay strong and positive. Experiences like this are merely barriers on the way up.

[@mikelisteral7863]

did you get any withdrawal symptoms? or did you avoid them by tappering? i tried going off olanzapine and got some bad symptoms: diarrhea, reduced appetite, dry mouth, horrible pain, feelings of meaninglessness and suicidal thoughts

[@stolendreamscatcher]

@@mikelisteral7863 I avoided withdrawal symptoms by tapering slowly (although it could have been even slower) and only insomnia kicked in a month after my last dose. It was severe for 2 weeks then starting to subside. It all depends on what dose you were on and how slow you are tapering.

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi @stolendreamscatcher, please update us re your tapering off journey. In the meantime, my tapering off video is live: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4PKpmtoa9t8kKs 💊🙏.

[@stolendreamscatcher]

Hi everyone, thanks for checking up :) I have ended Olanzapine the end of last year and never took another dose. I have been tapering off for almost a year before that and completely stopped after using 1/8 of 5 mg pill for months (I didn`t know about micro tapering then). Pretty soon, maybe after a week, insomnia started which I didn`t experience before. It was a long, long ride with insomnia and accepting it and learning how to deal with it. Now, 6 months later, I can say that I`m 90% healed and what is left is just a memory of bad stuff that happened, but we all know that time heals. A month ago I did some healing ritual where I wanted to write down the name of the medicine on the paper and burn to paper saying goodbye to it for good, and guess what? I couldn`t remember the name of the medicine! I really liked that :D That is a very good sign. I had various symptoms of withdrawal but I decided not to give attention to them as much as possible. As much as possible I tried to live my life as a "normal" person without problems. I still have some weird energy losses and need a lot of rest, but it is getting better with each day. I have been through abdominal pain, dry mouth, intrusive thoughts, anxiety etc. Sometimes there would all be mixed together, sometimes they would be separated. I did some deep therapeutic work to help my body heal faster. Acupuncture for getting back my energy, balance, yin energy, calmness and reducing fatigue. Somatic therapy as a talk therapy. Homeopathic therapy for various issues like anxiety and fatigue. Plant medicine in the form of teas and tinctures for various issues, light massages for dealing with painful muscles, dance therapy for movement of the body, conversations with friends and family members I trust to share these kind of stuff with etc. I hope this information helps :)

[@robertsolberg7666]

Zyprexa is notorious for diabetes

[@JohnORourke.]

@robertsolberg7666, correct. If you Google Olanzapine & Diabetes, you'll need a year to read every article!

[@LouiseHollingworth-tq7fc]

I was prescribed these by my GP . After reading about the side effects and now watching this video, glad I threw them away . Best wishes to all

[@JohnORourke.]

Thank you for your comment, best wishes. John 💊.

[@icydev]

Hi Lousie all psych drugs are horrible and anti psychotics are the worst, one shld never rake them. But my advice to u is even if u take psych drugs for few months it changes the nuero chemiatry of the brain, and one should never quit these drugs cold turkey otherwise it can cause permanent brain damage. You shld taper it very slowly ar the rate of 10% every month so that it doesnt cause life threatening withdrawal symptons and ur brain can recover gradually. Cheers

[@jacekwojtaszek9347]

Great to hear you quit taking it

[@JohnORourke.]

I hope others who don't need to be on it quit taking it too.

[@mariomaestro7142]

I was 4 years ago on 25mg , now iam on 2.5mg , i have problem with dizziness/unbalance , problem with walking. Want to get off this drug but dont know what withdrawal side effects olanzapine have and how long they last ? If you can help a little bit with info?

[@JohnORourke.]

@mariomaestro7142, the best thing to do is consult with your mental health professional. The side effects will be different for everyone. My tapering off lasted about five months - I do plan to make a video about that experience.

[@mariomaestro7142]

@@JohnORourke. thank you, iam talking with mi doctor every month , they gived me quantapine but dizziness got worse so they told me to quit it , then they gived me escitalopram still dizziness then i quited week after using , iam on 0.75mg clonazepam and 2.5mg olanzapine per day. Thanks again for trying to help.

[@JohnORourke.]

​@mariomaestro7142, no problem. I really hope that my video helped you. I will post a new video about my tapering off experience - watch this space!

[@mariomaestro7142]

@@JohnORourke. can you drop link when you post video?

[@JohnORourke.]

@@mariomaestro7142, I will drop link here first!

[@wwewrestling4410]

i am young 22 years old i was on 5 mg for 3 months i off it 20 days ago how long will my withdrawal last

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi, thanks for commenting. Have you spoken to your doctor? Withdrawals will vary from person to person.

[@wwewrestling4410]

@@JohnORourke. No my doctor said keep it up but i stop it

[@Av-uv6xu]

How's your withdrawal now? Can you explain how you felt after 20 days and how do you feel now? Please tell me you're completely healthy now...

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi, I'm in a better place now.

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi@@Av-uv6xu, my tapering off video is live: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4PKpmtoa9t8kKs 💊🙏.

[@issamifijjaj9508]

For you was wrong but it works beautifully with ppl with schizophrenia. Sorry for your experience though 😢

[@JohnORourke.]

@issamifijjaj9508, I'm glad to hear that your experience was positive. What I presented with didn't align with what Olanzapine was manufactured for.

[@nrts4704]

Do these things come with a black box warning?

[@JohnORourke.]

@nrts4704, I think they do.

[@carlovrolijk4227]

I am using Olanzapine for 12 years and am a schizofrenia patient for 25 years. Now i am fat with 125kg but i was already fat when using Orap and Risperdal and Abilify and other anti psychotic drugs. Now i am 12 years on Olanzapine my episodes faded away, i am stable now. I do not get psychotic anymore. But because i want to lose weight now i am willing to try other drugs and be hospitaliced again

[@JohnORourke.]

Thanks for your comment, aside from weight gain, did you suffer any other side effects? 💊

[@carlovrolijk4227]

@@JohnORourke. no other side effects and i am taking daily 20mg

[@sarahjimison6200]

u can ask 2 take these meds PRN so they don try n force u on it

[@toast5717]

I am bipolar 1 and it really helped me get out of psychosis. With that said I’m glad I’m off it it’s a horrible drug

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi, thanks for your comment. I hope you didn't suffer from any of the adverse side effects 💊.

[@dorostella-ng1tk]

Thanks very much may God bless your Life with Helthy and Happines..love ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@JohnORourke.]

Thanks for your comment @dorostella-ng1tk and the same to you 💊

[@Berk-lf6ge]

Hi John, my Sister went through the same nightmare after she was misdiagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. She got prescribed Zyprexa too. After she stopped taking the drug her mental mood was very unstable. She recovered though and im absolutely convinced it is mainly because she started riding bicycle pushing herself to her limit. You become stronger mentally and physically and your brain can heal and stabilize much more efficiently. Its like physical activity created a basis for healing, you need that basic health.

[@JohnORourke.]

Thanks for your comment, @Berk-lf6ge. It sounds like your sister went through a challenging journey. It's inspiring to hear how she found her way to recovery, with biking, etc. I completely agree that one can become stronger mentally and physically. 🙏

[@giucrist]

My boyfriend stopped it 2 years ago, he had no longer issues with psychosis, no illusions no nothing, no paranoia, nothing, he is still diagnosed with paranoid schizo and doctor from sudden recommend him to take it again, i dont understand! He makes once a month the abilify injection, is olanzapine needed IF HE DOESNT PRESENT ANY symptomes of schizo since 2 years? Thank you!

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi, thanks for your comment. It might be best for your boyfriend to ask his doctor for a medication review. Let me know how he gets on.

[@giucrist]

@@JohnORourke. today he is going to see a new doctor because is really scarry what he received last time without reason: 2 lorazepam/day,20mg olanzapine/day and abilify 400mg once a month. Since 2 years he is just on abilify , no pills, and he is awesome, so why pills now… i will come and tell what this new doctor will say Thank you so much! This is very inspiring 🤍 Oh and one more thing! HE NEVER HAD PROBLMES WITH HIS SLEEP! always the same schedule, 7-8 hours!

[@kareendeveraux1847]

Patients shouldn't take two neuroleptics at one time! Get a new shrink, this one doesn't know what he's doing. If he's stable and has no symptoms, you could consider to taper it down slowly, get information about safe tapering online, because most shrinks taper way too fast and cause iatrogenic injury by doing so.

[@abradford23]

@@kareendeveraux1847 does any shrink know what they're doing?

[@emilydebron]

jeez@@kareendeveraux1847 conspiratorial

[@venerdatomed]

god help me i was on 15 mg misdiadgnosed

[@venerdatomed]

this drug acts on so many receptors not just block them but also the way the signal pass. it afeect metabolism and pancreas it causes permenant damage it shrinks the brain cortex...does so much harm.i just want to spread awareness

[@JohnORourke.]

How are you getting on now?

[@venerdatomed]

im coping and suffering specialy with insomnia taking benzos for 2 years no refreshing sleep got some permenant facial tiks and hands and tremor at 30yo i did not make a link until its too late

[@JohnORourke.]

@@venerdatomed, I hope everything improves for you. Remember that you have people around you who can help.

[@jonathanmcadams-nx5zp]

Same boat bro. I was misdiagnosed with schizophrenia and it is really severe AdHd and mild bipolar. I have been prescribed like 5 or 6 different heavy hitter antipsychotic meds and kept getting worse and worse because they didn't treat my AdHd and then they refused to treat me for AdHd in a decent manner, wouldn't prescribe a stimulant, when I finally found out what was really going on with me. Doctors are sometimes more concerned about their license and the small risk of you abusing a med rather than the ultra dangerous and severely serious illness that you are dealing with on a daily basis. My doctor's all wouldn't prescribe a life altering medicine because they were afraid of abuse and it changed my life. A medicine I took for the first half of my entire life. Adderall. The game of doctor patient is just that, a game. They are more concerned about themselves and their own kind were the ones that caused the opiate epidemic and they underprescribe and label people addicts to ensure they don't have to prescribe controlled substances, substances that can potentially save someone's life and prevent suicide in the long term. I hate some doctors but luckily you can always call around and get another opinion, get a specialist, and never give up because at the end of the day you are your own advocate and everyone wants to feel normal and good is normal. At least in moderation, the way you are supposed to feel.

[@BruceDanton-xw6eg]

I used to be on that one too but i put on a lot of weight until i came off it a long time ago now then too.

[@BruceDanton-xw6eg]

And I feel for you there too of course.

[@JohnORourke.]

@@BruceDanton-xw6eg thanks for your comment. Did you get any other side effects? 💊

[@BruceDanton-xw6eg]

@JohnORourke. Well I think more of an appetite too. I was put on it by the Mawdesley hospital in London where I went from 1998 to 2003 as an outpatient though. After I left there I continued on it by my gp until I came off it don't remember when. I used to be on paroxetine too. Now I am on gabapentin quetiapine and sertraline though. I think another side effects Was diabetes type 2 which I now have also a groin hernia which are not nice too. Also alas like you I have a lot of indigestion wind nausea which can be painful too. I have high blood pressure and the cholesterol too. I am 56 now but it is not nice at all is it too.

[@BruceDanton-xw6eg]

I am also on lanzoprazole propranolol for anxiety ramipril bisoprolol tramadol for pain too.

[@jluvsbooks2020]

So if you get off the drug and you do have Schizophrenia, what do you do instead?

[@JohnORourke.]

Thanks for your comment @jluvsbooks2020, I would suggest checking with your psychiatrist💊.

[@Theotherlostprimarch]

Thanks for speaking up, my friend.

[@JohnORourke.]

Thank you for watching.

[@sheriaggi5166]

How long was the prescription for?

[@JohnORourke.]

Two years 💊.

[@stevequinm2296]

I went to the psych ward on st patricks day and I wanted to come off I don't even suffer with bypoler disorder or syztozrphrenia I was just put on to it from a bad reaction to smoking weed one time and have been on it since but when they put it down to 2.5mg the withdrawal symptoms were so bad that I'm literally afraid to come off it, I just don't know what to do because I'm on enough medication for my epilepsy

[@JohnORourke.]

What's your doctor saying?

[@stevequinm2296]

@@JohnORourke. well I have an appointment in october with my local mental health services to ask about the olanzapine but as I said when I went up to psych ward on st patricks day to reduce my medication to 2.5mg it was dreadful withdrawal symptoms, it was so bad that I couldn't stick it and had to go back to my normal dose which was 5mg I'm like literally terrified to reduce down from it even I do I want to come off it so bad 😮‍💨

[@JohnORourke.]

​@@stevequinm2296, it's almost October. I really hope your appointment goes well. Do drop a comment and let me know.

[@Psyche-ud2mn]

This drug is the worst ive ever taken, of course i can only talk from my experience but i can tell you it made my illness ten times worse

[@JohnORourke.]

I'm sorry to hear about your experience @Psyche-ud2mn, and I truly hope that you are doing ok now. Remember that there are supports open to you - it's just a matter of finding what fits (and preferably, drug free).

[@Psyche-ud2mn]

I ám drug free and doing much better thank you. Thanks fór bringing awareness to this important issue, it is much needed

[@JohnORourke.]

Great to hear that you are doing better. Thanks for your comments.

[@NeelaKuyile]

pls post vedio on tapering of olanzapine

[@JohnORourke.]

I will, of course 🙏🏻.

[@NeelaKuyile]

thank you

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi @NeelaKuyile, the second video is here: (I will discuss the tapering off in another video) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKWkeoKErcxnoac

[@egidijusk1316]

I am also on this drug, was prescribed that because of chronic insomnia, at first it took 15mg, now tapered to 3,75mg the next steps are 2,5mg and 1,25mg, sometimes i wake up at nights but sleeping pretty fine, i hope one day ill be off this drug😢

[@JohnORourke.]

It sounds like you've been through quite a journey @egidijusk1316. Sending you positive vibes.

[@georgeybushy]

I have been on olanzapine for a year now and have just switched to risperidone I am thinking of stopping the risperidone cuz I do not want to have withdrawal symptoms from it.

[@JohnORourke.]

Thanks for your comment, have you experienced any adverse side effects from the Olanzapine?

[@georgeybushy]

Just weight gain and acting like a robot as my doctor says@@JohnORourke.

[@JohnORourke.]

I'm sorry to hear that @georgeybushy, keep fighting!

[@izabelaabel7049]

Please read books on Orthomolecular medicine, find out about niacin protocol

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi @izabelaabel7049, thanks for your comment. I focus on eating right and keeping busy - both essential keys to my recovery.

[@axiomfinity]

Olanzapine is not meant for long term use (Dr Lee's advice 2018)

[@JohnORourke.]

And yet I was prescribed Olanzapine, long-term, despite never presenting with psychoses.

[@axiomfinity]

@@JohnORourke. They put me on it even though I wasn't showing hallucinations or anything like voices and the staff there didn't listen to me about my autistic diagnosis I had already.

[@JohnORourke.]

I am sorry to hear that @axiomfinity, it seems that off-label use is all too common.

[@PamelaMurray-y7u]

I suffer very bad with depression anxiety an have all of fear's I was giving olazapine to take but I would not take them incase I would have bad size effects i glad I didn't take them now especially after watching this video thank for this video

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi, thanks for your comment. I'm sorry to hear about what you're going through and I am truly glad that you took something positive away from the video. My aim is to save people from a similar fate. Please mind yourself and feel free to keep us posted on your journey.

[@PamelaMurray-y7u]

Thank you

[@JohnORourke.]

No problem.

[@sephiclou362]

Does it get better when you are off

[@JohnORourke.]

@sephiclou362, I have never felt better since withdrawing from Olanzapine. My body and my mind completely rejected it from day one.

[@dowkh]

I took Effexor for 6 months, I started bleeding internally. Stopping that drug was worse than stopping Xanax

[@JohnORourke.]

@@dowkh did you take Olanzapine? 💊

[@elysianwyvern]

There really need to be better alternatives for people like me who have schizophrenia

[@JohnORourke.]

I hear you, my friend. I hope there's some alternatives open to you at the moment.

[@RommelQuilantang-f7t]

im tapering with 1/4 tablet...should i continue tappering?

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi, it would be best to check with your doctor. Let me know how you get on.

[@ruthhaile7030]

Please update us how you were able to come off it by details

[@JohnORourke.]

@ruthhaile7030, I tapered off over a few days and was hit with withdrawal symptoms immediately.

[@leinad5243]

😊 Bro how did you get off the meds?

[@JohnORourke.]

It was gradual, but the withdrawal symptoms hit me immediately. My consultant demonstrated a complete lack of concern during that challenging time.

[@whynotnaveen]

My wife is on olanzopine for the past one month. We cannoy discontinue it now. Can yoga and jogging prevent the aide effects???

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi, I'm not sure to be honest - best if your wife checks with her doctor. I hope she doesn't get any undesirable side effects in the long run.

[@emilydebron]

Guinea piggy

[@JohnORourke.]

🐹

[@marieb9961]

You are RIGHT

[@mikelisteral7863]

i tried going off olanzapine and got some bad symptoms: diarrhea, reduced appetite, dry mouth, horrible pain, feelings of meaninglessness and suicidal thoughts

[@JohnORourke.]

Sorry to hear that. How are you getting on now?

[@mikelisteral7863]

@@JohnORourke. i started taking 10mg then dropped to 5 then went off it. i got sick and had tons of pain and fear so im going back on 5. i didnt even know what was wrong at first, finally i figured it out that it was the withdrawal of olanzapine. i didnt even know that it was possible to have that bad of withdrawal symptoms from a drug

[@JohnORourke.]

I've heard similar things about the withdrawal phase, it seems to be a common thread. Olanzapine changes the mind and body. I think that's what makes the withdrawal so difficult.

[@mikelisteral7863]

@@JohnORourke. i think olazapine supresses fear, so when you go off it your fear can be overactive

[@JohnORourke.]

One thing is for certain, I'll never be taking Olanzapine again.

[@jonathanbourke5831]

Thanks for that .

[@JohnORourke.]

You're welcome. I hope it helps 🙏🏻.

[@anncarroll3611]

Do you have an email address? My daughter is very ill and is in hospital. She refuses meds.

[@JohnORourke.]

@@anncarroll3611 what are the doctors saying?

[@Johnnash4678]

but after all this time the side effect disappeared in a 100% reversible manner. or has the drug changed you completely?

[@JohnORourke.]

@Johnnash4678, the side effects disappeared, yet the effects on dopamine and serotonin receptors have left an undeniable mark - I discuss these in my latest video kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKiaYpKkq7-bbsU

[@Johnnash4678]

@@JohnORourke. Can you enter the REM phase of sleep during the night?

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi, my sleep hasn't been affected 💊. How about you?

[@Johnnash4678]

@@JohnORourke. definitely my Rem phase is gone ;)

[@Johnnash4678]

one last question, but have your cholesterol and blood sugar levels returned to normal? 

[@wandaproulx7035]

I thought Valium was a terrible idea in the early 70's. I'd seen older people on it. My husband has been taking a benzodiazapine for many years as needed for panic attacks. He's 71, and this spring, his health really got bad. All the symptoms you talked about, plus memory problems and parkinsonism symptoms. He managed to get off safely, but I worry that it made some symptoms permanent or made worse a possible case of dementia. 😢

[@JohnORourke.]

Thanks for your comment. Please keep me updated re your husband. I really hope Olanzapine didn't leave any lasting damage 💊.

[@JamesVestal-dz5qm]

This medication makes me get more sleep, but so does more exercise. And exercise lowers cholesterol and helps acid reflux and libido and weight loss. So olanzapine does the opposite of exercise.

[@JohnORourke.]

Adverse side effects and the effects of exercise can vary quite significantly from person to person.

[@JamesVestal-dz5qm]

@@JohnORourke. I wasn't on meds for years and I don't see a reason to take them now.

[@JohnORourke.]

Sounds like you're in a better place. God speed!

[@JamesVestal-dz5qm]

@@JohnORourke. I just think people have the choice to get more exercise, play more sports, and eat more fruits and vegetables. I understand that psychiatric meds can help re-wire brains during a period of time, but I think we need to look to longer term lifestyle changes to help people off these meds and view these meds as a short term fix. If I were President of the United States of America, which the police have endorsed me for, I would do a democratic thing and put more physical education classes in the schools and put more fruits and vegetables in school lunches.

[@deepak70413]

Did your libido come back?

[@JohnORourke.]

@@deepak70413 yes 💊

[@princebangar1999]

Just take omega3 supplements

[@JohnORourke.]

Omega 6 and 9 are also good.

[@victordempsey6071]

I was on olanzapine for 17 years

[@JohnORourke.]

Being on Olanzapine for such an extended period sounds significant. Did it have any impact on your health?

[@HJS17]

Would you care to share if it helped you and how you managed to taper off..n how are you feeling now ? Will b grateful for your response.

[@Nina_Olivia]

It concerns me that psychiatrists can be so quick to prescribe atypical antipsychotics for insomnia. 20 years ago, I was put on Zyprexa and Seroquel for bloody insomnia … the weight gain in itself made me depressed and suicidal. When I asked the psychiatrist about weight gain (before commencing the drugs), I was laughed off: “Oh no! You won’t gain weight on a tiny dose like that”

[@JohnORourke.]

Thanks for your comment. My psychiatrist and your psychiatrist should get together and go bowling. Re Zyprexa withdrawal, my psychiatrist said, "Oh, I wasn't aware the withdrawal could be so bad with your low dose".

[@chemist77]

Did u still take both these medications??

[@Nina_Olivia]

@@chemist77 No way! I got myself off those horrid drugs several years ago!

[@chemist77]

@@Nina_Olivia for how many time period u use these drugs??what u use for insomnia ??plz help I have insomnia solely no depression anxiety

[@Nina_Olivia]

@@chemist77 Hi there, I would’ve taken 25-50mg nocte of Seroquel for four months at the most. I’m a small person and it made my weight balloon so much that I became suicidal. It took a lot of effort on my part to get that weight off (through extreme exercise and dietary restriction). These are very serious drugs (antipsychotics). As such, they should not be used to manage insomnia or anxiety - the effects on your health are severe and multifaceted. I wish you luck. Maybe get into therapy and see a psychologist (rather than take these horrid drugs). *Obviously these drugs are indicated for people with psychosis and mania. I warn against using them for insomnia, anxiety and depression/

[@wwewrestling4410]

is you recover

[@JohnORourke.]

It's a gradual recovery.

[@wwewrestling4410]

is you recover

[@JohnORourke.]

Yes, thank God 💊 🙏🏼.

[@anastasiosdimtsis1]

I was on 20mg. It was hell!!

[@JohnORourke.]

Sounds like a heavy dose. How did you taper off?

[@anastasiosdimtsis1]

@@JohnORourke. No they took me off and transferred me straight to 400mg seroquel. It was hell. Horrific intrusive thoughts

[@JohnORourke.]

That sounds intense @anastasiosdimtsis1. Please drop updates re your recovery 💊.

[@anastasiosdimtsis1]

Will do!! The Mental Health system is a money making cash cow torturing it's victims

[@JohnORourke.]

It's a crazy and overly complex system 💊.

[@robschilder1179]

Did your libido get better after quitting?

[@JohnORourke.]

@robschilder1179, everything got better.

[@leonosstonos6922]

I'm on it for over 4 years now 😅

[@JohnORourke.]

Are you experiencing any adverse side effects?

[@leonosstonos6922]

Not noticeably Maybe a little bit of a weight gain

[@waynerowlands1298]

i have had similar experience with olanzapine i think your right this med should be band! only thing i could suggest for any one taking these meds is to go on a raw food diet

[@JohnORourke.]

Thanks for your comment. The best thing I could do, was to discontinue this awful drug. I truly hope it didn't cause you any damage 💊.

[@nenadcubric2663]

Olanzapine 2.5mg changed my life for the better, after many Years of trying diffrent Medication for Depression and Anxiety

[@JohnORourke.]

@nenadcubric2663, did you experience any of the adverse side effects?

[@nenadcubric2663]

@@JohnORourke. not really, with Olanzapine i felt normal againe, Free of depression, tension, Anxiety, Panic, OCD

[@PAULLONDEN]

@@nenadcubric2663 Same with me , although I'm still in the first month. I'm dreading the weight gain though , experiencing increased appetite. I'm 72. What's your age ?

[@mikelisteral7863]

olan seems to help my bipolar mania, better than seroquel, but i tried going off if and very very horrible withdrawal symptoms

[@HJS17]

​@@nenadcubric2663 would you care to share since how long have you been on it and which dosage and how are you feeling now..did you have any side effects related to memory or weight gain..n if so how you dealt with them.. I took this briefly and it really helped but I got off it due to severe hunger pangs and weighr gain..so v anxious about taking it but your feed back wil be very helpful. Thanks a lot.

[@wwewrestling4410]

how long your insomnia last

[@JohnORourke.]

@wwewrestling4410, thankfully I never got insomnia.

[@wwewrestling4410]

@@JohnORourke. is your sex drive come and how are you now

[@wwewrestling4410]

@@JohnORourke. at which mg you were on it and at which year you start it and is you stop it at some dose and i am so happy that you not get insomnia how are your sleep now how many houra

[@wwewrestling4410]

@@JohnORourke. on which year you stop it how many hours you are sleept now without any pill

[@JohnORourke.]

​@@wwewrestling4410I was on 2.5 mg. All of my side effects are in the description.

[@waynedevaney5112]

How did you get off it did you drop down to 1.25. First ?

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi @waynedevaney5112, I was on 2.5 mg for two years and had to discontinue it, as the drug was doing serious damage to my physical health.

[@waynedevaney5112]

@@JohnORourke. Thanks for the reply. Did they put you on something else? I stopped it for a week but the withdrawals from it. I really want of it. I'm from Dublin 🇮🇪

[@JohnORourke.]

Hi, I stopped seeing my consultant and didn't go on any other medication.

[@YolandaPhillips-ut8tb]

I took same effects it kills

[@sarahjimison6200]

I got tortured by Saphris blackcherry thankfully it was PRN

[@MCcLc23]

Did you recover from the cognitive decline it caused? I apologize for this comment. It wasn’t a shot at you John. Just my own personal experience on this awful medication. I should know by now, it affects everyone differently.

[@JohnORourke.]

@MCcLc23, it didn't cause cognitive decline but thanks for the comment.

[@mof4rr3ll]

I don't think John mentioned cognitive decline in the video 🤔

[@MCcLc23]

@@JohnORourke.I hope you know that I did NOT mean to offend you at all and I was speaking for myself and ignorantly assumed it caused that because that’s what I’ve seen online from a lot of other people who took it. I hadn’t watched the entire video yet either. That’s the first question that comes to mind for me because that’s my own experience and I just immediately asked that because I’m looking for answers, especially from someone who took it for that long and is now off of it for a good chunk of time. I really do appreciate you talking about your own personal experience. I took it for 10 months and lost my creative writing ability and I feel like I have lost a lot of my intelligence. It wasn’t a shot at you at all. I just know it’s caused that for a lot of people as well and antipsychotic’s typically do, but not always. I really hope it improves. I’ve been off of it for almost two months now.

[@MCcLc23]

@@mof4rr3ll I foolishly made that comment and hadn’t watched the entire video yet. That’s the first question I have is whenever someone took Zyprexa and has stopped taking it for a while is if any cognitive decline they may have had, improved? I assumed it did because a lot of people who took it (like myself) have experienced that and I’m just hoping that now that I stopped taking it, it improves over time. It wasn’t a shot at John at all. I’m just desperate for answers and obviously should have watched the entire video before commenting. I should also know by now that not all medications affect everyone the same.

[@JohnORourke.]

No offence taken. I assumed you hadn't watched the video first but that's ok. Sorry to hear about your negative experience with this drug. I hope that the side effects you mentioned improve.

[@GiveMeaFuckingBreakDude]

It works better in lower doses I wouldn't exceed 5mg for depression . It seems to work better .

[@JohnORourke.]

I was on half of that dose and still got those horrible adverse side effects. Love your user name.