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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Olanzapine

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Posted on Wed, 13 Apr 2016
Question: I am trying to come off Olanzapine 5mg , have been taking it for 6 months , i have cut the tablet in half for approx 2 weeks , then half again for about a week ,
but starting to have withdrawal problems
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Need some details about your symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.

It very unusual to have withdrawal symptoms with such low dose of olanzapine.

But as you are still experiencing withdrawal symptoms, the management in such case would be symptomatic.

If you can mention what symptoms you are experiencing, I can guide you further on how to deal with those.

Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (1 hour later)
thank you

am experiancing loss of energy, which is the main issue, also find myself distressed by small things, lack of interest etc
I thought i may have come off the 1.25mg dose too quickly as i had been on the 2.5mg for approx 2 months - rather than the 2 weeks mentioned before.
I have been on the 1.25mg for 2 weeks approx.
My doctor said to go back to the 2.5mg for approx a week and start the 1.25 again, but reluctant to go backwards ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Increase the dose as advised by your doctor.

Detailed Answer:
you are most welcome.

I agree with your doctor in this case. This is the best way to taper down the drug.

If you were doing well with 2.5mg olanzapine, I think you should carry on with this dose for one more week as suggested by your doctor. This will help you.

Feel free to ask further.

Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (7 hours later)
thank you
we were thinking of going to a titration chemist to cut the drug into .500mg or even .250 dosages
should that be necessary or just cut it ourselves down to 1.25 mg and take that for a month and then stop ?
I had to come off lexapro by titration a couple of years ago because of so sensitive to changes.
I am also wanting to come off Valdoxan - any suggestions how ? XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Lexapro is known to cause withdrawal symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
0.5mg or 0.25mg are not necessary. I think reverting back to 2.5mg for week and then reducing to half and then stopping after a month would be sufficient.

Lexapro is an SSRI and these drugs are known to cause withdrawal symptoms, as compared to olanzapine.

Valdoxan is another drug with no withdrawal symptoms. But then, it is always wise to taper it slowly and then stop. What doses of valdoxan are you taking.

Also, once you are done with withdrawing olanzapine, only then consider reducing valdoxan.

Best wishes.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shubham Mehta

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2144 Questions

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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Olanzapine

Brief Answer: Need some details about your symptoms. Detailed Answer: Hello Welcome to HCM. I can understand your concerns. It very unusual to have withdrawal symptoms with such low dose of olanzapine. But as you are still experiencing withdrawal symptoms, the management in such case would be symptomatic. If you can mention what symptoms you are experiencing, I can guide you further on how to deal with those. Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks.