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How Long Does It Take To Withdraw From Olanzapine?
My 17yr old son had his first ever psychotic episode only 3 weeks ago, and this was definitely a substance induced (pot brownies of an enhanced kind) trigger that lead to loss of sleep, anxiety, then the episode. we had to admit him to hospital and after 2 weeks he is now stable and home but taking a total of 25mg olanzapine daily (5-5-15). It wipes him out, he s tired all day, and he s put on 10 lbs in only about a week (141lbs to 151lb). I think the dosage is too high, not sure but i d like to cut him back on the stuff. Can you tell me how long we might expect him to be on this dosage and how long it may take to taper him off the stuff? He s a student/athlete, but this med doesnt seem to allow him to do anything but eat and sleep. thanks
posted on
Wed, 8 Feb 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 23 Sep 2018
Answered on
Mon, 24 Sep 2018
Last reviewed on
Hi,
If it was a single psychotic episode related to substance abuse, then long-term Olanzapine use is not necessary. Olanzapine can cause weight gain, tiredness, and excessive sleepiness which can affect his performance at school/sports.
However, you should not taper down the dose of Olanzapine without consulting his doctor first. If his treating physician agrees with discontinuing Olanzapine, then the dose can be slowly titrated down over a few weeks before completely stopping so as to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal,
General & Family Physician
If it was a single psychotic episode related to substance abuse, then long-term Olanzapine use is not necessary. Olanzapine can cause weight gain, tiredness, and excessive sleepiness which can affect his performance at school/sports.
However, you should not taper down the dose of Olanzapine without consulting his doctor first. If his treating physician agrees with discontinuing Olanzapine, then the dose can be slowly titrated down over a few weeks before completely stopping so as to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal,
General & Family Physician
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