Olanzapine withdraw

[bravesurvivor411]

Hi everyone,

Has anyone had any lasting neg effects from being on olanzapine after coming off it. I was on it for 9 months this time (this was my 3rd psychosis event) last year coming off I didn’t have hardly any withdraw. This years been a lot worse. I tried to come off in May but had to go back on because of how bad the withdraw was. It’s been a week now and I have hit or miss insomia, lack of energy, nerve burning, anxiety, crying spells, some depression. I have been working closely with my nurse and therapists but it’s still really hard!! Thanks for any thoughts

[Pikorua Volunteer]

Hello bravesurvivor411,

I am so sorry about your struggles. The symptoms you are mentioning are very familiar to me after Post Partum Psychosis in 2010.

Have you been diagnosed with a mental health condition after PPP?

I have had continues Episodes where I thought it was "Menstrual Psychosis".

After 8 years I was finally diagnosed with Bipolar 1 by Professor Ian Jones at Cardiff University.

My ups and downs are part of my "rapid cycling BP", which indicates 4 or more Episodes in 1 year. I usually struggle between New Moon and Full Moon . I am tracking my mood disorder, so that I can make sense and implement appropriate coping strategies.

I believe that since my hormones kicked in as a teenager I was bipolar without knowing.

Unfortunately I can not give you any shared experience of Olanzapine, but hope some mums can update you on their lived experience with that specific meds.

All in stepping stones,

x

[bravesurvivor411 in reply to Pikorua]

Hi Pikorua,

Thank you for sharing your story. It must be a relief to have a diagnosis. I have been diagnosed with bi polar very briefly in the hospital since I have had 2 psychosis episodes after PP. however I don’t have any bi polar symptoms other than psychosis. So my psychologist studied my symptoms and came up with brief psychosis disorder. It’s a very fitting diagnosis for me.

Take care

Anne

[Pikorua Volunteer]

Good morning Anne,

Thank you for your response. I believe a diagnosis can be important, if life routine is handicapped with symptoms, therefore affecting other people around you, especially loved ones...obviously the hardest part is to be in tune within yourself...I go with the flow and ride the waves, observe and try to do things when I am not poorly or access the tool of me time and time out, if necessary.

Admitting to your struggles and trying to get professional support is in my opinion a step forward to improve coping strategy.

The diagnosis was important to my partner. A second opinion has been vital. My decission in seeking help away from my MHC was vital to make improvements to our life style and routine for our family needs.

Look after yourself Anne...if you are in doubt, you always can reach out to other health professionals...it is your voice!

x