Has anyone recovered from an Olanzapine dosage of 17.5mg or higher ? Got their motivation, passion, energy back etc.?

[Emero]

Hi, just wondering if anyone has bounced back to 100% after a high dosage of olanzapine over the course of 6 months to 1 year? Thanks!

[Maria_at_APP Moderator]

Hi Emero,How are you feeling today? I can't remember exactly for how long I was on 20 mg of olanzapine, probably a month and a couple of weeks, down to 17.5 mg for a short while and then on 15 mg by the time I was discharged from the mbu, 3 months after having ppp. The subsequent reductions were every 3 months roughly till I came off it completely after a year and 3 months since first taking it.

I have not taken olanzapine at a high dose for as long as you have, so I am sorry my experience is not as useful in that sense. I can imagine it must be tough to feel so sedated and detached for a long stretch of time, my thoughts are with you. But women do recover from pp, a 100%, it takes time, it can be up and down, long term it can become almost like a maintenance activity always vigilant at any signs that the car has developed a new squeak and can do with a visit to the garage.

Take good care and write here whenever you feel like it could help

[Emero in reply to Maria_at_APP]

Hi EmiMumThanks so much for your kind and encouraging reply. I totally agree about being vigilant. It's so important to look after yourself and watch for signs. I think I'm just feeling sorry for myself more than anything and wondering is olanzapine to blame for my low mood, even though its been 3 yrs since I was on the high dose.

My boyfriend of 1 Yr ended our relationship last year after I had another episode of psychosis (not pp) just brought on by insomnia /stress and the bit of pressure from him to see more of him didn't help. I was doing my best. I suppose I just haven't yet gotten over him yet, or how quickly he bolted. He took a holiday after breaking up with me in hopistal, to clear his head, and he got through several job interviews in the weeks that followed, while I was left crushed and completely blindsided really.

Guess it's easy to blame the high dose of olanzapine for everything. Life is just hard and recovery takes time. Losing someone u loved and seeing them move on so quickly takes time too.

I am encouraged by your strength and

I do feel a bit better now. You have obviously come through a tough time being put on such a high dose too. Thank you so much!!

[Maria_at_APP Moderator in reply to Emero]

Hi Emero,I am so sorry to hear about your relationship ending in such a way. As you say its never easy to loose someone you love, we need the time and space to mourn, and enduring that while at hospital could not have been easy at all. Speaks volumes about your resilience to have come through the other side. Well done!

Its OK to have bad days, sometimes bad memories get triggered by the smallest thing, happens to me every now and again. It helps me to think of the particularly hard experience as luck of the draw, and not as something I could have prevented or has been purposely made to cause me harm. That's how I've found some peace through this journey.

Take care and keep in touch here, we are always around to listen

[Emero in reply to Maria_at_APP]

Thanks EmiMum, that's so kind xWishing u a peaceful Christmas

[Maria_at_APP Moderator in reply to Emero]

And to you!! Best wishes

[Helen_84 Volunteer]

Hi Emero,

So sorry you have been through such a tough time. That is so much to cope with in such a short time. A big hug to you

I too have experienced 2 episodes of Psychosis - one from PP and a second one brought on by stress and insomnia! I was only on a high dose after PP and it really impacted on motivation, passion etc. My emotions felt so numb and flattened. Reducing the dose down did really improve this though, so don’t lose hope! I have every faith you will Bounce back as you come off it.

You are so right, Recovery does take time and there are ups and downs along the way - but time does allow you to heal.

Take care, we are all here if you need us. Xxx

[Emero in reply to Helen_84]

Thanks so much Helen. Funny that your psychosis was also brought on by stress and insomnia. I think its just a natural response to too much stress and not looking after yourself and putting other ppls needs before your own. Im not convinced there's any dopamine imbalance at play so blocking dopamine receptors makes no sense. In a way, its easier not having a boyfriend coz it's very hard to explain what it's like to anyone who hasn't been thru it, and trying to keep up with them.

Thanks again. Wishing u a nice Christmas. Olanzapine definitely makes u appreciate any good/happy moments when they do come back