Olanzapine withdrawal/life after Olanzapine

[mfc83]

Dear all, I have been off Olanzapine for two weeks now after tapering down very slowly. Since I left the meds, I have a generalized feeling of anxiety when I wake up in the mornings, it is like a negative feeling that I carry in my chest along the day, luckily during the evening/nights if normally fades away. This negative feeling/fear feeling does not allow me to enjoy life and I am scared that I will never be able to do so. My psiquiatrist says that it is normal to go through a difficult period after quiting meds and she does not want to put me for now in an antidepressant as they can cause psychosis. Did you also have a difficult time after quiting your meds? And how long did it last?

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello mfc83

Good to hear from you although I’m sorry you are experiencing generalised anxiety after coming off your medication. I didn’t take Olanzapine during my recovery so I’m sorry I can’t help. I do know how awful anxiety feels and it did make me feel flat.

Has your psychiatrist suggested additional support for you, such as talking therapy, although it might be virtual due to restrictions? I think it would be helpful for you to talk openly about your anxiety and fears.

I’m sure there will be other mums here to share their experiences of quitting Olanzapine and the effects. Take care.

[Revans86 Volunteer]

Hi mfc83,

Sorry to hear you have suffered with PP like myself and so many other mums on here.

Well done on your recovery so far, you’re doing great by the sound of it.

I too am currently tapering down my medication. My psychiatrist suggested the use of anxiety medication to help as I have found at times being a bit anxious. Not surprising given what we’ve experienced. I wonder if your psychiatrist might support you to look at alternatives. Either anxiety medication, and or mindfulness techniques, yoga, exercise. There are lots of things that could help.

You’re honestly doing so so well to be adjusting your medication as you are. Well done. Take care. Thinking of you xxx

[Maria_at_APP Moderator]

Hi mfc83,

How are you feeling today? I am sorry to hear you are experiencing general anxiety since you wake up in the mornings. Already very good replies above on looking into talking therapy or consulting your team about medication specifically for anxiety.

Just wanted to say that please don't feel that you have to suffer in silence, anxiety and depression can come after pp, but it can be treated and you won't feel this sense of dread all the time.

Take good care

[Hidden]

Hello. It sounds like your psychiatrist is being pretty dismissive - when you’ve already been through so much. 😐 Since it is predictable and happens in the morning, maybe you can combat it with routine. Perhaps set some soothing music to wake you, or do some mindfulness right there in bed.

Also, maybe look at B and D vitamins.

The best prescription my psychiatrist ever gave me was for a super strength vitamin D!

Take care of yourself and hopefully this will improve in a couple of weeks. Look how far you’ve come already. 🙂

[NicJK]

Hi mfc83 just wondering how you're doing now. Has your horrible feeling passed? Any more withdrawals after coming off olanzapine?

[LongeDD]

what was your dose of olanzapine?

[Kat_at_APP Volunteer in reply to LongeDD]

hi LongeDD - just to say that this post is quite old (2 years ago now) so if you have questions about olanzapine or anything else related to PP you might be better off starting a new discussion? Hope this helps, Kat

[Daddyssorce]

slowly that gut wrenching feeling get’s less! I’m only three months from my last tapper but it’s nothing like it was .