Having a relapse 9 weeks post partum....

[Jo-jo2005]

Hi guys,

So I'm 9 weeks post partum and having a relapse.

I have gone from 12.5 olanzapine to 20mg in two weeks, and my psychiatrist thinks I may need an additional mood stabilizer too, like an antidepressant I'm guessing.

Anyone else relapsed and had additional meds introduced? I'm really scared to take anything else on top of the top whack of olanzapine 😢

Thanks xx

[Ellie_at_APP Partner]

Hi jo-jo2005

I’m so sorry you’re having a relapse. I do hope you have support around you?

When I was unwell I did take olanzapine too and also an anti depressant, I know others that took a mood stabiliser as well such as lithium. I am sure others will share experiences as I know many people are prescribed more than one medication .

Your psychiatrist will know what may help you.

You will come through this and get better.

Thinking of you, and do know you can write anytime on here

Ellie x

[Maria_at_APP Moderator]

Hi Jo-jo2005,

How are you doing today? I am sorry to hear you are having a relapse at 9 weeks postpartum. In terms of medication, I have taken olanzapine at high doses in combination with other medicines. Initially I took it with benzodiazepines that acted as mood stabilizers, they had quite a sedative effect on me, but it was for a short period of time. More longer term I took anti depressants from when my olanzapine dropped to 17.5 or 15 mg, can't remember so well. That combination worked very well for me.

Recovery from pp can have its ups and downs, when I was still in hospital a month into my treatment it looked as if I was making good progress, but I then had a setback and my medication had to be increased again and I went into 24 hour supervision.

Despite the up and downs on the road, recovery is possible and you will come back from this. Be open with your psychiatrist about your worries and concerns regarding medication and he/she will be able to answer your questions.

Take good care

[Maria_at_APP Moderator]

And congratulations on your baby my dear. Take good care of yourself and take it a day at a time, we are thinking of you

[vlk86]

Hi Jo-Jo, Sorry to hear you have had a relapse. I had a relapse nearly three years after having PP with my son. I take olanzipine and lamotrogine, which is a mood stabiliser to help with depression. I have found lamotrogine to be quite good for me.

I'm sure if you talk to your team they can find the right medication balance for you and you will feel better with time. My psychiatrist has been very good at finding the right balance for me.

Stay in touch with the forum and I'm sure you will get many helpful replies. X

[Csanderson Volunteer]

Hi jo-jo2005

I’m sorry to hear you are relapsing,

I hope you have some support in place?

I take 20mg of olanzapine, 100 mg of sertraline and limotragine. I’m doing really well on these medications. At first they made me tired but now i don’t really have any side effects other than hunger!

Talk it through with your psychiatrist. Together you can come to a decision that’s right for you.

I hope you find something that’s right for you and you feel better soon!

We are always here for you to talk to.

Thank you for posting

Thinking of you