Olanzapine to Quetiapine

[NicJK]

Hi everyone, just wondering if anyone has switched from Olanzapine to Quetiapine? How did the switch go and do you prefer Quetiapine? I am having issues with Olanzapine and would like to make the switch but I'm very nervous to try

[Hidden]

I have been on Quetiapine and find it gives me clearer thinking

[NicJK in reply to Hidden]

That's good to know. Were you first on Olanzapine?

[Hidden in reply to NicJK]

Resperidone which is same medicine but daily

[Bluediver]

Hi. As a mental health nurse I can give you insight from a professional point of view and observation working in the community with people who take these anti psychotics. Olanzapine is a very good medication to use when someone first becomes unwell , it’s good at doing its job quickly. But it has unhealthy side effects longer term , namely weight gain and the effects on the heart.

Quetiapine is a “kinder” medication .

No medication is without side effects. But in my experience most people prefer quetiapine in the longer term.

Quetiapine also suits people better who have a mood element to their illness as it is effective in treating mood disorders .

It’s more weight neural, still has some sedation but most report in contrast to olanzapine it is better.

It can effect blood pressure (lower it) so this need to be monitored.

The most common side effect people report to me is a dry mouth . Usually managed by sipping a drink and on balance they would rather have that than be back on olanzapine or psychotic.

don’t be alarmed with the doses, for example you might be on 15 mg of olanzapine but 600mg of quetiapine.

Often people prefer to split the dose of quetiapine if it’s higher doses so they don’t have a quetiapine “hangover “ in the morning .

Ask to speak with the pharmacist if you need more info .

You can always be swapped back or try another medication if it doesn’t suit .

[Roxyfoxxy]

I am trying to go for one week from 5mg olanzapine to quetiapine and I feel terrible. I want to switch for the reasons you mentioned and I have gained weight. I also take zoloft 100mg per day. I have tried no for a week and I cannot function at all, I started low and had convulsions and agitation, increased to 100mg at night the convulsions stopped but in the morning I was groggy and so antsy I had to take more 50mg which put me to sleep all day. It has only been 7 days, but something is not working correctly. I appreciate what you said, it makes me want to go on, email [e-mail].