how long do zyprexa cold turkey withdrawal effects last

[henk323]

My doctor suspected I was going to be psychotic becuase my boyfriend broke up with me while I was havely overworked. I had a panic reaction and my doctor gave me zyprexa. I used it for 3 months and I stopped cold turkey because I had uncontrolled movement of arms and legs. The worst withdrawal effects that I suffer from are extreme apathy and insomnia. I have seen posts from others that suffer from this as well, but untill now it doesn't get better and I get worried. Does anyone know how long the apathy and sleeping disorder will continue? Has anyone had the same for such a long period of time? Can anyone suggest what I should do? I have seen people start taking zyprexa again, but I would rather not take zyprexa again.  

[Brij123]

Hi Henk323,

I'm suffering from the same situation and after googling I stuck on this thread. I hope you were fully recovered already.. I took Olanzapine 2.5 mg for 2 months ( Doc unnecessarily prescribed this for my normal insomnia problem) I quit it cold turkey.. and 1st week for hell for me. Now its Day 19th and I'm almost recovered from all effect but the APATHY problem is still with me. I feel very dismotivated, lack of interest and no concentration while studying for most of the day.
Could you please share how much time would it take in your case? And should I consult a psychiatrist or it will go gradually?
Thanks in advance.. Please do reply if you read this message, its very important for me :(

[ILADVOCATE]

  Yes the full information about Zyprexa including the side effect profile both short term and long term can be found on the medication website which by FDA regulations lists all noted side effects. You could read that and then discuss that with your psychiatrist. If any side effect of any kind persists for an extended period of time they could then provide a further referral but cognitive side effects of antipsychotics are relatively common but known to be short term but a doctor or psychiatrist would understand the specifics of this in full.

[henk323]

Thank you ILADVOCATE!!!! Can you also give me some indication of the time scale I should think of. I have these withdrawal symptoms for 2 months now. Can I expect improvements soon? How long can it last? I am so worried that, becuase of the fact I don't see any improvement even after two months, that I somehow have damaged my brain. As long as I would know how long I should wait. That would really help me. Also to others: did someone had insomnia/apathy withdrawal effects of zyprexa for longer periods than 2 months and still recoverd?

Thanks for your answers ILADVOCATE. They are appreciated.

[henk323]

I now know I should not have stopped zyprexa cold turkey, but I was developing movement disorder while taking it. Since this can be for life, my doctor adviced me to stop immidiately. I can't go back in time, but I really need to know how long will the apathy and insomnia last. Could anybody with the same symtomps tell me how long they can last?  Can they stay for ever, or do they always go away in time? Please tell me, because I can hardly handle these withdrawal effects and I need to know they will go away.

[ILADVOCATE]

  Yes if you stop any medication right away you will get extreme withdrawal symptoms that will pass in time. That's why its essential if you plan to discontinue any medication to do so under a psychiatrist's supervision. 3 months is a very short time and the potential of any long term movement disorders is very low but if that doesn't go away in time then you can ask for a referral to a neurologist who is a movement disorders specialist but short term movement disorders often happen after an anti psychotic is stopped abruptly and should pass in time. In the meantime as what it is treating will return it would be worthwhile to speak to a psychiatrist again and ask what available options are and which one would work for you with the least concerns of any side effects you are experiencing.