I have been taking olanzapine for over a decade and tapered from 20 mg to 1.5mg. I currently sleep 7 to 8 hours on 1.5mg but desire to be off completely. There are still a lot of side effects on that minimum dosage. When I’m off I sleep 5 hours the first night, 4 the second, and 0 the third. Please recommend something to help me sleep normally without this poison.
What specific substitute sleep drug should I take to replace olanzapine?
Question posted by Ericlee4536 on 8 July 2024
Last updated on 7 March 2025
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Answers
Ericlee4536
12 July 2024
Found a solution to lower the side effects: I take .75mg olanzapine and sleep 5 to 6 hours then take 10 mg melatonin after wake for another 3 to 4 hours. Sounds a little unconventional but is still a win scenario in the end.
Ericlee4536
7 March 2025
Olanzapine is off for good now. To prevent the insomnia you should take magnesium citrate 100 mg for 4 to 5 hours followed by Natrol melatonin 10 mg for another 2 to 3. The melatonin can take 1 to 2 hours for effectiveness but you should receive deep sleep.
Related topics
insomnia, olanzapine, withdrawal, side effect, sleep, drug
Further information
- Olanzapine uses and safety info
- Olanzapine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Olanzapine (detailed)
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