Olanzapine and Fatigue: What Users Say

• Mer...
• September 7, 2020

For Depression "This drug has absolutely ruined my life. I was on 2.5mg for approximately 1 year. During that year, I slept all day, felt like a robot, had zero motivation, and was horribly depressed. I managed to get off. The first 2 months of withdrawal, I had severe insomnia, severe anxiety, and severe depression. I also have complete anhedonia. I have lost the ability to feel joy or happiness. I'm chronically fatigued. I have suicidal thoughts on a daily basis. The worst part is the akathisia. I can't even put into words what akathisia feels like. I am in shock every day that pharmaceutical companies are giving out these drugs. It is so horrible and sad to see others like myself suffering in such a way. Please, do not allow yourself or loved ones to go anywhere near these drugs. They will ruin your life. I have been off olanzapine for 7 months now with no end to the suffering in sight."

• Man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2020

For Insomnia "Horrendous withdrawal symptoms. I was on olanzapine for insomnia for only 12 days. After stopping it, I had 2 weeks of withdrawal symptoms: nausea, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, brain fog, and more than a week of insomnia. My brain doesn’t know how to sleep without this drug and works really hard to regain the ability to sleep on its own. Even on it, I didn’t have good sleep, I went to bed at 11, stayed up until 2 am, then slept until 11 am. It made me feel like a zombie while on it. Stay away from this awful drug!!!!"

• kes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 25, 2013

Olanzapine for Depression "I started taking Zyprexa over two years ago for intrusive thoughts I was having as a result of obsessive-compulsive disorder/depression. While the Zyprexa helped remove intrusive thinking, it added about thirty pounds onto my slender frame, made me severely tired, and took away my sex drive. In addition to these adverse effects, I was unmotivated/uninterested in many activities that used to give me pleasure. I had a 'so what' attitude about life in general. All because of this medicine. What really frightened me about taking this was my cholesterol went sky-high, and my blood sugar was also very high, making me an at-risk candidate for diabetes. I am finally off of this."

• Doc...
• May 17, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "This olanzapine is the worst drug ever made. Makes you lose all your emotion and decreases your IQ. Increases anxiety and depression and increases restlessness that does not go away after going off the drug. Completely messes up your GI system with terrible constipation, zero energy, inability to cry, decreases communication, and you lose the ability to have any type of sex life. Big pharma should be ashamed to have this available. I would give it a zero if I could."

• Mea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2018

For Agitation "I suffer from chronic migraines, daily headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, agitated depression, anxiety, and occasionally insomnia. Three weeks in, I am picking up my life and putting it back together! I feel like myself for the first time in at least five years! I sent a pack of research evidence-based articles to my neurologist today to ask him to allow me to stay longer on olanzapine. I was meant to do just a three-week trial. But I feel so happy on it! A specific situation that would have stressed me out in the past was so much easier! It's one of the best meds I have tried! I just hope it lasts!"

• SWS...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 16, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I remember the day after my first pill: so fatigued and nauseous that I left dance early. My appetite increased, and I gained 10 pounds in two weeks. But my psychosis and mania were GONE immediately. I went off the med 7 months later because my parents thought it was making me ditzy, but things got really bad, so I started taking it again. I gained more weight, but I was sleeping again, and I felt so much better. Two years later, and I’m back to the weight I was before, normal appetite, not ditzy, sleeping through the night, no psychosis, no mania. I’d say the munchies went away in 4 months, but idk it’s been a while. I think the only side effect I have now is drowsiness, but I take it at night, so it doesn’t matter. Zyprexa is a crucial drug for my well-being. It works right away."

• Pet...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 28, 2023

Olanzapine "This is a very toxic, dangerous drug! It has destroyed my health. Caused akathisia, extreme exhaustion, muscle seizures, extreme hair loss, fainting spells, low blood pressure, diarrhea, panic attacks, depression, dry skin, hot sweats, blurred vision, light sensitivity, insomnia, and cognitive issues. Don't take this medication, you will regret it. The maker, Eli Lilly, has been sued many times for damages this drug has caused. It has caused diabetes, heart attacks, pancreatitis, skin rashes, strokes, sudden death, and much, much more. It should be outlawed, but big pharma runs everything! Zyprexa sucks! I would have rated it a -10 if I had the option."

• Anonymous
• August 7, 2011

Olanzapine for Schizophrenia "I am currently on Zyprexa, and I have been using it for a year. My life completely changed. I have less fear, and I am more relaxed. The only thing, though, is I experienced fatigue whenever I woke up. But so far, the results were great! My doctor did a good job!"

• Anonymous
• July 26, 2015

Olanzapine for Depression "Zyprexa brought me out of a severe depression within a day or two. It has also been fairly helpful with anxiety/panic attacks. Unfortunately, I have gained over 40 lbs and never feel full. It has also increased my cholesterol and fasting blood sugars. I've also noticed I don't have much energy or drive. Due to the metabolic issues, my doctor wants me to try Latuda."

• Nat...
• July 20, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I have bipolar disorder and generalized anxiety. I take bupropion daily and Xanax (0.5-1 mg as needed) usually twice a day. I started 3 days ago on 5 mg olanzapine (@ bedtime). Wow. Noticed a much more stable mood on day 1. Today is day 3, and again, a very stable mood and sleeping through the night since starting and am VERY happy with these results so far. I have not had a need for Xanax since starting. The only side effect I am experiencing so far is fatigue in the morning hours - no change in appetite or other effects mentioned by others in this column. I will post again in a few months to update my results."

• lal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2016

Olanzapine for Bipolar Disorder "This medicine sucked! I was asleep all the time, all day long! Couldn't function in school, couldn't function at work. I was tired all the time and was eating every food that I saw in front of me. If I could give 0 stars to this medication, I would."

• Anonymous
• March 12, 2015

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Been on and off olanzapine for 15 years. Varying doses. As high as 15 mg per day, currently on 2.5 mg per day. Dose wonders to reduce voices, anxiety, OCD thoughts, and I sleep like a log. On the downside, I'm way less creative and energetic. I have put on huge amounts of weight in the past, but when I came off the med, the weight disappeared quickly. Now I can control weight gain by simply not eating processed foods and carbs. No carbs mean no olanzapine food cravings. I'm still able to eat fruit sugars with no problems. I just eat lots of proteins and vegetables. One major concern is my memory isn't as good, I used to be super sharp, and I can't think as clearly nor process complicated concepts. Overall though, it saved my life."

• Dim...
• May 5, 2018

Olanzapine for Bipolar Disorder "Out of the 4 antipsychotics I tried, this one worked wonders for me. I was diagnosed back in 2011 for a psychotic episode and developed bipolar psychosis. Took 5 mg for years, and I was feeling great. The only thing is that I would have some tactile hallucinations but wouldn’t hear any voices. I would just feel like a crazy maniac who wouldn’t sleep for days before going on Zyprexa. Anyway, I went off of it, and then a year later I am here taking it again because I just can’t stand my anxiety, delusions, and mood swings. I mix it with Seroquel sometimes. Anyway, this drug works wonders. I don’t get an increased appetite. The only problem is that when I wake up, I don’t feel like eating anything, so I end up eating at 2 pm. The side effects for me are decreased appetite and some fatigue, but other than that, I can finally enjoy life again. Remember that it takes a few weeks for it to take full effects, and side effects do become more tolerable over time."

• Aus...
• March 31, 2021

For Insomnia "I was given 2.5 mg of generic Zyprexa for insomnia and anxiety. After the first night, I noticed quickly that I only needed half a pill, 1.75 mg. 2.5 mg knocked me out cold, and I had a hard time getting up to pee midway through the night. The next day was sleepiness and fatigue that is only comparable to high doses of Lunesta or Ambien. I also had a hard time with thoughts and speech. When I tried half a pill the next day, it was much more tolerable. Good luck with this med if you are given it."

• Sil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 20, 2020

For Schizoaffective Disorder "I'm a 20-year-old female, and I have had both good and bad experiences with olanzapine, 20 mg dose for about 8 months. I previously suffered from delusions, such as believing I had superpowers (I could see and hear ghosts!) and impulsive thoughts that were hard to ignore (such as turning the wheel of the car into oncoming traffic). Luckily, olanzapine solved these issues. However, I suffer from some of the side effects. I gained 40 pounds, which no amount of dieting or exercising could fix, gained a sharp increase in appetite, I always suffer from a dry mouth, and I always feel low energy, though that could be from sleeping 12 hours a day due to depression. I'm considering switching to a different antipsychotic, hopefully one without the weight gain."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 29, 2019

For Depression "Olanzapine on its own was not particularly effective for depression. I didn't enjoy anything, and this didn't change that. It also made me lazy, unmotivated, and tired. At the 20 mg dose, it caused sexual side effects. I think it is more effective for acute mania than acute depression."

• Ola...
• February 10, 2018

For Depression "Olanzapine isn't as bad as it is depicted by many people here, which I guess is mostly because I've been on it only for 3 weeks and on a fairly low dose of 5 mg. The positive effects I've found are that it suppresses unnecessary and stressful circling thoughts and makes you focus on reality. On the other hand, it has subtle side effects such as sleepiness and fatigue (when first taking it), weight gain (which is I guess sorta good in my case since I'm underweight), and some slight extrapyramidal symptoms and spasms. It can also make you feel emotionless, like your head is empty and you keep zoning out in the middle of things. All in all, I suppose this drug would be useful for some other conditions, but this one isn't for me; I think I've been misdiagnosed."

• Str...
• January 15, 2021

For Schizophrenia "This drug olanzapine has not helped me at all. My OB-GYN put me back on this medicine when I had my baby so I won’t get sick again, but I didn’t have any symptoms and I wasn’t taking anything for 2 years before I was pregnant or while I was pregnant. This is the worst medicine I have ever taken. It takes all of your energy away, I was paranoid taking the medicine, and I was so lazy. I don’t know who made this drug, but it made me feel slow. I wouldn’t recommend this drug to anyone."

• Ian...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2023

Olanzapine "Prescribed 2.5 mg at ER. Amazing 'rescue drug' needed desperately at the time to sleep. Had barely got sleep for a week, took the pill, and finally got some rest. Greatly reduced paranoia, delusions, and anxiety. Was on it for 11 days and quit cold turkey because I was getting better and noticed it slowing my thoughts and making my mind go blank. For example, needing to put a lot of effort into thinking. Minor withdrawal like headache, fatigue, anxiety, and sweat, but nothing too hard to handle. I'd recommend talking to your doctor and getting off of it ASAP if you no longer need it. Use it as a temporary solution because I could see how over time it can negatively impact someone. Oh, and while on it, your appetite will increase by ten times. Good luck all in finding relief!"

• mus...
• August 26, 2019

Olanzapine for Schizophrenia "I started off with 10 mg, 7 mg, and currently 5 mg. After refusing to take any medication because of prior complications and skepticism, I finally gave in and decided to give it a try as a last resort. I started with 10 mg Abilify, which made me very tired, sluggish, and depressed, so I switched to Zyprexa 10 mg. The tiredness went away, paranoia went away. There are a few side effects, however, like lack of motivation or anhedonia, and significant weight gain, but overall I'd say if you're struggling, give Zyprexa a try to balance out the depressiveness and lack of motivation, which is still an issue with taking antipsychotics. I also take antidepressants, Cymbalta."

• Vic...
• February 2, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "Was prescribed olanzapine from the hospital after a manic episode, and it helped me recover quickly... 5 mg morning/night. I asked my primary doctor to prescribe it to me because it seemed to be helping my symptoms. After 1-2 months, I started feeling depressed, brain fog, no passion, and it was hard for me to wake up. Gained 10-15 lbs, which is my current nightmare!!! I am binge eating... low energy, low moods, and no concentration. All my hard work of keeping my diet and fitness goals down the drain. Good if you are looking for a quick fix but not long term. Beware."

• Sas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 10, 2022

For Agitated State "I was recently hospitalized with mental health issues, however, my mental health was also suffering. I had been prescribed the wrong medications for my bipolar disorder. The medications were not helpful, in fact, it made it worse. I was on Seroquel and lithium. For two years, I sat in the worst depressive state that you can possibly remember from your own experiences. At first, these medications were okay, except it made me really sleepy in the daytime and sluggish. I continued for two years staying on the Seroquel. I would ask the prescriber if they could prescribe something else instead, and she refused and only tried to persuade me to try another. Well, as you are all aware, you can't act like you know your drugs, otherwise, you look like a junkie. To make a long story short, I am on Olanzapine and Naproxen, and I feel great. I am aware that I need to lose weight, and this medication works in feeling half full when I have eaten three servings. I have about 50 lbs to lose, and this combination."

• Exo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 30, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "Was prescribed medication to treat bipolar 2. Even taking half a dose, the medication made me drowsy, actually more like sedated, as some call it 'zombie feel.' On the third day, I noticed short-term memory loss and I couldn't articulate my thoughts efficiently, had this cloudy, foggy mind. I was hoping my body would adjust to the medication, but even after a couple of weeks, it seemed the side effects got more severe. Plus, I gained 5 lbs in a week and noticed my energy level was down, heart rate up. I'm an Ironman triathlete, so I copiously monitor my health, and this drug decreases my performance. Finally, I had to call my doctor to get another option. It did calm me down and I didn't have any mania or depression, just the side effects were too great for me to continue."

• Jil...
• March 9, 2021

For Anorexia Nervosa "I started taking olanzapine to aid my anxiety around eating. It has not, the drug makes me feel constantly sluggish and tired, yet I still cannot sleep. I yearn to feel well-rested in the morning, but instead I hardly get through the night, and I feel awful. Sleeping was not even much of an issue before I took this medication. For me, it has only made things worse. I'm on 7.5 mg."

• Sco...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2022

For Bipolar Disorder "I’ve been on this drug for about 3 weeks, and it has been extremely helpful. I am bipolar 2 with more depressive symptoms than mania. Ever since Covid lockdowns ended, I sank into a deep depression, combined with lots of anxiety - both at the same time. I woke up feeling like I was in a crypt, couldn’t get my mind off death, dying, loss, tombs, gravestones, ants crawling over the face of a friend of mine who died, etc. Tried Seroquel and had zero energy; tried Abilify, and it zapped my energy as well. I’m on Zyprexa now, with lithium and Zoloft, and I can honestly say I have never felt as well. I sleep wonderfully, wake up in a good frame of mind, and I feel calm. I don’t feel like a hunted animal anymore. Have a good psychologist for psychotherapy, which helps greatly."