Olanzapine and Tiredness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• December 4, 2012

Olanzapine for Bipolar Disorder "When I was diagnosed as bipolar, I was put on Zyprexa. I took it 3 times a day, and it was great at eliminating my mania, depression, and anxiety symptoms. However, I had two side effects: I would get tired, and I gained over 100 pounds over 12 years. So, my doctor suggested lithium, and I am on that now and doing fine, and I have lost 30 pounds in 4 months."

• Pho...
• June 23, 2021

Olanzapine for Bipolar Disorder "I was put on this drug because the doctor thought I was bipolar. Three years later, two psychiatrists have told me I need to get off of the Zyprexa ASAP. I was first put on 15 mg, which made me tired when I woke up. All day, I felt drugged out, and I gained 40 pounds. I am now only taking 10 mg and am lowering my dosage to 5 mg to finally get off of this drug for good. The withdrawal symptoms I have noticed from getting off Zyprexa are increased anxiety and difficulty sleeping. The best way to get off of Zyprexa with minimal problems is to taper slowly. I would rather deal with the withdrawal symptoms than being drugged out to the point I can’t function. I also take this with another antidepressant and am convinced I had symptoms similar to serotonin syndrome. Please use caution and only use this drug as a last resort option. It has a black box label for a reason. The long-term risks of staying on this drug include psychosis and medication-induced Parkinson’s disease."

• pre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2012

Olanzapine for Bipolar Disorder "I have been taking Zyprexa for over a month, and it just recently started making me sleep over 14 hours a night. I am tired and unmotivated. The anxiety has slowed way down but is not completely gone. I take 5 mg per night, and I also take Ativan 3 times a day."

• nut...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2022

For Insomnia "I was given a low dose of 2.5 mg. I’m to take it early evening for sleep issues. I got very tired, but it was after 2:30 a.m. till I finally fell asleep, but still woke up several times, then had trouble getting back to sleep. Once I was up (11:15 a.m. till I was able to get out of bed), I was foggy-headed all day right up till bedtime. I could not function at all and kept forgetting things and not able to correctly even follow directions for cooking something I was making. I’m not taking this ever again, I lost too many days."

• Pet...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 16, 2020

For Paranoid Disorder "Olanzapine worked well for the first few months, but after that, I turned into a zombie. I stare at the wall for 8 hours a day with a blank, expressionless gaze. People ask me what's wrong, and they steer clear of me because I look and act like a psycho. I gained 30 pounds, and I'm lazy, I sweat a lot, I eat a lot, and I have no sense of humor. I am distant from people, and people are distant from me. It made me lose my job because I couldn't concentrate, and I ended up homeless."

• Twa...
• May 30, 2017

For Depression "I started on this as I was psychotic and had severe depression. I was seeing things. This med was great after it was upped to 15 mg, but now, after 2 months, not working so great. Luckily, I'm not seeing things, but no energy and weight has ballooned. I can't stop eating. So, don't know what to do. Gained 70 pounds in a couple of months."

• Anonymous
• October 15, 2012

Olanzapine for Bipolar Disorder "I found Zyprexa to be quite effective, however, it made me very tired and unmotivated, though. I was incredibly hungry all day. Only stayed on it for about a month and put on 7 lbs. I am in the process of exploring different antipsychotics that are more weight-friendly. Putting on weight was making me depressed and making me become more hostile because of it."

• sub...
• December 3, 2011

Olanzapine for Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the early '90s. Tried all kinds of anti-psychotic medicines, Zyprexa is the one that has helped me the best. I feel tired and emotionless, but I am pretty sure that it is better than what my family goes through when I am not on it."

• OsK...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 1, 2015

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was on Zyprexa for a good two years because of intrusive thoughts ranging from sexual violence all the way to OCD, and I can say I mostly recovered thanks to these pills (which I took on the go in times of need and before going to sleep at 10 mg in the beginning) and a LOT of therapy. The downside is that I gained about 50 pounds (still trying to lose it after three months off medication), and I was just tired all the time, easily slept 14 hours uninterrupted. But it did help tremendously with the bad thoughts and the compulsions."

• Orf...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm bipolar type 1 and was recently admitted to the hospital for a manic episode. When I got there, I was on several medications for my symptoms. When I got to the hospital, they gave me olanzapine, kept me on Dexedrine, and took me off the others. I’m very pleased with the olanzapine: no paranoid thoughts, I feel very calm and content. While I did gain 20 lbs so far, I also feel somehow more positive about myself, regardless of weight gain. The only real problem so far is I feel a bit sedated and tired, and it is making it difficult to stay awake and do things all day without going to sleep. For a bit, the doctor told me to take it at night instead, and my body should get used to it after a while anyway, and the sedative effect will be less of an issue. Overall, a total game changer for my mental health and quality of life. Would recommend to anyone who has issues with mania, paranoia, anxiety, and/or negative thoughts, as it makes me feel generally calm and positive."

• Anonymous
• June 11, 2012

Olanzapine for Paranoid Disorder "Zyprexa worked really well in terms of removing the paranoia and the suspiciousness. Made me normal within a period of 2-3 weeks. The only problem I feel with regard to this medicine is the weight gain issue. I think this medicine, in combination with mirtazapine, has made me put on weight in a few weeks. Yes, and also my prolactin level was well above the normal range. In the starting, this made me tired, and I had problems waking up on time. Apart from these few side effects, it is a really good antipsychotic."

• 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."

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 22, 2018

For Borderline Personality Disorder "Worked great from the first night I took it. The next morning I felt calmer and more mentally and emotionally stable. It helps me sleep and sleep well. I haven’t been formally diagnosed with anything yet, but I’m guessing I have BPD with depression and an anxiety disorder. This helped me with everything except for depression. I can’t rate it a perfect 10 because it seems to make me a little tired and unmotivated during the day. Also, I can’t seem to lose much weight on it, which is a bummer. My pdoc has tried other antipsychotics and ADs on me, but only Zyprexa (Olanzapine) has seemed to help at all."

• Tur...
• December 15, 2020

For Schizophrenia "I hate olanzapine. When I started taking them, together with risperidone, which I'm off now, I couldn't really talk or gather my thoughts in any cohesive way. I'm tired and sleep two to three times a day. My dose is 20 mg, 10 in the morning, 10 in the evening. I can't really say anything to their effectiveness because I have had one psychotic (probably marijuana-induced) episode, and now it's been two years since that. I feel like my brain is shut down. I don't really have any thoughts about anything except my anxieties anymore. Can't wait to stop taking them."

• bee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 2, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I just got off of this medication after taking it for 1 yr. Sure, it keeps depression at bay, but I experienced some horrible side effects that my doctor didn't even warn me about! I gained 80 lbs in 1 yr on this med. I went from being a healthy 170 lbs (women's size 12) to a lethargic 250 lbs (size 20). All I wanted to do on this medicine was eat. Another side effect was that I was tired all the time. I would sleep for 14 hours and still be tired. This medication also raised my blood sugar, and my general practitioner was ready to put me on medication for type 2 diabetes. I'm only 25 and just want to be healthy again. So glad I got off this medication. Been off it for 5 days (now on Viibryd) and already feel a million percent better!"

• Tor...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 4, 2018

For Schizoaffective Disorder "Had a psychotic episode in 2010. Olanzapine cured it. Tried stopping the olanzapine, and for the first time in my life experienced insomnia. Seven days, seven nights, not a minute of sleep. First time trying sleeping pills, they didn't work. Back on 10 mg olanzapine, opposite problem. Twelve hours of sleep a night with ease, but no motivation to get up. I spend so much time being tired, I wonder, is it even worth being alive? Work, sleep, repeat. Also, gained almost 100 lbs since starting olanzapine. In the past three years, I have managed to lose almost 60. Will try cutting back the dosage because when I'm on olanzapine, I feel like I'm already dead. I want to live again. Being so tired all the time and spending most of my time asleep isn't living."

• Don...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 24, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "Took 40 mg per day for about a year before I really 'came back to life.' It helped me sleep but was too sedating overall. It helped me reverse anorexia, but I doubled my weight (gained 93 lbs in a few months). It did stop the psychosis. Was able to feel emotions again after years of numbness. Took varying doses for 17 years and had a very hard time getting off it when the time was right. Have been off 5 months now and am considering starting again because of severe insomnia and mood swings. Hate the weight gain and lethargy."

• End...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 25, 2021

For Schizophrenia "Olanzapine 17.5 mg to 10 mg over 6 months gave me reduced motivation - can't get going like I used to. 3 years after stopping cellulite - never had it before olanzapine. Can't get rid of depression - never had a day of depression before olanzapine, now rarely have a depression-free day. Struggle with conversation and small talk. Get tired more easily. Olanzapine blocks dopamine receptors - basically takes away the enjoyment from your life. Please avoid. No good will come from this drug."

• 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."

• Sha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 6, 2019

Olanzapine for Bipolar Disorder "This medication, Zyprexa, has helped me out a lot for my bipolar. The biggest downside is being tired a lot, but sleep is very important. Once I take it, I can’t do anything at all and force myself to stay in bed. I can sleep for a long time and feel very groggy in the morning. I did not gain any weight whatsoever on Zyprexa. I suggest that people listen to their doctor and give it a try. I’ve been on it for a little over 2 years and staying on 2.5 MG for 'maintenance.' I am in remission now. Unfortunately, it doesn’t do much for anxiety, so you will absolutely have to continue seeking treatment for that if you have any anxiety issues."

• Ara...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2020

For Depressive Psychosis "Olanzapine was the first drug I was put on and worked really well with psychotic symptoms and my mood. However, I was exhausted on it, sleeping all the time, and I felt like a zombie. I was also always eating and ravenous, and I had gained 12 kg in 2 months."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2016

Olanzapine for Bipolar Disorder "Was on Zyprexa for a week, 10 mgs originally prescribed for sleep and coming off of Geodon. Geodon caused anxiety eventually. Zyprexa calmed me down, but it was still hard to fall asleep without Ambien. I feel tired, slow, and hungry all the time the next day. But it did calm my nerves the next day, so it may be worth it to give it a try."

• GoM...
• December 1, 2016

For Schizoaffective Disorder "Olanzapine did not work for me. My psychosis symptoms did not improve at all, if anything, it made them worse. It made me constantly dizzy and very tired. I could barely function, or even keep my eyes open, I would sometimes fall asleep sitting up. Constant napping, there was no choice. I felt like a zombie with no feelings or emotions, which is worse than my original condition, in my opinion. And the worst part is you do not have a sex life when on this medication at all! No desire to have sex, it actually hurts to have sex, and it's impossible to orgasm. I was a pretty small person to begin with, around 120-125, and I eat a healthy low carb/sugar diet, no processed foods, mostly organic, fresh vegetables, and oils, never overeating. So when my doctor told me that I would probably gain weight, I didn't think it would actually happen, but I took it for 7 months, and I ended up weighing 166! It was so depressing, and now I have permanent stretch marks on my body. :( I don't take any medication anymore, and I honestly feel so much better. Also, if you research olanzapine, it's a pretty dangerous drug and has killed a lot of people."

• Bee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2021

Olanzapine for Depression "Was given this for agitation along with severe panic/borderline psychotic anxiety and paranoia in the psych hospital. I’ve gained some weight and am tired, but I wouldn’t trade my mood stability for the world. I still struggle with severe depression on top of having chronic fatigue syndrome and do hope to be put back on a stimulant for that, but I am overall very pleased with where my head is at. If you struggle with severe mental illness unresponsive to the usual first-line treatments or severe panic, agitation, and insomnia, this may help a lot, even if short term or as an as-needed basis. Am also taking 100mg desipramine plus 10mg lexapro for major depression, and 50mg trazodone and vistaril as needed for anxiety. I am myself again, partially thanks to this medicine."

• Sir...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 20, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "Great drug for treating my bipolar mania and helping me sleep. I rely on this medication for stability even though it can have some nasty side effects (weight gain, lethargy, tiredness during the day), it has been a lifesaver. It helps with my depression too, but that might be more the lamotrigine I take. The main things I don't like about this drug are the weight gain, finding it hard to wake up in the morning and stay awake in the afternoon and evening. All that being said, I would be in a much worse situation without it, and I see it as a lifesaver for me as I do tons of stupid stuff when I'm manic. Don't get me wrong, I still suffer from bouts of quite serious mania/depression, but nowhere near as bad now. I had to go through tons of really awful medications over 3-4 years to finally land on olanzapine and lamotrigine, which I consider lifesavers for me and my illness. If you try olanzapine, give it at least a few months to truly give it a chance!"