Olanzapine and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Zzz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2017

Olanzapine for Major Depressive Disorder "Avoid this like the plague! I have had irreversible damage to my metabolic system because of this medication, including my thyroid. Evidence came out after the medication's release that they hid these symptoms to get a quick release. Gained 30 lbs in 2 months on this. I weaned off 10 years ago and am still dealing with the ramifications of this drug. Not worth it."

• Dir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2013

Olanzapine for Bipolar Disorder "Got hospitalized. Upped to 10 mg morning and evening. This dose has helped my symptoms. I've had blackouts, panic attacks, and sex problems with every other atypical out there. Zyprexa is great. Only negative is gaining weight fast, while being slightly sedating, which makes it harder to exercise."

• Jac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 26, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "This drug will ruin your mind and your body. After two years in doses ranging from 10 a day to a short time on 20, I have gained about 85 pounds, and my brain is mush. I am trying to wean, and I am a shell of my former self. I used to recover after a breakdown. Now I am a semi-vegetable compared to my smart, fit former self. Stay away if you care about life quality at all."

• Bil...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 9, 2021

Olanzapine for Schizophrenia "I have schizophrenia. I was on 40 mg of Zyprexa for 14 years, lots of side effects such as 70 lbs weight gain, high cholesterol and triglycerides, diabetes, and it made me sleep like you wouldn't believe, 10-12 hours a night. But it did work well for my anxiety and psychosis. However, after 14 years, it lost effectiveness. I started having hallucinations again. It took me 3 years of a slow taper to get off it, and the withdrawals have still been a nightmare, all kinds of weird symptoms (which have all disappeared now) but the main problems remaining are anxiety and insomnia. I never had insomnia problems before or during the use of this medication. I've been off it for almost 2 months now and am still experiencing anxiety and insomnia. I was switched to Latuda, which is a phenomenal medication, no side effects and total effectiveness for my schizophrenia."

• Glu...
• June 10, 2010

Olanzapine for Bipolar Disorder "I have been taking Zyprexa for about 5 years. Started at 5 mg and am now at 2.5 or 1.25, depending on the day. This is for bipolar. I've tried to go off it (because I felt dulled and had a preoccupation with food) a few different times and had severe depression/anxiety symptoms recur. I also take Prozac (20 mg) and Lamictal (100 mg). I don't think the Lamictal does anything, but the Zyprexa seems to be the 'glue' that keeps me together. Weight gain was an issue, but I have recently lost 20 lbs through diet and exercise (and reducing dose). I would rather not have to take it, but it so greatly improves my quality of life that I feel I should stay on it."

• 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."

• Fif...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 15, 2018

For Depressive Psychosis "Olanzapine changed my life. I was suffering with insomnia, high levels of anxiety, depression, and paranoia/psychosis. Within days of taking 2.5 mg, I was sleeping better, scary thoughts had gone, and overall was feeling a lot better. The only downside is I gained about 5 pounds, but I'd rather weigh more than feel so bad. The benefits definitely outweigh the negatives. Now I've been on it for 3 months, my weight has leveled out, and I don't get as hungry. Overall, I would recommend it if you are suffering from the same symptoms."

• str...
• April 16, 2010

Olanzapine for Depression "Developed depression and significant anxiety this fall. Doctor started me on Lexapro, but that wasn't controlling the anxiety, loss of appetite, and insomnia. Added Zyprexa and almost instantly felt much, much calmer, could eat, and slept well. Was very sleepy/tired for the first few days but acclimated within a week. The problem I did have was with weight gain. Thought my life had calmed down and I could do without the medicines, but have found that not to be the case. Did not have any issues weaning off the Lexapro and Zyprexa. Just started Pristiq yesterday. Hoping and praying for good things."

• Joa...
• November 16, 2018

Olanzapine for Bipolar Disorder "Zyprexa was my only miracle med, but health-wise it ruined me. I was on it for 10 years. All my long-term health risks that occurred were from this medication. In 10 years, I went from 112 to 296 pounds. I have low thyroid issues now and am on medication for life for that. I developed high cholesterol and vertigo. These are the long-term effects of Zyprexa, and I got them. Yes, it helps wonders, but why risk your health? Binge eating can occur, I developed that really badly also at the 7-year mark. I took it at night, and an hour later, I needed to eat nonstop. When they talk about higher side effects, it can happen and does. I started with the less severe and got the severe, and now it's a journey in itself for my health. I would stay cautious of this medication. For sure, it does cause extreme weight gain, which causes all other high-risk health issues."

• CTa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 11, 2019

Olanzapine for Bipolar Disorder "I am currently taking Zyprexa 2.5 mg for approximately 10 months in conjunction with Lexapro 30 mg and bupropion XL 300 mg for OCD, bipolar, anxiety, and depression. The meds helped to a point, and now I feel like I am not progressing in my therapy. I have just been increased to 5 mg of Zyprexa, so we shall see. My big concern is the weight gain. I've gained 30 pounds in a year and a half. I hope the weight gain isn't dose-related. To be continued...."

• Mya...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 13, 2018

For Schizoaffective Disorder "I was on a very high dose of Zyprexa (olanzapine) for a long time (60 mg a day) about 8 months. During that time, I was not human. I could not hold a normal conversation because my head was totally empty, and I could not find the words. I had no motivation to do anything really, just sleeping, staring at the wall all day. I was like a zombie, walking weird, like dragging my feet behind me, and I gained a lot of weight. I slurred when talking and drooled a lot. I isolated myself completely from the outside world and hit a real low. This was the darkest time of my life, and I wouldn't wish this punishment on my worst enemy."

• 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."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2024

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I had heavy and severe OCD, anxiety, panic attacks, delusion, derealization, and I couldn't take it anymore. Then the doctor prescribed me Olanzapine 5 mg/day. In 3 days I was feeling like my old self and happier. My thoughts were regular thoughts, nothing crazy, it completely stopped the ruminating thoughts with which I was physically/mentally exhausted before taking Zyprexa. Yes, you will feel hungry more, but for the time being, it’s worth having this side effect. You can watch your weight gain by drinking lots of water and exercising. I feel good knowing there is this drug when I go down again in the future."

• Nik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 26, 2020

Olanzapine for Depression "Zyprexa made me have hallucinations the first 4 nights I had taken it. (Crazy, scary) Then they stopped. I gained a good amount of weight (but that didn't matter because I was extremely overweight). So this med basically saved my life. I don't feel 100% better off of it, but I do recommend that it's a decent drug. I've tried so many meds and there are so many more worse ones than this."

• Dru...
• February 15, 2020

Olanzapine for Schizophrenia "I was on Zyprexa for 1 month and 1 week, and in that time, I gained 20+ pounds and did not help with any of the symptoms I was having. Didn't help with voices, delusions, paranoia. Nothing. Was really a complete waste of time, and to top it off, ruined how I look. (I used to be a very thin 160-pound male and am now 220...) That's from all the antipsychotics I've tried combined, Zyprexa being the worst one for weight. I give Zyprexa a 2 only because it did sedate me a bit, relieving anxiety. I'm now on Loxapine, which is supposed to be weight neutral, but I'm still putting weight on from that a bit."

• Riz...
• September 29, 2019

Olanzapine for Bipolar Disorder "Zyprexa is the best mood stabilizer I’ve been on. It is so calming. It decreases agitation, the racing thoughts, helps you sleep. Does not make me groggy - I take 7.5 mg at night. The only reason it’s not a 10 is I’ve gained some weight, so I’m taking some Topamax for it. Love Zyprexa."

• Opp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 1, 2018

Olanzapine for Bipolar Disorder "Only been on Zyprexa for 5 days, but I'm loving it so far. I was hospitalized five days ago for extreme mania, they took me off of Abilify (which I believe caused the mania, I'd only been put on it two weeks before). They added Zyprexa 10 mg to my trazodone at night (also take Lamictal and Zoloft in the am). It was a bit too sedating at 10 mg, so they bumped it down to 5 mg, and it's perfect. I've always had mad munchies at night from the trazodone anyways, and am still not hungry until dinner anyways, so it isn't really causing me any weight gain. It brought me out of mania the first time I took it, I hope to never be without this med again, as of now. Again, just started it 5 days ago, but I've actually lost 4 pounds since then, and I can't say enough good about it!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 5, 2012

Olanzapine for Schizoaffective Disorder "I've been taking Zyprexa for 3 years, and it completely eliminates symptoms such as delusions, irrational thoughts, and manic behavior associated with schizoaffective disorder. The biggest downside is high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia), high lipid levels (hyperlipidemia), and weight gain of 80 lbs (from 180 lbs to 260 lbs in 3 years)."

• cho...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 17, 2015

Olanzapine for Schizoaffective Disorder "I've been on Zyprexa since 2006. Although it causes weight gain, I've decided to weight train or do cardio for an hour every day, which is helping. The weight can continue, but from my experience, it was only when I was inactive. I also feel a little sedated, but that doesn't keep me from doing things. The hallucinations are about 90% gone. Overall, Zyprexa works for me, as it's one of the two drugs that worked because most of the other drugs I tried were not effective, reacted with my skin, or did nothing."

• Ebe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2018

For Depression "The mixture of fluoxetine 60 mg and 5 mg of olanzapine got rid of my depression in a week! I gather that this combo is very effective, and thank God it worked for me. And I haven't gained any weight after two months on it. I'm very lucky in this respect because a lot of people do."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 1, 2012

Olanzapine for Schizophrenia "I have tried many meds: Seroquel, Risperidone, Abilify. Seroquel had me peeing all night long, burning sensation like a urinary tract infection. Abilify sex was good but gave me anxiety, fast heart rate, lightheaded feeling, fainting, and insomnia. So far, Zyprexa is the best for me. Sex is okay, having a problem with sensual sensation, dizzy sometimes. Now I am on 2.5 mg, I still feel dizzy. Even without it, you feel better if you take the pill. Weight gain: 30 lb. Triglycerides high."

• Blo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 2, 2018

For Depression "Taking 2.5 mg olanzapine in combination with 150 mg Pristiq for moderate/severe major depressive disorder and anxiety. The combination works well for me, relieving severe depression (suicidal thoughts, delusional, panicky thinking, etc.) and completely eliminates anxiety/panic attacks. The only downside I've noticed is an increase in weight, even though my caloric intake of food has not increased and I'm just as active as before."

• Lil...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 24, 2023

For Insomnia "I was prescribed olanzapine 10 mg for four years. It helped with my insomnia, but it made me gain weight and worsened my depression. I am bipolar 1. It helped with my mood swings (most of the time), however, when I was ready to come off of that medication, it caused hallucinations and involuntary arm and body movements. This is called TDE. It can be permanent, and trauma can trigger these effects. I had just lost my sister, and I feel like it made my condition worse. If you decide to come off of olanzapine, talk to your doctor first. It took several hospitalizations and several months for these effects to stop and normalcy to return. I am now on Abilify and have energy, actually feel happy and stable. I no longer have hallucinations and no longer suffer from TDE (rhythmic arm and body movements). I feel like myself again. I lost my place to live, my wedding, and my relationship for a while, but we are back together. I'm able to work now."

• 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."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 12, 2015

Olanzapine for Bipolar Disorder "This medicine is very effective for bipolar. Before this, I cannot sleep at night because my mind races. Finally, after taking this, I feel wonderful and not depressed anymore. The effect is weight gain, before this, my weight was just around 74 kg, now it went to 99 kg."