Zyprexa and Fatigue: What Users Say

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

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."

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

"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

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

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."

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

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."

• Dim...
• May 5, 2018

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."

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

"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

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."

• Bip...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 21, 2016

For Schizoaffective Disorder "Very effective medication if you can handle the side effects. I gained over 100 pounds from this medication. But the medication does work. That's why I am still on it. I now get a Zyprexa injection once a month (used to get it twice a month) and I take an oral tablet at night before bed. I take a Topamax pill now so I don't gain as much weight anymore. The other side effect is fatigue and lethargy, but it's worth the side effects to stay stable and out of the hospital."

• Joc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2021

For Schizophrenia "I was on Zyprexa for around 6 months, and when it did keep my psychosis at bay, I felt dull and unenergetic. I slept for 14 hours a day, and I didn't feel like doing anything. When I got out of the hospital, I was on 20 mgs of Zyprexa. On the process of going down to 5 mgs, I gained around 50 pounds. I'm now on Latuda 40 mgs in hopes of being more energetic and to lose the weight I have gained."

• cat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 16, 2022

"I was on 0.5 mg for over 2 years after a Borderline Personality Disorder episode that landed me in a hospital, where I was prescribed this. It helped me a lot, chilled out my severe mood swings, and finally helped me stop freaking out over anything. Zyprexa probably saved my life, but it was not 100% good. While it zapped excess emotion that made life difficult, it destroyed my ability to feel emotion at full capacity. I don’t consider this a total con, as it’s preferable to the way I used to live, but it is undeniable. So was the weight gain. I gained around 30-40 lbs during my time on Zyprexa and felt extremely self-conscious and depressed due to it. I also became very lazy, sleepy, zombie-like, and so emotionless I was reckless/careless. After 2 months of being off, the weight has been lost. I still don’t feel to the same extent, especially negative emotion, but positive emotion is coming back. The side effects are real and lasting, but it might be a chance worth taking."

• aut...
• May 16, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "No, nothing good, just constant fatigue and weight gain. It makes me sleepy as hell and makes me even more of a zombie."