I don't have experience, however, best wishes, and keep a daily journal to help you figure out what works when.

I never taken Zyprexa but read it can cause weight gain.

Thank you for your replies. I keep a daily journal that I write in multiple times a day. I don't mind the weight gain. When I got really sick back in June and July, I lost a significant amount of weight and was only 102 lbs. I've finally clawed my way back up to 111-112 on the last 6 weeks since, so maybe that's one of the reasons she put me on the med? I have a high metabolism, so it's very difficult for me to gain weight. They checked my thyroid, and apparently it's "normal." Still hoping to get some insight from someone who has had experience with Zyprexa. Thank you again

I did a quick Google search, and Zyprexa is prescribed for bi-polar or schizophrenia. If you have hallucinations, etc.

Were either of these the diagnosis your psychiatrist gave you?

I did not see anything about weight gain or weight loss. It may make you drowsy.

@GirlinCalif My doc prescribed it "off label" for anxiety. I am not Bipolar or schizophrenic. Apparently, at low doses it can be used in combination with antidepressants to treat anxiety, depression, and a bunch of other things. She seemed very confident that it would be a good idea to go in this direction. I've had very bad experiences with SSRIS, so I imagine this is her thinking outside of the box. She said that she's had great outcomes with other patients using this method. I'm just not sure what to expect. At the moment...I was directed to take half of a 2.5 mg tablet

Give it a try and see how you feel. I don't know how long until that medication starts working.

I agree about SSRIs. I am about to try another new one too. There are so many SSRIs out there, and no one knows which one works for which person. For example, I have a family member who had such bad panic, she couldn't function at all. She got on Zoloft, but she needed 100 mgs a day, and now she is going out, working, raising 3 little kids, driving, feeling great, told me she will never be without her Zoloft for the rest of her life, she absolutely loves it and she has zero anxiety now. She seems like the happiest, most normal person I've ever seen. But Zoloft doesn't work for everyone. (I believe you said you tried it).

SSRIs I generally think are good choices. It's just a matter of finding the right one. I can sympathize about that! I have had trouble finding the right one, too.

Hang in there. You are conquering fear just by working on this every day. Good job!!

@GirlinCalif Thank you for the reply. I've now taken the Zyprexa for 3 nights and I can tell a slight difference. Hopefully I continue on this trend. Thank you for telling me about your story, it gives me hope

I am in Zyprexa and have been for many years. My biggest complaint is the weight gain. I gained 80 lbs in it. It has dramatically increased my appetite.
It only took a few weeks to see results. I’m in 10mg twice a day. Between the Zyprexa, lithium, and Zoloft I have been doing pretty well. Dr won’t take me off because I am doing so well. I’m not gonna fight it. A little extra weight is worth my stability.

@kisses2016

Thank you for the reply. I've only been on it for 3 nights, but I can tell a difference. I'm not 100%, but doing better than what I was. I am on 2.5 mg once a day, and 30mg Rameron once a day. Do you think I will gradually keep improving over the next few weeks? This has been a tough, long road for me, so I'm hoping this works. I can stand to gain some weight, but haven't noticed much difference in appetite yet. I only weigh 111-112 and it took me 7 weeks to get to that point after losing a massive amount of weight when I became really Ill.

Hi Nicki. I was also 90 lbs before storage my highest weight has been 176lbs. I’m down ten after starting a weight loss diet. I’ve been on so many meds it’s hard to say what takes care of what. But my current combo is great

Did you feel the Zyprexa helped at all? I can feel a subtle difference, but I've only been on it 3 days, and haven't even taken the full 2.5 mg dose yet. I'm supposed to do that tonight. I'm glad you found your combo, and I'm hoping that I've found mine as well. Just not sure where my expectations should be at regarding the meds and how long it takes to "kick in" fully.

Everyone is different. Unfortunately I haven’t had a serious med change in a long time and with my history I can’t remember every detail of every new med. I hope Zyprexa works for you.

Thank you for your reply regardless. I'm crossing my fingers.

That's great that the Zyprexa is working for you!

I know you are *anxious* (for lack of a better word! LoL) to get back to "normal", but what really seems to work for most people to conquer anxiety is to live in the moment (today, right now, this hour, this minute) and NOT worry about - "Will the Zyprexa work better in two weeks?"

No one knows this, and it's not two weeks yet. It's today.

(I had to learn all of the above from my therapist, by the way).

Practicing mindfulness, and being grateful that your meds are working somewhat already, will help you in combating this. No, it's not perfect yet, but you are on the right track!

Do you still have that appointment October 1st? Perhaps they will shed some more light on what your next step will be.

I think you are very strong and very brave for trying all these medications and for how hard you are working to combat the anxiety. Good job! Give yourself some credit! It helps to give yourself some positive reinforcements. And give yourself pats on the back. Telling yourself out loud, "I did good today!" and "I tried the new medicine today, yay me!"

Thinking positively helps with anxiety symptoms.

Thank you for the encouragement. It has been a rough journey for me. I can only tell a slight difference, but haven't been on them very long. Hopefully it improves