Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.
Been away from here for a bit. Had some mania and all the complications that go with it. Bottom line is hubby just lost his job and we are without insurance. Zyprexa will cost over 500.00 a month and that is not an option. It has caused a weight gain of 50 lbs and I would like to stop it anyway. Back to the subject-anyone out there use it as needed or any experience about going off the medication? I don't want to get manic again. Lexapro brought it out for me last time.
BUT
Zyprexa is poison... Even if it works it is detrimental to your health...
Bleach kills the AIDS virus, but to drink would mean sure death...
Just because it works is not a good enough reason to take Zyprexa...
IMHO
BUT always do what your doctor says...
I took zyprexa and gained 20 pounds, plus it knocked me out. I literally would fall asleep over my morning coffee and my husband would have to nudge me awake so I don't spill it on myself. That was just my experience. I also took lexapro and went very manic and hypersexual. Not good.
I'm now taking lamictal, abilify, and prozac regularly, and ativan as needed. My cocktail is working well for me right now; even in this horrible time of my life, I still haven't jumped off a roof or picked up a big bottle of rum or a cigarette. THAT is promising at least!:)
Best of luck to you. Keep us posted on what's going on with you.
Hugs,
Kate
From what I have read on the internet, it seems like there are allot of lawsuits against this drug, for diabetes. No doubt because this drug turns you into an eating machine.
1. Eli Lilly who makes Zyprexa does have a program where they provide meds for free if you and your doctor can say that you are having economic hardship. The info is on their website: http://www.lilly.com/responsibility/programs/. I had a similar issue when I was on it in 2003, because my pharmacy coverage was so poor. But, I still had some income, so I didn't do it.
2. I agree with TourGuide, to do what your doctor says. Although, yes, Zyprexa is sometimes used as needed... the question is, will you end up needing it all the time while off of it? Or can you find something else cheaper to add to your regimen? Of note... Zyprexa stays in your system for about 21-54 hours, so that might help you know when to start looking for a recurrence of symptoms, and treat accordingly. Bring it up to your doc.
3. With regards to the weight, I too gained weight when first on Zyprexa, but it was also because I was always hungry (which was new for me, I usually had no appetite, especially when anxious), and I ate to those urges because I thought they were real. But, once I realized it was all the medicine, I got into the gym, stop eating all the carby foods I had been craving and lost the 30 lbs and kept them off for over 6 months until I got pregnant.
4. So I went off of Zyprexa, was off for 5 years. It took until the post partum period for me to feel out of sorts again. I had a bad run then, but have had some bright moments since... especially when the weather is sunnier (winters are bad for me). And I just went back on Zyprexa last week. I don't have a clear cut.... I stopped Zyprexa and I relapsed immediately sort of story. But I was also protected by pregnancy hormones... not sure if that made a difference or not.
HTH,
-K
Thanks for the great info. I am taking Zyprexa after the high received from the Lexapro. Not normal for me. All my true mania has been triggered by antidepressants. This started postpartum with Prozac. I have severe depression after babies. I have noticed after about 24 hours I get very volatile. Hypomania I believe it is called. We'll see and hubby is watching. I can't relapse again. Well...