Posted by Justin L on January 4, 2008, at 5:27:01
In reply to Zyprexa Withdraw Help need advice, posted by suebirds on September 30, 2007, at 8:19:11
Hi Suebird,
hang in there. I too have been coming off of Zyprexa, and it isn't easy nor is it trouble free or fun. However, if you persist, those problems which are related to the chemical and psychological side-effects of withdrawal from Zyprexa will diminish in time. I was put on anti-psychotics nearly twenty years ago, and have been very slowly reducing the dose of Zyprexa since 2002, firstly settling on 5mg down from 10mg, then to 3.75mg and now I am on 2.5mg a night. I have found that the process is never a straight line. At times since 2002, I have had to temporarily increase the dose again due to stress and life problems. However, the trend for me has overall been in the reduction of my dose. Don't worry however, if this sounds like too long a haul for you. From what you have written, the time it will take you is proportional, most likely, to the time you have been on it. As for side effects or effects of withdrawal, symptoms are individual, though I have battled with aching body, sleep issues, physical pain from withdrawal, feeling "upside down" or a weird sense of loss of balance, though you may experience none of these at all. I have also found that improving other areas of my life, including exercising regularly, beathing/yoga exercises, meditation, and diet improvement/taking health products have been necessary in order to move through both the withdrawal process, as well as deal with the problems I faced which lead me to be on these drugs in the first place. I encourage you to investigate breathing and yoga techniques for your anxiety (A Doctor by the name of Andrew Weil is good - his books and audiobooks are available online) and meditation and what the buddhists call "witnessing" as a way of healing your anxiety.
All the best. Justin
poster:Justin L
thread:786019
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20070929/msgs/804125.html