Zyprexa Question

[drewz75]

Hello,

               In November of 2009, my wife slipped into a severe psychosis, approximately 2 months after a thyroidectomy. She had no signs of mental illness before the thyroidectomy. After two weeks of taking Zyprexa, she came out of the psychosis, and has had no psychotic symptoms since. Her thyroid level is now normal, and due to weight gain, and the desire of not wanting to take medication that potentially is not needed, we have decided to stop taking Zyprexa. After taking 20mg for almost one year, we have decreased to 10 mg. She has been on 10 mg now for about one month, with no signs of withdraw, or other psychotic feelings. Any suggestions as to when we should decrease to 5 mg, 2.5, 1.5, etc… Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!!

[drewz75]

Hello,

Thank you for the information. None of my wife's doctors really know why she went into a psychosis. We can only assume that it was thyroid related, due to the fact that she had no prior history of mental illness, and it onset one month after a complete thyroidectomy. Some of the doctors say that this is not possible, some say it is. I guess there is no way to tell. Her psychiatrist believes that she can start decreasing the Zyprexa dose. I hope that this is not a mistake. I guess we just have to take it slow, and be very conscientious of how she is feeling. Thanks again!! Andrew

[ILADVOCATE]

A psychiatrist would have to designate a specific titration schedule for the Zyprexa and also would know what is the lowest therapeutic dose as well. Zyprexa is the antipsychotic with the greatest potential of weight gain. There are other choices. This could be discussed with the psychiatrist. If any of this stems from an over riding physical concern this should be discussed in a follow up visit with an endocrinologist who could then have a further discussion with the psychiatrist as to what is the best follow up solution.