Zyprexa

[marcia]

A week ago, my psychiatrist increased my Neurontin and prescribed 5mg Zyprexa at bedtime to help resolve a psychotic episode triggered by (we think) extreme stress. Within two days, my thinking became unusually clear and sharp, but without the racing thoughts, etc., that usually accompany hypomanic/manic episodes. I've also become highly productive and motivated to complete projects that remained unfinished for months (but am not restless or hyperactive).

In your experience, is this a normal response to Zyprexa (which would be wonderful), or does it sound more like the start of a manic episode? Or--hey--maybe this is how *normal* people feel?

I understand the difficulty of answering this question without conducting an interview, but perhaps you'd be willing share your general impression of how patients typically react to this drug?

Thank you for taking time to read this message.

marcia

[Cathie]

I am bipolar.  Recently I changed from litium, because of tremors, and am now taking zyprexa to prevent my hypomanic states.  I heard recently that zyprexa is being used for bipolar disorder as well as for antipsychodic disorders.  Is anybody else aware of this?  Thanks

[HFHS MD-JM]

Marcia,

      Neurontin, is an anticonvulsant with possibly some mood-stabiling effects.  Zyprexa, is an antipsychotic with possibly some mood-stabilizing effects, appears to have been quite helpful for you.  The main objective of the medications are to stabilize your mood and improve your ability to function(and in the case of Zyprexa eliminate psychotic symptoms.)Clearing your thoughts and eliminating distractibility and racing thoughts is a good response.  Please review this forums archives for further information on bipolar disorder.  If you and your support network feel that you are functioning well then the medications have done thier job.

Sincerely,

HFHS MD-JM

Keywords: Zyprexa, Neurontin

[p]

Marcie,
The addition of Zyprexa has also helped with the nueromuscular side effects of one of my other drugs. She added it to my meds, hopefully to make them more effective. Would you mind telling me what a psychotic episode is like? I'd really appreciate it.  P

[p]

I've had similar reactions to the addition of Zyprexa to my other meds.I've only been on it for about 3 weeks. I just hope it stays that way. P

[marcia]

Ooops. Time impairment. The Zyprexa worked in two--not three--days.

[p]

Marcie,
No, I'm not worried, just curious. I've read about it but I've never had the opportunity to ask someone directly. Guess this isn't exactly directly, but you know what I mean. Thanks for sharing.
P

[marcia]

Hi P,

I think the nature of a psychotic episode may vary from person to person: some people hallucinate, some have delusions, some become disoriented, disorganized and confused. There are very likely other signs or symptoms of psychosis that I'm not aware of--please bear in mind I'm not a mental health professional, and definitely *not* an expert on the subject. :)

A friend of mine sees bugs and squirrels, and hears bells, voices and "radio sounds" when she's psychotic. She says that after a few minutes she realizes she's hallucinating, but knowing that doesn't make the symptoms go away.

My experiences have been much less dramatic: I have trouble distinguishing between what I've dreamt, read, seen on TV, fantasized, or remembered from the past, and what's actually happening in the real world in the present; confusion about the sequence and timing of events; difficulty interpretting what I see and hear; and mild-to-moderate paranoia. Unmedicated, this can happen off and on for a few weeks; this time, the Zyprexa cured it in about 3 days.

I'm not sure, but Zyprexa may be prescribed for things other than psychosis. I wonder if you're concerned about your own state of mind because we're on the same med? If you're unsure or worried about this, please ask your doctor why he/she prescribed Zyprexa for you. I'm sure he/she would be happy to answer any questions.

Are you okay, P?

marcia