weaning off zyprexa

[aimee327]

I'm interested to hear of successful weaning stories--of people getting off zyprexa and for how long you have been off the medicine. This is my goal and I could use some encouragement. All the doctors and therapists I have spoken to say that it is extremely risky to go off medication and think that all symptoms of mental illness will return. Do those of us who want to be medication free have any hope? Are there any natural remedies that help with bipolar disorder? Also, is there irreversible brain chemistry that happens after being on a drug for a while? For example, will the brain slowly revert to how it was before taking the medicine--or will it be different?  

[Lededge]

Hi aime327,
how have you gone with the zyprexa in the last three years? I have reduced from 5mg to 2.5mg for one year and am doing okay after 22 years on various psych meds. would be happy to discuss with you

[Gfunk99]

I'm not familiar with zyprexa, citalopram is a common SSRI - I used it for depression and anxiety. I think the key is taking it slow.

[Gfunk99]

I had been on Citalopram (celexa) 20 mg for 4 years. I had tried getting off of the pills several times but each time I got through about 1 week and then couldn't handle it. About 3 weeks ago I took my last pill and I am starting to feel pretty decent, here's how I did it:
1) I tried to make sure I had my **** together in my life and attempted to avoid things that stressed me out (which I didn't - but I tried! still went out for drinks... not good)
2) I tapered my dosage over 1 month (or longer) - if it takes 4+ weeks for the medication to work then it should take as long to taper off (my opinion). 1 week at 15 mg, then 10 mg, then few days at 7.5 mg, then 1 week at 5 mg, then a few days at 2.5 mg - yes I broke down the pills and sorted them.
3) I took high quality Omega's 3's (high in EPA). And I started taking Advanced B complex supplements (with Choline) last week when I was struggling as I read they help restore or maintain a chemical in your brain that is depleted when you discontinue.
-my withdrawal symptoms were typical: crying spells, restlessness, angry at times, dizzy or just feeling 'out of it'. Sometimes its really tough but keep trying, its takes time (longer than they say).

Hope this helps someone.