Olanzapine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)
Brand names: Zyprexa, Zyprexa Zydis, Zyprexa Relprevv, Zyprexa Intramuscular
Olanzapine has an average rating of 5.9 out of 10 from a total of 1,057 reviews on Drugs.com. 47% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 32% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Olanzapine
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 27, 2019
Zyprexa (olanzapine) for Depression "Zyprexa made me feel very tired and irritable. I almost cussed my boyfriend over a small inconvenience. My eyesight kept blurring up, always hungry, and then I started getting this uncomfortable drowsy feeling that lasted the whole day. STAY AWAY from this garbage."
- Ed ...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- September 15, 2017
Zyprexa (olanzapine) for Depression "Zyprexa withdrawal is the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my 55-year-old life. I took 2.5 mg for 6 years. Sure, it helped me sleep for a few months, and that is why I did not know what was causing the terrible grief and overall health problems I was experiencing. I was fainting without warning because of this drug. It ruined my life, and I have not touched Zyprexa in almost 2 years! It is a drug so terrible it should not be prescribed to anybody. The makers of this drug should be totally ashamed of themselves. They really should be punished for what they have done and continue doing to people's lives with this drug. No joke."
Frequently asked questions
- Bri...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 14, 2018
For Depression "I have been on it for a month now. It's been great. I don't have the weight gain problem or the sexual problems. I basically laid on the sofa with the blinds pulled shut for 3-4 years depressed. I take it at night and Zoloft in the morning. I don't feel at all like a zombie, in fact, I feel great. I'm off the sofa doing things I love again. I sleep regularly and have a positive outlook on life once again. This drug has changed my life for the better. I hope this helps someone."
- kes...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- May 25, 2013
Zyprexa (olanzapine) for Depression "I started taking Zyprexa over two years ago for intrusive thoughts I was having as a result of obsessive-compulsive disorder/depression. While the Zyprexa helped remove intrusive thinking, it added about thirty pounds onto my slender frame, made me severely tired, and took away my sex drive. In addition to these adverse effects, I was unmotivated/uninterested in many activities that used to give me pleasure. I had a 'so what' attitude about life in general. All because of this medicine. What really frightened me about taking this was my cholesterol went sky-high, and my blood sugar was also very high, making me an at-risk candidate for diabetes. I am finally off of this."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- hol...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- October 27, 2020
For Insomnia "I had a misdiagnosis of bipolar, and I'm sure the insomnia started around the time I tapered off it. I was on it for over a year, and the insomnia has lasted for 2 years. I'm frustrated that I see other people here have had bad experiences, and the side effects are similar and had bad withdrawals, but the doctors never validate me when I ask if Olanzapine was the reason for this chronic insomnia or take responsibility that the reason you are still sick could be the drugs they prescribed and not down to poor sleep hygiene. I've now gone private, but I doubt anyone will ever tell me the truth, and more drugs will be prescribed to combat the problems they were the cause of in the first place. All I needed was therapy, which I got eventually on the NHS, but the legacy of the misdiagnosis and all the powerful drugs has ruined my life, and I can't even work. I don't even have a mental health diagnosis anymore apart from insomnia."
- Dep...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 15, 2019
For Depression "As far back as I can remember, I have always had anxiety and depression. But the last 2 years had been a complete awful. My doctor 'experimented' with more than 25 medicines including SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, TCAs, lamotrigine, lithium etc without any result. I was bedridden and had lost all hope. Enter olanzapine and life took a complete U turn within 2 days, it has worked so well for my depression, I have never felt like this since childhood. Just wanted to thank the inventors of this magical drug."
- lov...
- December 13, 2014
Zyprexa (olanzapine) for Depression "Had a few psychotic episodes a few years ago, was hospitalized and was put on Zyprexa and a few other meds. I was diagnosed with BPD (borderline personality disorder), major depression, and fibromyalgia. I felt hungry all the time and gained 70 lbs. My dose was 20mg a day plus I was on other meds. Finally, I was weaned off all other meds as the months went by. I cannot say my hunger and weight gain were completely due to Zyprexa, but I do know that I now take only 5mg a day at night, sleep well, my hunger is normal, and I have lost weight with good healthy choices and exercise. I no longer have depression, and life has never been better. Zyprexa, therapy, exercise, support, and nutrition have saved my life."
- Com...
- July 15, 2019
For Insomnia "I suffered SEVERE insomnia from early childhood. Not until completely psychotic did any drug work. I don't think I slept at all for 5 days at 18 years old. Then I was given Zyprexa 5mg. I slept. Unfortunately, a few days later I once again didn't sleep for 3 days. Now given 10mg Zyprexa. I slept. This cycle continued to 20mg. From that time 17 years ago, I have weaned to 7.5mg. An awakening has occurred at the 7.5mg mark. This is the most stable I have ever been. Through diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices. If you are advised to take olanzapine, be sure your psychiatrist knows everything about your health. Sleep, diet, drug abuse, any recent trigger events, etc. It's a tough, tough road."
- Sky...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- April 25, 2020
For Depression "My Dr. (The expert) prescribed this for me when I was suffering with agitation and anxiety. I took it for 2 years, and my new Dr. took me off it. I put on 30 kgs of weight, felt like I wanted to crawl out of my skin on a daily basis, and was very irritable. But that's not the worst part. This medication permanently causes you to be DEPRESSED even after discontinuation! I've tried all types of SSRIs and SNRIs, and they simply don't work. I'm stuck in an incredibly bad depressive state. I can't laugh, I can't be happy. PLEASE, if your Dr. prescribes this to you, READ THE REVIEWS and do not take this horrible medication!"
- ms...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- June 27, 2013
Zyprexa (olanzapine) for Bipolar Disorder "I have literally been on every medication you can think of. Prozac, Zoloft, Geodon, Haldol, Effexor, Risperdal, Abilify, Xanax, clonazepam and the list doesn't stop but Zyprexa did it! None of them seemed to help until I tried Zyprexa! I do not have to take anxiety medicines anymore because somehow Zyprexa took care of that also and my anxiety used to be so bad."
- Mit...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 20, 2019
For Insomnia "Great for sleep! Olanzapine is a great sleep aid alternative to addictive sleep medication. I take 5mg at night and I sleep 8 - 10 hours without waking up throughout the night (I used to sleep 5 - 6 hours and waking up several times). For the first couple of weeks you’ll feel groggy and be hungry but these side effects will go away. I’ve been on Olanzapine for 3 months and it’s still working great for sleep."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- December 10, 2014
Zyprexa (olanzapine) for Insomnia "This medicine is the best sleep aid I have found. I tried Ambien, and it made me crazy. I can sleep with Zyprexa and wake up the next morning with no side effects. I just have to make sure I take it early in the evening. If I take it too late, it will make me groggy in the morning. Unlike some of the reports I have heard, it doesn't affect my weight at all."
- Mar...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- January 24, 2021
Zyprexa (olanzapine) for Bipolar Disorder "It can take your life. You will need to take this for the rest of your life, or your head will be haywire and thoughts will never stop, it will make you schizophrenic. RUN. I had mild bipolar, and my greedy psychiatrist gave me the worst mental illness in a bottle. If you take it, don't stop, just taper off and see if you can stop permanently. Most likely, you won't be able to."
- aud...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 16, 2021
Zyprexa (olanzapine) for Depression "After reading the reviews, I was hesitant to start Zyprexa, but I was at rock bottom with my central nervous system. Let me tell you, 2.5 mg has saved my life. I have CRPS and severe anxiety. It calms down the mind, calms the severe anxiety, and makes me sleep at night. I’ve had no side effects from this med. It really is a lifesaver. Don’t be afraid to start this medicine if you really need it."
- Geo...
- November 4, 2019
Zyprexa (olanzapine) for Schizophrenia "I was on Zyprexa at 25mg (had psychosis) for a few months, literally, the worst months of my life. All I wanted to do was eat and sleep, so tired and foggy, and I had no motivation. So glad I ignored doctors and got off it as soon as I possibly could. If there was an option for zero, I would give that. This stuff is utter garbage."
- Mel...
- February 2, 2011
Zyprexa (olanzapine) for Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Zyprexa 10mg/day for about 10 years. When I first started taking it in place of Risperdal, I felt out of sorts for a few weeks. My doctor said that I was adjusting to it and that I needed to wait it out. So I waited, and I did adjust. I gained weight on the medicine, which I have since lost. My psychiatrist orders blood work once a year to check my cholesterol, and he says that everything is fine. I don't like that I need a lot of rest, but that is preferable over manic insomnia. I thought that if I stopped taking it, then I could lose more weight, but I know that I need to manage my illness. I'd rather be plump and pleasant than skinny and crazy. I just have to diet and exercise. The world accepts plump better than it accepts crazy."
- Luc...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 31, 2019
Zyprexa (olanzapine) for Bipolar Disorder "My boyfriend suffers from manic bipolar disorder. He was off meds for 2 years and recently became manic again. We go to the doctors and this is what she prescribed him at a dose of 3mg. It worked to stop his manic episodes. BUT he is legitimately like a zombie now. He sleeps all the time, is always tired, emotionless, unsure of himself, doesn’t talk, doesn’t eat, doesn’t laugh. He's basically a shell of himself. It’s really sad to watch, and I’m actually hoping his doctor will change his meds this week because this is NO way to live."
- bbc...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- June 7, 2024
Zyprexa (olanzapine) for Bipolar Disorder "This medication is the best in the world. It's true. It made me gain tons of weight, about 30 pounds. But after years of going from med to med, I must tell you this one is the one that works. It calmed me down and brought happiness to me, my husband, and my family. So, what matters, slim or fat, if I'm not happy? This med is a miracle. Don't hesitate for a second to take it."
- ali...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- April 22, 2023
For Depression "I beg you, if you have not started taking this medication, please do not ever start. I was on it for seven months, and it turned me into a robot. I was completely depressed and devoid of any feelings until I made the decision to quit. I have quit heroin many times before, and I can say with certainty that quitting olanzapine is many times harder than quitting heroin."
- Cha...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- December 18, 2023
For Insomnia "I've been taking this drug for 15 years. I have tried to get off it but don't sleep without taking it. I have had weight gain and find it very difficult to lose weight. If I don't take this for about 3-4 nights, I feel sick from not sleeping and get depressed and will have a mental breakdown. Once I take it again, I feel normal. I have tried sleeping pills, but they don't work. This is the only thing that will make me sleep. I don't have any side effects other than the weight gain and the sleep is amazing. But off it, I can barely function. I'm on 5 mg. I've never been on any more than that. I wish I didn't have to take it, but honestly, I can't function without it."
- Bi...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- November 2, 2015
Zyprexa (olanzapine) for Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with bipolar manic depression, acute anxiety, depression, OCD, borderline personality, and post-traumatic stress syndrome when I was 21. Postpartum depression triggered something. I was constantly agitated, angry, and sad. I would wake up angry and cry all day. My doctor prescribed me 20 mg Zyprexa, and I swear to you, I was terrified that it would take 4 to 6 weeks to really work. I didn't have 4 to 6 weeks to wait, I felt I was nearly over the edge completely, constantly thinking about suicide. I took my first dose of Zyprexa, and the very next morning, I woke up feeling wonderful! I still get upset, but not like before. This medicine was truly a miracle for me."
- jor...
- February 4, 2016
Zyprexa (olanzapine) for Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Zyprexa for about six months. It takes a long time to work (about five months), but when it does, you feel much better. I had to struggle with suicidal thoughts for several months before it started working. You HAVE to take this if you are bipolar. Do NOT stop taking it, and have hope. If you are down or up and are reading this, then you have to remember suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary mood. I know the struggle, and Zyprexa will help if you keep taking it."
- Saw...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- November 12, 2020
For Agitation "I have been taking olanzapine for about 3 years for anxiety and the associated agitation. I started on a low dose, and this has gradually been increased to the maximum of 20 mg. Olanzapine has made a huge positive difference in my life. I am so much more relaxed, calmer, and able to keep things in perspective. I am no longer stressed by minor worries and able to cope with changes in my life much better. Before I started taking this drug, I was getting extremely tense and wound up on a daily basis. Sometimes I was so nervous and on edge that I could barely make a cup of coffee without feeling like I was going to crack up."
- Mis...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- May 5, 2020
Zyprexa (olanzapine) for Depression "I've been on Zyprexa for 9 months now. Zyprexa has done wonders for me. No more spontaneous deep, dark days ahead of me, my close family can really see a difference. I'm just worried about the long-term effects of this drug. I have bipolar I with psychosis."
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For Agitation "This drug is amazing for me. I've had anxiety for 23 years. I was on Klonopin for 13 of those years. I detoxed off Klonopin. The worst 3 months of my life. I was put on Zyprexa a few days later. I'm about 80% anxiety-free now. My panic attacks are gone. And the horrible muscle tension in my jaw, eye, neck, and nose is about 70% gone. I've learned from experience that not all drugs work for certain people. I decided to write this because it just might help you. God bless."