Olanzapine and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Cor...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 11, 2020

For Insomnia "My best friend was on 10 mg of Olanzapine for 25 years. He made the decision to get off of it with the doctor's guidance because it caused his diabetes and was making his diabetes worse. I am also on olanzapine, and my friend told me he will be the guinea pig and get off of it first, and if he is okay then I will know to get off of it. He got off of it 4 months ago, and his insomnia was so bad that he went 4 months with hardly any sleep at all. The doctor prescribed hydroxyzine for his insomnia but it didn't work. My friend could NOT sleep and got very, very sick from not sleeping and was so confused. He took his life and died on August 8, 2020, as a result. I lost my best friend due to olanzapine."

• Mer...
• September 7, 2020

For Depression "This drug has absolutely ruined my life. I was on 2.5mg for approximately 1 year. During that year, I slept all day, felt like a robot, had zero motivation, and was horribly depressed. I managed to get off. The first 2 months of withdrawal, I had severe insomnia, severe anxiety, and severe depression. I also have complete anhedonia. I have lost the ability to feel joy or happiness. I'm chronically fatigued. I have suicidal thoughts on a daily basis. The worst part is the akathisia. I can't even put into words what akathisia feels like. I am in shock every day that pharmaceutical companies are giving out these drugs. It is so horrible and sad to see others like myself suffering in such a way. Please, do not allow yourself or loved ones to go anywhere near these drugs. They will ruin your life. I have been off olanzapine for 7 months now with no end to the suffering in sight."

• Man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2020

For Insomnia "Horrendous withdrawal symptoms. I was on olanzapine for insomnia for only 12 days. After stopping it, I had 2 weeks of withdrawal symptoms: nausea, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, brain fog, and more than a week of insomnia. My brain doesn’t know how to sleep without this drug and works really hard to regain the ability to sleep on its own. Even on it, I didn’t have good sleep, I went to bed at 11, stayed up until 2 am, then slept until 11 am. It made me feel like a zombie while on it. Stay away from this awful drug!!!!"

• Tra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 15, 2019

Olanzapine for Depression "Zyprexa made me dull and gain weight, then found it's impossible to stop taking. Even with a very, very slow taper, I have terrible withdrawal symptoms that I never ever experienced before olanzapine. I only took 1.25mg, and after 3 years of tapering I'm down to about 0.7mg. Now I have heart arrhythmia, akathisia, insomnia, I feel dazed and out of it, erectile issues, and don't feel pleasure or get excited about anything. Olanzapine has ruined my life. If I could do one thing differently in my life it would be to never ever start taking this horrific drug."

• Bre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2020

For Insomnia "Took this medication olanzapine for about 2 and 1/2 months. I was suicidally anxious when my psychiatrist decided to give this a try. Made me very tired for the first few days but it nearly eliminated my anxiety and it helped me sleep better. Over time, though, I started having diminishing returns at even 10mg, along with feeling like I was becoming dumber (having trouble focusing, trying to remember certain words)... It just made me more foggy and depressed. Decided to get off it and didn't realize until a few days after that I was having bad withdrawals (nausea, anxiety, worse sleep). I would not recommend this med. I'm trying to conquer my severe depression and poor sleep and this is making everything way worse. Even cutting to small pieces to taper is hardly helping. Wish I never started it."

• Tan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 25, 2018

For Insomnia "Prescribed 2.5mg for anxiety and insomnia. Helped a lot at first, then after several months sleep problems returned. Anxiety started getting worse. I tried to slowly lower my dosage, and anxiety and insomnia got worse than ever. After 2 years, I started having tardive dyskinesia symptoms and trembling. And never feel rested. My sleep was very light, not deep. Again, tried to reduce the dosage but couldn't sleep at all and had unbearably intense anxiety. 4 years later I'm stuck on this awful medication, hardly sleeping at all, high anxiety, foggy-slow brain, with tardive dyskinesia. Before I took olanzapine, my only problem was mild anxiety and insomnia. This drug causes permanent damage. This drug ruined my life."

• Jos...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 29, 2019

Olanzapine for Depression "I've been on Zyprexa for about a year and a half at 15 mg. I was put on Zyprexa to help with severe treatment-resistant depression. I also take 150 mg of Effexor and 300 mg of Wellbutrin. In the past year, my depression has slowly gotten worse, and I suspect it's the Zyprexa. About 3 months ago, I decided to taper myself off Zyprexa. I went from 15 mg to 7.5 mg for 3 months. I experienced moderate sleeping issues (I sleep between 4-8 hours and wake up about 10 times during the night), nausea, and a dramatic increase in depression. My highs are lower, and my lows are longer and more severe. My two questions are this: 1) Has anyone experienced increased depression as a result of taking Zyprexa? 2) Has anyone experienced an increase in depression as a result of Zyprexa withdrawal."

• 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."

• 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."

• Jas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 16, 2021

For Insomnia "This drug ruined my life. I took a low dose for mild insomnia and anxiety, and after a while, it turned out I can't stop taking it. I have tried tapering very slowly over many months, but it is a nightmare. I am now taking half the original dose, and insomnia, anxiety, heart palpitations, and brain fog are through the roof. It's not temporary withdrawal, I've been at this dose for a year now. I'm much, much, much worse off than before I started taking this stuff. AVOID!"

• Onz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 23, 2021

Olanzapine for Depression "So, one doctor recommended me to take this pill without any reason why. The effects of this drug were: - insomnia - bruises on my neck - weight gain - desire for sugars - anger and low estimation of situations. Giving drugs for schizophrenia for just depressive people? Think about it twice."

• Cha...
• March 31, 2019

For Agitation "Olanzapine has been really helpful for both justifiable and unjustifiable anger, irritation, and anxiety. I've tried nearly every available drug for depression, anxiety, etc., but this one is the best in terms of benefit/side effects ratio. It helps moderately for insomnia, but is best for when you are having difficulty controlling your anger... it just seems to stop you from boiling over. It also helps reduce the fruitless rumination that plagues us over-analyzers."

• Sug...
• December 25, 2014

Olanzapine for Insomnia "I went to a psychiatrist for sleep meds and was prescribed 5 mg Zyprexa. It helped me sleep, but as soon as I stopped taking the medicine after two weeks, I experienced severe insomnia, sweating, palpitations, agitation, depression, and agitation. I had to be put back on it to stabilize. I am now taking 7.5 mg. I don't like the effect on me, and I will try to taper off of this medicine. I wish I had known about the side effects and withdrawal symptoms of this medicine."

• Mea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2018

For Agitation "I suffer from chronic migraines, daily headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, agitated depression, anxiety, and occasionally insomnia. Three weeks in, I am picking up my life and putting it back together! I feel like myself for the first time in at least five years! I sent a pack of research evidence-based articles to my neurologist today to ask him to allow me to stay longer on olanzapine. I was meant to do just a three-week trial. But I feel so happy on it! A specific situation that would have stressed me out in the past was so much easier! It's one of the best meds I have tried! I just hope it lasts!"

• Gam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 20, 2020

For Depression "I am from Kenya, that is in East Africa. I was diagnosed with depression by my doctor and put on Deprex 10 mg, which is also a brand name for olanzapine. I took it for about 28 days, which went well. I got good sleep, but after that, it was a nightmare. I was getting brain fog. I tried to quit it, but the withdrawals were crazy. I couldn't sleep at night, restlessness was another issue. So, I self-lowered to 5 mg. I am not having a normal sleep, waking up a couple of times at night. Last night, I took 2.5 mg. I am really trying to get off this garbage by tapering because the withdrawal is unbearable. DON'T TAKE THIS DRUG IF YOU LOVE YOURSELF AND YOUR LIFE."

• Jim...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 2, 2022

For Insomnia "I have been on olanzapine for 3 years, I now take 5 mg once a week for sleep. However, off it, the insomnia is horrific: 2-5 hours most nights and some nights total insomnia. If prescribed for sleep, say no. It has damaging effects on health, however, the worst effect is the complete destruction of your personality, ambition, sex drive, confidence, and thinking while on it. A very toxic drug, and I am sure it has destroyed many lives."

• Now...
• August 6, 2021

Olanzapine for Depression "I have never written a review, but what I am experiencing is something I do not wish on anyone. Please listen to what I am saying before it is too late for you. The first thing I want to point out is that they say this drug is not addictive. I will tell you that is the biggest crock I have ever heard. It is beyond addicting. You cannot just stop it. The nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, depression, mania, insomnia, desire to just die to get this over with, shaking, you feel cold and hot at the same time. The withdrawals are unbearable, so naturally people keep taking it. The only solution I see to this is to find a rehab for this and have professionals help me through this. I should have never been placed on this drug to begin with. I needed to gain weight. But to give me one of the strongest antipsychotics for that is criminal. Sure, I gained 40 pounds, but I have no life. No desire to live. No focus. No motivation. Nothing. If you are not psychotic, do not take this poison."

• ama...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2015

For Agitation "After using Paxil and clonidine and experiencing insomnia and lack of appetite, my doctor prescribed Zyprexa. After reading the reviews, I did not take it for months and just kept it in my bathroom. When nothing else would control my anxiety, I finally broke down and took it. Within twenty minutes, I felt so much better. My obsessive and racing thoughts stopped, and I could actually sleep and eat. I take 5 mg at night. It does not make me sleep all day. Day two, I noticed cravings for carbs, but I find drinking a full glass of water takes care of that. You won't gain weight unless you don't control your eating, which you absolutely can do. Don't give up and don't keep suffering. Olanzapine can help you, but maybe start with a low dose and see how you feel."

• Anonymous
• March 23, 2009

Olanzapine for Bipolar Disorder "I've taken Zyprexa as an adjunct to lithium for Bipolar I. My thoughts are slower, and it has gotten rid of any anxiety (this, I think, is the best side effect). I have not had issues with weight gain. I change between 5 and 10 mg per day depending on how I feel. Sometimes it can cause me to sleep late, and I need to take it earlier in the evening to avoid that. Great medicine to keep me stable and stop intrusive thinking."

• Pop...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 22, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I’ve been on olanzapine 2.5 mg for 8 years, and it has been a fantastic medication for me. I suffer from anxiety and severe insomnia, and olanzapine has worked perfectly well. My anxiety is non-existent now, and best of all, I am sleeping really well. I haven’t gained much weight (only 5 kg). I tried to come off it a few times, and I found it very difficult, mostly because the insomnia was so bad, and the anxiety came back with a vengeance. So for now, I’m happy on a small dose. I might take it for the rest of my life if I can stay well with this medication."

• mit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2012

Olanzapine for Insomnia "I do have really bad insomnia (for the past 6 years), but this was prescribed to me for daytime use to help keep me calm. It in no way makes me sleepy but works great for my ADHD. I have also gained nearly 10 pounds in only 2 weeks. I'm not a normal eater, usually, I only eat dinner, but on this medicine, I seem to have doubled what I would normally eat. I'm addressing that issue now. Good calming down medicine, I must say."

• Lia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 30, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm 19, and I'm on 10 mg olanzapine for bipolar disorder and psychosis. The first few days on this drug felt like I had fog in my brain, but I felt amazing later on. I'm able to function normally and sleep well (I've suffered with insomnia for as long as I can remember). I also feel motivated. I'm scoring well on my tests. My psychosis is completely gone. I still feel cranky, but that might go away when I increase my dose. Lastly, I haven't put on weight. It's been 2 months now."

• dea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 5, 2022

For Insomnia "I took olanzapine 5 mg for one year. It slowly took away my ability to sleep one day after taking it. I couldn't sleep at all, and it has stayed that way since Feb 11, 2019. I've been awake for 3 years. When I do get sleep, it's just a 5-minute dream, and I keep the sleep fatigue. Don't take this poison, it will ruin your life like it did mine."

• ACD...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 22, 2022

For Insomnia "I was on olanzapine for 10 months at 10 mg for insomnia. My new GP suggested that I taper off over a 15-day period. After 21 days from the beginning of the taper period, I have only slept a few hours on a few days. I wish I had never started this medication. I have to wait another 5 days to see my GP again to get back on this drug so that I can sleep again and begin a very slow tapering off. Stay away from this medication."

• Mom...
• October 28, 2010

Olanzapine for Depression "My doctor started me on 5 mg of Zyprexa, and the first 2 days I slept over 14 hours, falling asleep within 20 mins of taking it. By day three, I couldn't sleep at all and went on for days, making me feel out of control, confused, forgetful, pretty much out of it and unable to even have my daughter home with me. I was also very bloated, feeling and looking. On the start of the 7th pill/day, I began swelling to the point of gout, had breathing problems, dry mouth, was oddly emotional, crying a lot, and hurting badly due to the massive swelling and couldn't put on any of my pants. I quit taking the medicine, but the next night it all got worse with the addition of tightening in my chest. I am now having skin irritations on my hands. This medicine is bad news."