Zyprexa and Insomnia: What Users Say

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

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."

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

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."

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

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."

• Sug...
• December 25, 2014

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."

• Now...
• August 6, 2021

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."

• Anonymous
• March 23, 2009

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."

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

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."

• Mom...
• October 28, 2010

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."

• Rea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 22, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started taking Zyprexa when I was hospitalized for suicide. It worked; I felt less suicidal because I felt more dull. Zyprexa is a medication meant for short-term use, and many people end up on it for years and years. It acts as a sexual suppressant, though, which I didn’t notice until I was off of it and suddenly felt more easily turned on. It is very hard to get off it and has some side effects; it took me 1 year to taper it down, and when I finally got off of it, I am now having terrible issues sleeping."

• Pet...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 28, 2023

"This is a very toxic, dangerous drug! It has destroyed my health. Caused akathisia, extreme exhaustion, muscle seizures, extreme hair loss, fainting spells, low blood pressure, diarrhea, panic attacks, depression, dry skin, hot sweats, blurred vision, light sensitivity, insomnia, and cognitive issues. Don't take this medication, you will regret it. The maker, Eli Lilly, has been sued many times for damages this drug has caused. It has caused diabetes, heart attacks, pancreatitis, skin rashes, strokes, sudden death, and much, much more. It should be outlawed, but big pharma runs everything! Zyprexa sucks! I would have rated it a -10 if I had the option."

• Goo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2015

For Schizophrenia "Was hospitalized after a psychotic break, prescribed Zyprexa 20mg. At first, the medicine was okay, my paranoia and schizophrenic thoughts went away. But after about two weeks, I started to notice the side effects. Weight gain was the most obvious, I gained 40 pounds in two months, and sleep-I was sleeping 9-12 hours a night. It was difficult to wake up in the morning. During the day, I felt unmotivated, and at work, I had no energy even after drinking an energy drink. Lowered my dose to 5mg, it didn't make a difference. After about 6 months, I had enough, decided to try another medication. Now I feel much better. Bottom line: Zyprexa was the worst med I've ever tried. If you want to try this med, beware, you will gain weight."

• bjo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2021

For Schizophrenia "Like other drugs, Zyprexa has different effects on different people. For me, the drug was a life-ruining experience. When I was on it (for a psychotic episode), I had severe side effects, including sedation, emotional numbing, and life-threatening metabolic deterioration. With a psychiatrist's help, I cross-titrated from it to Latuda. However, I happened to be in the fraction of people that has severe repercussions from discontinuing Zyprexa. With withdrawal, I had severe insomnia, which half a year later has only mildly improved. I have had to be on Ativan to get some sleep, and there are many testimonials to the same experience I've had-Zyprexa can for an indefinite period of time disrupt sleep regulation. Because of this, it should not be tried unless newer antipsychotics with a more focused receptor profile have been attempted."

• Pho...
• June 23, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "I was put on this drug because the doctor thought I was bipolar. Three years later, two psychiatrists have told me I need to get off of the Zyprexa ASAP. I was first put on 15 mg, which made me tired when I woke up. All day, I felt drugged out, and I gained 40 pounds. I am now only taking 10 mg and am lowering my dosage to 5 mg to finally get off of this drug for good. The withdrawal symptoms I have noticed from getting off Zyprexa are increased anxiety and difficulty sleeping. The best way to get off of Zyprexa with minimal problems is to taper slowly. I would rather deal with the withdrawal symptoms than being drugged out to the point I can’t function. I also take this with another antidepressant and am convinced I had symptoms similar to serotonin syndrome. Please use caution and only use this drug as a last resort option. It has a black box label for a reason. The long-term risks of staying on this drug include psychosis and medication-induced Parkinson’s disease."

• Bil...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 9, 2021

For Schizophrenia "I have schizophrenia. I was on 40 mg of Zyprexa for 14 years, lots of side effects such as 70 lbs weight gain, high cholesterol and triglycerides, diabetes, and it made me sleep like you wouldn't believe, 10-12 hours a night. But it did work well for my anxiety and psychosis. However, after 14 years, it lost effectiveness. I started having hallucinations again. It took me 3 years of a slow taper to get off it, and the withdrawals have still been a nightmare, all kinds of weird symptoms (which have all disappeared now) but the main problems remaining are anxiety and insomnia. I never had insomnia problems before or during the use of this medication. I've been off it for almost 2 months now and am still experiencing anxiety and insomnia. I was switched to Latuda, which is a phenomenal medication, no side effects and total effectiveness for my schizophrenia."

• str...
• April 16, 2010

For Depression "Developed depression and significant anxiety this fall. Doctor started me on Lexapro, but that wasn't controlling the anxiety, loss of appetite, and insomnia. Added Zyprexa and almost instantly felt much, much calmer, could eat, and slept well. Was very sleepy/tired for the first few days but acclimated within a week. The problem I did have was with weight gain. Thought my life had calmed down and I could do without the medicines, but have found that not to be the case. Did not have any issues weaning off the Lexapro and Zyprexa. Just started Pristiq yesterday. Hoping and praying for good things."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 1, 2012

For Schizophrenia "I have tried many meds: Seroquel, Risperidone, Abilify. Seroquel had me peeing all night long, burning sensation like a urinary tract infection. Abilify sex was good but gave me anxiety, fast heart rate, lightheaded feeling, fainting, and insomnia. So far, Zyprexa is the best for me. Sex is okay, having a problem with sensual sensation, dizzy sometimes. Now I am on 2.5 mg, I still feel dizzy. Even without it, you feel better if you take the pill. Weight gain: 30 lb. Triglycerides high."

• elu...
• September 28, 2018

For Schizophrenia "I took this medication for 9 months before the voices in my head went away. I continued taking this medication for two years. I'm still not convinced that this medication had anything to do with the voices going away. I think if it were effective, the voices would have stopped sooner. I also always felt sedated and never had any motivation to do anything. I used to be the person who always read all of the recent news and was well-informed, but this medication turned me into a lazy and ill-informed person. I also used to run and do yoga often, but this medication made me have no motivation to do those things anymore. I gained 40 lbs on Zyprexa. I just started taking Latuda two weeks ago, and I have already lost 10 lbs and I feel like I have much more energy and motivation. The only issue is that now I have insomnia from Zyprexa withdrawal. I wish my doctors would have originally prescribed Latuda instead of Zyprexa so I wouldn't have had to deal with the withdrawal."

• Hon...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 13, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "Been on 20 mg a day for a couple of years. Been off of everything for about eight months. When I was taking it, I had zero issues with weight gain. Another huge benefit was that it reliably put me to sleep. Take my 20 mg football in the evening, and it’s lights out within two hours. But getting up in the morning was tough. Plus, it did slow me down mentally. I didn’t think it did, but I had a few old friends point out that I’m way slower than I used to be. Like most psych meds, it can work wonders for one patient and do more harm than good for another. Due to life’s circumstances, I had to quit cold turkey. Bad idea. Sleepless nights and all that... Thankfully, my condition is on a very mild end of the spectrum. You absolutely have to work with your doctor to find out what works best for YOU! All the best!"

• Sle...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2022

For Depression "Terrible drug prescribed to me because my doctor decided I was depressed or bipolar. Had faith in the wrong people. Drug companies and specialists who think all women are depressed. Had severe insomnia and told this would help me sleep. Terrible, terrible side effects. Maybe it works if you have these conditions but was prescribed on a 10-minute first visit appointment."

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 19, 2020

For Schizophrenia "Zyprexa worked for me to some extent. My paranoid thoughts and anxiety almost completely went away, however, I had some negative side effects. One major negative side effect was weight gain. This caused me to feel very insecure about myself. I had very poor eating habits, and I would crave foods that I wouldn't normally crave, especially at nighttime. I'm not sure if this is common or uncommon, but while I was taking Zyprexa, I felt emotionally numb. I couldn't feel emotions like I did prior to taking the medication. My sleep was also regulated while taking this medication, but I would sleep for long hours and would have difficulty waking up in the morning. I don't take Zyprexa anymore. It did help with some of my side effects relating to my mental illness, which I am glad about, but I feel that it caused negative effects in other aspects. I think we need to weigh the pros and cons because most medications won't be 'perfect' without any side effects."

• Gul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2016

For Insomnia "Started Zyprexa 5 mg for a week, bumped up to 10 mg... This medication works well for me. I'm able to control my depression and irritability better. Weight gain is fine for me as I only weighed 98 pounds when I started the medication. I am now 108 after two weeks and I am not complaining. I've been getting insomnia since starting the 10 mg. I wake up around 12, 1, or 2 in the a.m. and can't go back to sleep. Will definitely talk to Psych about this problem."

• Bre...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 31, 2021

For Depression "Do not take this medication unless you have a very specific need for it, namely, schizophrenia. I've struggled with severe depression, anxiety, and sleep issues for more than 8 years and was prescribed this because my psychiatrist had nothing left to try. While it did help my sleep and anxiety for about 4 months, it had diminishing returns to the point that it ended up making my sleep and anxiety worse, along with the depression. I'm 4 months off this drug and life is an utter nightmare. I can't completely blame this drug for my current state as I've been constantly going downhill for years, but this drug definitely overall made me feel worse. Beware if you have sleep issues, because this might help for a little while but will likely stop at some point and your brain will no longer be able to get into deep sleep on its own. I guess if you're suicidal, maybe then it's worth a go because what do you have to lose?"

• Anx...
• June 12, 2022

For Bipolar Disorder "I was put on Zyprexa for intrusive thoughts and depression. I have been on it for 14 months. Started weaning myself off of it a week ago. It caused me to develop akathisia, worsened depression and anxiety. My insomnia also became worse. I can already tell a difference in my weight gain (have lost 2 lbs since weaning). This and Zoloft are the worst medications I have ever taken. I need to be put back on Xanax, but I do not want rebound anxiety or withdrawals when I stop taking it, as it's only supposed to be taken short-term. Pharma needs to make a med with no side effects that will ease depression and take away anxiety. I think they are capable, they just don't want to lose the money they are making from us taking these awful drugs hoping they will help us."

• Len...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2022

For Bipolar Disorder "I had this a few days ago in the hospital for extreme mood swings and anger due to bipolar. I took half a pill that dissolves under your tongue, and it made me feel MUCH WORSE! Within 20 minutes of taking this garbage, I became insanely sleepy, dazed, I was slobbering and slurring when I was talking. It made me even more angrier and anxious. I had intense restless legs and arms and facial tics. My legs would randomly kick and jerk up in the air. I had awful dreams and couldn’t stay asleep at night. I couldn’t stop stuffing my face, and I gained 4 lbs since the day I took it, which was on Monday. I took a Xanax yesterday because I had another episode where I was irate, all because I dropped something. I took this particular medication once in 2018 and for the first time in 2013, and it always made me irrationally angry, hungry, anxious, and unreasonable. Never again."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2022

"Stay far away from this drug. I was misdiagnosed for psychosis and took this for 3 weeks, then quit cold turkey. Couldn't stop walking for months and couldn't sleep. Had a panic attack from lack of sleep that put me in the ER. The ER prescribed me Zyprexa 5 mg, so I just decided to start it again. I was then bumped up to 10 mg a month later. The akathisia continued, and I started to get suicidal thoughts, like jumping off a bridge because I couldn't stop walking and it’s 4 AM. I did this continuously, so I decided to quit cold turkey at 5 mg again. It’s been 3 weeks now, and I haven't slept much at all and got prescribed Klonopin to help with this, with little success. The akathisia has subsided, but I’m afraid both my insomnia and akathisia will rebound when I decide to taper off Klonopin. In conclusion: do not trust anyone to prescribe you this drug, it will give you many unwanted side effects."