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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Michael F on March 1, 2001, at 22:39:25
I started Zyprexa today with a dose of about one third of a 5mg tablet. Even with this tiny dose, I still experienced major sedation.
I am curious to know two things from Zyprexa users. Does the drowsiness go away in time? Also, what is the lowest dose of Zyprexa that anyone has taken and still benefited from it?
Thanks in advance to all replies!
Michael
Posted by steve on March 2, 2001, at 1:25:11
In reply to Zyprexa and side effects, posted by Michael F on March 1, 2001, at 22:39:25
> I started Zyprexa today with a dose of about one third of a 5mg tablet. Even with this tiny dose, I still experienced major sedation.
>
> I am curious to know two things from Zyprexa users. Does the drowsiness go away in time? Also, what is the lowest dose of Zyprexa that anyone has taken and still benefited from it?
>
> Thanks in advance to all replies!
>
> MichaelI didn't find that the drowsiness did go away. What I did find is that I underwent dramatic rebound insomnia when I got off the stuff (2.5 mgs.)
I also find myself twitching several times an hour, and at times my neck seems to twist up not too badly, but it still is a damn pain. I hope to hell that it isn't dystonia, a lifelong and crippling disorder. Regulars on the board have told me they don't know that my condition exists, but it is painfully real for me. They also have taken umbrage to posts I have made to the studies of the long term effects of taking the stuff. My libertarian instincts make me believe that people should be allowed to do whatever they want to their body, but that they should know what they are doing before they do so. Something about informed consent.
btw What are you taking the stuff for?
Posted by JohnL on March 2, 2001, at 3:15:05
In reply to Zyprexa and side effects, posted by Michael F on March 1, 2001, at 22:39:25
> I started Zyprexa today with a dose of about one third of a 5mg tablet. Even with this tiny dose, I still experienced major sedation.
>
> I am curious to know two things from Zyprexa users. Does the drowsiness go away in time? Also, what is the lowest dose of Zyprexa that anyone has taken and still benefited from it?
>
> Thanks in advance to all replies!
>
> MichaelHi Michael,
In most cases I am aware of the sedation does go away within one or two weeks. I find it best to take Zyprexa between 5:00 and 6:00 in the evening. This way the sedation kicks in just about the right time for bedtime (it seems to come on slowly), and doesn't have much sedative carryover into the next morning. I was heavily sedated when I started it, but that sedation just vanished in about a week. I sleep better now with Zyprexa, but it doesn't have a hangover or carryover anymore.I think minimum doses can be in the 2.5mg to 5mg range. Once you get used to it though, I think higher doses will not be a problem.
John
Posted by Cam W. on March 2, 2001, at 7:13:02
In reply to Zyprexa and side effects, posted by Michael F on March 1, 2001, at 22:39:25
Michael - Like John says, many people can benefit from low doses of Zyprexa (2.5mg to 5mg) taken in the early evening.By slowly titrating up (increasing) the dose over a number of weeks, you greatly reduce the excessive sedation and clouded thinking that may happen when started on a high dose immediately.
The excess sedation is one of the start-up side effects which does decrease with in the first 2 months after starting the drug. This does resolve in a vast majority of the people who take the drug properly and are compliant with the regimen. This sedation is due to Zyprexa's strong binding to the muscarinic receptors, which causes the anticholinergic effects that you are experiencing (ie drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth).
Hang in there; these side effects should lessen. Also start a food diary of everything that you wat and also start an exercise program (if you don't belong to one), as Zyprexa can cause weight gain in mnay people and it is easier to keep the weight off with a sensible, balanced diet, then trying to take the weight off, once it has been gained.
Hope this helps - Cam
Posted by Michael F on March 3, 2001, at 0:42:43
In reply to Re: Zyprexa and side effects » Michael F, posted by Cam W. on March 2, 2001, at 7:13:02
Many thanks to everyone who replied!
Michael
This is the end of the thread.
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