Olanzapine anyone....
 

Hi,
I have been taking Olanzapine for my psychosis for about a year and have had it gragually increased and this week i have started taking 25 mg a day. Trouble is with every increase my urge to binge increases also ( i also have bulimia).

This is upsetting in many ways but i have never taken a drug before whch has helped as much as olanzapine.

So i was wondering if anyone has similar experiences with medication and if anyone has any tips...

Thanks

Shelley

Hey Shelley,

I have experienced the same on Olanzapine and now Mirtazapine. It's so frustrating and I find myself in the same dilemma as you, that on the one hand it helps massively but the side effects are very difficult to deal with.

I haven't tried anything out yet because I'm only just realizing how much it's affecting me and when I was on Olanzapine I just didn't notice it.
However, a couple of things I've seen suggested are that you have 'healthy' foods around so that if you do feel particularly hungry or want to binge then you've got healthy foods to snack on. Also, another thing to do could be to not have any binge food in the house (although I don't know if it would be feasible, I live with family so I know it wouldn't for me) and when you go out, only take enough money with you for what you need so you don't have the oppurtunity to buy food. As well as that, make sure you are eating a balanced and healthy diet the rest of the time because if you are feeling hungry generally it will probably trigger a binge anymore. I know these drugs are frustrating though because even when you've eaten a regular portion you can still feel hungry!

Have you discussed this with your Doctor? When I was on Olanzapine and in hospital I was able to see a dietician, and it's been suggested to me again now I'm back on medication that's increasing my appetite. It might be of something that's of use for you?

Best of luck :) xxx

This is something you should definitely talk to your doctor or prescriber about. They could do things like lower the dose a bit, and add another med on. This sounds like a really stressful and hard to deal with side effect, it's not something you should have to live with. Sorry I don't have much advice to offer, but good luck!