I have Schizo-Affective Disorder, basically Bipolar II with regular psychotic symptoms. I was on 10mg Zyprexa daily with Lithium Carbonate, Lamictal and Wellbutrin. I was moved to Zyprexa 2 years ago after Abilify stopped working and landed me in a mental ward. The Zyprexa controlled my psychotic symptoms very well. I still had occasional intrusive thoughts, but almost no hallucinations or irrational reactions. With the mood elevators I was on, I did not have the emotional problems that others talk about. I did experience some loss of higher intellectual function. This was shown clearly by decreased performance on standardized tests. The real problem was the weight gain. I had serious appetite control problems. I even ended 7.5 years of vegetarianism because I couldn't control my cravings for high-calorie foods. I gained 60 pounds in the first 7 months or so that I was on the drug. I wasn't exactly thin to begin with. With deliberate effort, I was able to stabilize at that point. In the last 6 months, with a lot of effort, I managed to lose just 9 pounds. Being fat caused me to develop sleep apnea, from which I may never recover. Between that and the Zyprexa, I was tired a lot. I couldn't get up early one morning a week to consistently make my psychotherapy appointments, causing me to stop them. My sleep MD, with consent from my psychiatrist, put me on Provigil, which helped a lot, but that was only a couple weeks before I stopped Zyprexa. I do suggest it, but I can't talk about it as a long term solution. I switched from Zyprexa to Geodon 18 days ago. I am not even close to sleepy. My mood has improved. I have taken firm control of my eating. I lost over 6 pounds the first 2 weeks I was off it, because I am now able to stick to a healthy, low-calorie diet. I even feel some of the intellectual function coming back. Zyprexa was effective, but living with the long term effects was just too much. It helped when I really needed control. I should have stopped sooner. Published: November 03, 2007 ::

I took this drug for four years. Although it lessen the anxiety and panic attacks, the side-effects became intolerable. I slept sometimes as much as 14 hours a day at times and my appetite became something out of control. I was eating like a starving dog and I gained 75 pounds in less than a year, my blood pressure went up, and I was retaining water which caused me to have a bloated and shiny-skinned appearance. I have a photo from back then and I looked very un-well. But I kept on it because my doctor said there was nothing in that class of drugs which I hadn't been already on and had experienced unacceptable side-effects. Si I took it. Then late last year the panic attacks and all of the rest of the nightmare came crashing on top of me. I felt psychotic and terrified of what I might do to myself. I had to make an emergency appointment with my doctor and I was in hospital within the hour. I was weaned off the zyprexa and in hospital for nearly a month. I am finally beginning to lose the excess weight. I am on enirely different medication. Every medication is not the same for everyone, I know, but I don't recommend zyprexa. Published: September 25, 2007 ::

I actually had a psychotic break because of this med. The worst and most dangerous med I've ever been on. Published: December 08, 2007 ::

I have been on the medication for a couple of mons now and have seen, and felt a good difference in my mood swings. I would recomend others to try it for atleast that lone before saying no, or trying another medication Published: September 20, 2007 ::

I took this drug for 8 - 9 months, but I switched to another anti-psychotic because of its side effects. Here is the deal with Zyprexa: Now, I am no psychiatrist (although I feel like one after experimenting with different medications for the past 18 months), but, after a great deal of research and personal experience, I can safely say that Zyprexa is the most efficacious anti-psychotic on the market. HOWEVER, you will gain a ton of weight (which could lead to diabetes and other related problems) if you are not careful. I am a former athlete, and I exercise for at least an hour every day, and I put on about 20 lbs. while taking this drug. From what I understand, most people put on much more than that! So, essentially, Zyprexa is the best drug for schizophrenia (even better than Haldol and the other first generation drugs); however, the side effects can be very serious. I advise carefully considering your diet/exercise routine before beginning to take this drug. Simply put, it is the most efficacious anti-psychotic out there...just be careful. Published: February 10, 2008 ::

I have taken 10mgs of zyprexa for ten years. It really changed my life profoundly for the better. I am very happy that I found zyprexa because I am able to live a fairly normal life. It is really effective. Weight issue are a problem but it can be controlled with diet and exercise. I will probably take it as long as it is available. My quality of life is immensely improved as a result of zyprexa. Published: July 17, 2008 ::