About Using Zyprexa for Anxiety

Zyprexa, the brand name of olanzapine, is in a family of drugs called "atypical antipsychotics." It's officially used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (also called manic depression). These are the only conditions approved of by the FDA for this drug. But Zyprexa is also commonly prescribed for many off-label uses, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), often just called anxiety.

Function

• Zyprexa works as both a sedative and a mood stabilizer by acting on chemistry within the brain. This can help a patient suffering from GAD to get needed rest. Ideally, Zyprexa is to be used in combination with talk therapy. It cannot cure anxiety all by itself. By being sedated and having the moods stay steady, the patient has a better chance to pay attention to the talk therapy and try out any suggestions.

Effects

• Because Zyperexa is a sedative, it will often make you very sleepy all of the time. This sometimes stabilizes after a month, but sometimes it doesn't. It will also greatly increase your appetite. This combination of not wanting to move but wanting to eat causes you to gain weight. The most common side effect is significant weight gain, even over 20 pounds in 3 months. Because of these side effects, Zyprexa is often a drug of last resort for those suffering from anxiety.

Time Frame

• It can take at least a month before you feel the positive effects of Zyprexa. In the meantime, you will often feel very sleepy and hungry. You need to make sure your doctor or therapist has constant updates on your health, to be sure the Zyprexa isn't making things worse. You need to tell your family or friends that you are taking Zyprexa so that they will be aware that you will be a bit groggy for the next month or so.

Warning

• Don't just suddenly stop taking Zyprexa. This may bring on all of the symtpoms of anxiety, including panic, sweating, suicidal thoughts, sleeplessness and mood swings. Some people do not get any problems with stopping Zyprexa, but why chance it? Patients can be successfully weaned off of Zyprexa by taking smaller and smaller doses, but this has to be under a doctor's supervision.

Expert Insight

• Zyprexa can often greatly help people suffering from anxiety. It can help them relax, rediscover some joys in life and to regain a sense of humor. In your doctor's mind, the need to help your mental health will often take precedence over the possibility of weight gain from Zyprexa. Always tell your doctor any strange symptoms you suddenly develop when taking Zyprexa. The use of a cane or support when standing up is greatly recommended, or else you may get dizzy.