Bipolar patient taking olanzapine meds 5mg ? ?!
Question: Bipolar patient taking olanzapine meds 5mg ? ?
i have bipolar since 5 years and these 5 years, i have gone through 2 maniac episodes.... apart from that iv had my ups and downs with mood swings currently i am getting my old thoughts backs like
i am sum1 Special, i need to fight for the right and i have lots of energy in me....
im on my meds i don no whats wrong nd why am i getting these thoughts again for! what i am worried about is i dont get another manic episode.... can eny1 please help me im really worried also if eny1 is bipolar out ther and they know of a better medication than olanzapine as i am gaining alot of weight from it also i have gained diabetes becuz of being bipolar ...
Also if my diabetics is not in control can my bipolar get worse even if am still taking my meds
thanku for answering :)
Answers:
Firstly 5mg is only a starting dose. But if you are diabetic it isn't the best choice for you as Olanzapine can cause weight gain and diabetes. Olanzapine is the typical anti-psychotic prescribed as a mood stabiliser, but there are others such as Quetiapine. You should speak to your doctor, especially if you feel yourself beginning to get high. They may also be able to suggest a true mood stabiliser such as semi-sodium Valproate.
I'm a psychiatric nurse
OK, 50% of the people who responded are misinformed. Olanzapine is approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder. While 5 mg is not a large dose, as you have already discovered the weight gain and potential to develop diabetes does not appear to be dose dependent. In other words, 5 mg has as much potential as 25 mg.
You never mentioned other meds you may have tried. Olanzapine may have been chosen because you present more as schizoaffective. Given your metabolic issues, a med change might be in order. At least you could ask for divalproex sodium or lithium to be added. And if you are not already on it, ask for metformin to help with the diabetes.
Good on you for recognizing your symptoms. The Dr should harness this strength and give you prn medication so you can have an active role in your recovery. Good luck.
I don't really get the question but I was on them for psychosis. But a bigger dose than you and I gained weight like you can not even imagine. My moods calmed a little to I noticed. So maybe they see it as a good thing because it settles the moods etc.. but they are only meant to be a short term solution. So you should ask about getting them changed :)
olanzapine are only for people who have schizophrenia. if you dont have schizophrenia you should not be taking them
my mother has schizophrenia
I agree with anthony,olanzapine is an antipsychotic,bi polar is treated with antimanics such as depakote,priadel etc