Brief Answer:
Intramuscular option will be safe and convenient
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You are right in saying that she feels lethargic and sleepy after taking medicine. Even at low doses
olanzapine is somewhat sedative in nature..however, usually people come out of this side effect after some days to weeks...but at 20 mg daily, it is unlikely that sedation will wean off completely.
The Intra muscular option does not cause sedation usually, and given once a week,..the dosage and frequency is adjusted after seeing the response in patient's condition. She should be able to carry on with her work with it. For initial days along with the new drug, she should preferably continue with at least some dose of alnazapine ( for May be one to two weeks) , then it can be stopped safely. your doctor will understand how to go about by looking at he behaviour and sleep pattern.
One may need an additional drug for sleep for some days ( if we plan to reduce olanzapine to significant lower level : 5-7.5 mg at once).
The usually side effects with Intra muscular options - can be some increasein salivation, or some time minor sedation for initial few days..but it is also not seen very frequently. It is practically good ( even dose not have any weight gain, dose not alter
cholesterol levels, and no risk of altered sugar levels or risk of
diabetes). It should be safe and convenient for her.
Best will be to get routine
blood test before starting the medicine -
lipid profile,
thyroid levels, sugar levels, liver &
kidney tests. One should repeat them at 6 months gap ( or as per treating doctor's advice).
Hope this helps you and your wife
wish you good health
Please feel free to ask more questions for any further clarification
Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD psychiatry
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