Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
How Long Does It Take To Withdraw From Olanzapine?
My 17yr old son had his first ever psychotic episode only 3 weeks ago, and this was definitely a substance induced (pot brownies of an enhanced kind) trigger that lead to loss of sleep, anxiety, then the episode. we had to admit him to hospital and after 2 weeks he is now stable and home but taking a total of 25mg olanzapine daily (5-5-15). It wipes him out, he s tired all day, and he s put on 10 lbs in only about a week (141lbs to 151lb). I think the dosage is too high, not sure but i d like to cut him back on the stuff. Can you tell me how long we might expect him to be on this dosage and how long it may take to taper him off the stuff? He s a student/athlete, but this med doesnt seem to allow him to do anything but eat and sleep. thanks
Mon, 24 Sep 2018
Hi,
If it was a single psychotic episode related to substance abuse, then long-term Olanzapine use is not necessary. Olanzapine can cause weight gain, tiredness, and excessive sleepiness which can affect his performance at school/sports.
However, you should not taper down the dose of Olanzapine without consulting his doctor first. If his treating physician agrees with discontinuing Olanzapine, then the dose can be slowly titrated down over a few weeks before completely stopping so as to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal,
General & Family Physician
If it was a single psychotic episode related to substance abuse, then long-term Olanzapine use is not necessary. Olanzapine can cause weight gain, tiredness, and excessive sleepiness which can affect his performance at school/sports.
However, you should not taper down the dose of Olanzapine without consulting his doctor first. If his treating physician agrees with discontinuing Olanzapine, then the dose can be slowly titrated down over a few weeks before completely stopping so as to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal,
General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....