Withdrawal From Zyprexa

Although Zyprexa is not addicting, the brain may need time to adjust to stopping Zyprexa. In fact, it is not recommended that you stop Zyprexa without your healthcare provider's approval. Withdrawal from Zyprexa can lead to symptoms such as insomnia, hallucinations, and delusions. In order to reduce your risk of severe Zyprexa withdrawal symptoms, your healthcare provider may decide to wean you off Zyprexa slowly.

 

An Introduction to Withdrawal From Zyprexa

Zyprexa® (olanzapine) is a prescription medication approved to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. As with most medications for mental illnesses, stopping Zyprexa is not recommended without your healthcare provider's approval. Although Zyprexa is not addicting and is not likely to be abused, the brain may need time to adjust to stopping Zyprexa.
 

Zyprexa Withdrawal Symptoms

Zyprexa withdrawal symptoms can include, but are not limited to:
 
These Zyprexa withdrawal symptoms may not improve with time, as they may be symptoms of the underlying disorder (schizophrenia or bipolar disorder).
 

Limiting Withdrawal From Zyprexa

Your healthcare provider may decide to wean you off Zyprexa slowly, to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms, though this may not be necessary in all situations. Even if you are switching to another bipolar disorder or schizophrenia medication, your healthcare provider may still recommend stopping Zyprexa slowly. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before stopping Zyprexa. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you notice any bothersome symptoms after stopping Zyprexa.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;