Zyprexa, also known as Olanzapine is an anti psychotic drug (also known as a neuroleptic) used to treat psychosis and psychotic mania.

It’s called an atypical antipsychotic as it is a new class of drugs with less side effects that the old anti-psychotics such as Thorazine and Haldol. Zyprexa is known for weight gain- an average of 20 pounds per person, but I definitely know people who don’t gain weight at all.

Zyprexa is used to treat bipolar disorder mania and psychosis – (and schizophrenia.)

I have seen it work miracles on people who are very ill.  It’s hard to find a balance between the benefits of the drug and the side effects- but for many, the benefits are what matters. I have a friend who was on the drug for two years to keep her mania and psychosis in check. It definitely kept her out of the hospital- but she felt over drugged and gained weight. I am so incredibly proud of her for staying on it.  She is now stable and no longer needs a high dose of the Zyprexa. 

I just saw her today and she said, “I’m staying on it Julie. I can’t get sick like that again.” She looked so great today. I’m glad to see doing so well!

Julie

A friend of mine just had to up her Zyprexa due to paranoia. She was really trying to make it on a lower dose, but had to face the reality of her psychosis. I am so proud of her for being able to take care of herself.

Another friend went off her meds and called me crying on Saturday- she said,  “I was doing so much better! I thought I didn’t need them.” The interesting thing is that she’s a doctor! No matter how educated we are or how smart we are, bipolar disorder can still trick us regarding medications. 

When the meds are working long term , it’s hard to feel them working.  My mind often says, “You’re doing well today Julie. It won’t matter if you just skip a dose. Opening all of those pill bottles is such a bother.” This is not the voice of reason! The voice of reason reminds me of what life was like before I had my Lamictal- or before my friend had her Zyprexa.  It reminds me that it’s not normal for my doctor friend to cry when she calls me.  

Meds work.  They don’t take away all of my symptoms- but they help. I managed bipolar disorder on my own for over 10 years- it’s possible to do, but extremely difficult. When I found a medication that worked, I still had to manage the illness daily – but it’s a lot easier now. If you’re struggling with your meds, don’t give up. It took me a long time to find the right one for myself, but I’m so glad I kept trying.  I now use the med as part of my overall treatment plan. I’m doing a lot better these days, that’s for sure. Julie

 A friend of mine just had to up her Zyprexa due to paranoia. She was really trying to make it on a lower dose, but had to face the reality of her psychosis. I am so proud of her for being able to take care of herself.  Another friend went off her meds and called me crying on Saturday- she said,  “I was doing so much better! I thought I didn’t need them.” The interesting thing is that she’s a doctor! No matter how educated we are or how smart we are, bipolar disorder can still trick us regarding medications.    When the meds are working long term , it’s hard to feel them working.  My mind often says, “You’re doing well today Julie. It won’t matter if you just skip a dose. Opening all of those pill bottles is such a bother.” This is not the voice of reason! The voice of reason reminds me of what life was like before I had my Lamictal- or before my friend had her Zyprexa.  It reminds me that it’s not normal for my doctor friend to cry when she calls me.   Meds work.  They don’t take away all of my symptoms- but they help. I managed bipolar disorder on my own for over 10 years- it’s possible to do, but extremely difficult. When I found a medication that worked, I still had to manage the illness daily – but it’s a lot easier now. If you’re struggling with your meds, don’t give up. It took me a long time to find the right one for myself, but I’m so glad I kept trying.  I now use the med as part of my overall treatment plan. I’m doing a lot better these days, that’s for sure. Julie  

I recently found out that I won the Eli Lilly Reintegration Achievement Award. That’s quite a mouthful! The award is for a person with either bipolar disorder or schizophrenia who takes their personal treatments skills and uses them to help other people manage the illness as successfully as possible.Sometimes I have to step back and really think about what my life was like less than 10 years ago. I couldn’t work. I wanted to write a book, but couldn’t seem to finish one. I had relationship problems and an illness that seemed impossible to manage. This all changed when I realized management was up to me. The Health Cards were created at a time when I felt hopeless and helpless. I just knew I had to do something to get better.