Is it okay to stop cold turkey? - Mental Health Message Board

Amberay · 07-14-2005, 06:10 PM

Hello! I've posted on here before. I'll make this short. I was put on Zyprexa and now experiencing side effects. I get the shakes, light headed, and today I had a cold flash ( I'm not sure but I think it was my blood pressure). The doctor told me to come in, but I can't afford it. I talked to a nurse who told me to stop taking it cold turkey. I've been on 2.5 mg for a week, I would like to know if quitting cold turkey will have an affect on me? The nurse says it shouldn't. I can't see the doctor for a week. Please reply.

feelbad · 07-15-2005, 06:30 AM

I wouldn't listen to the nurse, i would see if you can actually talk with your doc about it before doing anything.some meds can indeed be stopped abruptly with no major problems,others MUST be tapered or you will risk some nasty sode effects.If you cannot get an answer from your doc, just call the pharmacy where you had the Rx filled.They will no for sure just what to do.But the bigger thing here is that I am assuming since you were put on the Zyprexa that you are being treated for something??You will need to see your doc anyway about trying another med so why not just make an appt with him?You can call the pharmacy about your question but please follow up with your doc about trying a different med.FB

hry33 · 07-17-2005, 05:14 PM

zyprexa is a strong med, a new socalled atypical antipsychotic thats being propmoed to docs as a magic cureall, it can be quite expensive
after only 1 week on it you could taper off over 2 or 3 days
whats wrong with you??
in general docs know surprisingly little about the meds they prescribe, they usually rely entirely on the drug companies for their meds info too

the early side effects suggest that zyprexa isnt the right med for you

Amberay · 07-17-2005, 09:02 PM

My doctor, who I just started seeing, prescribed it for Bipolar. I have posted this situation on here. I don't believe I fit the discription. I just saw her again,she now says I'm Bipolar II or hypomanic. I don't really understand what all this means. She did say that I can stop the drug cold turkey. I have, and so far so good. I'm sticking to Paxil to see how it does since it has always worked for me in the past. She also said that the shakes I was getting was due to Paxil and Zyprexa mixed together giving me too much energy ( true ). We agreed to try Paxil alone since I don't agree with her diagnosis. IF I start feeling crazy again, I'm going to go back and see her.