Off-label usage of Zyprexa? - Mental Health Message Board

elle-o · 09-26-2007, 01:24 AM

Hello! I was given Zyprexa at the doctor's office the other day
and figured maybe someone here could help me to figure out why.
First a little background about me:

I'm 26, female with no signs/symptoms or family history of bipolar disorder or
schizophrenia. I went in for a scheduled pap smear on July 23 of this year. On August 14 I received a letter stating I had mild dysplasia with HPV effects present. I was scheduled a colposcopy for September 19. On September 19, I went to work and was planning on making my appointment for my colposcopy after work. Between I would say early July and September 19 I began having severe abdominal pain. I didn't think this was related to my pap results, but maybe a cyst or gallbladder problems, etc. I had been anxious to get this colposcopy out of the way and hopefully hear good news. I was not nervous, just eager to get it out of the way. On September 19 after being at work for approx. 3 hours, I had severe cramping and sharp pains in my abdominal region. I couldn't lift anything, or stand up straight. Immediately after I began to feel light-headed, dizzy and extremely hot. I managed to track down my co-workers to summon my boss. I collapsed on the floor next to them and an ambulance was called. I was told I was unresponsive, slow breathing, etc. for about 20mins prior to the EMTs arriving. I was taken to the hospital unconscious and they released me to a family member while I was still unconscious (!!!). They said I had a fainting spell due to anxiety over going to my test later that day.

I never did get to explain how I felt leading up to the incident or my severe stomach pain that has persisted since July.
I made an appointment with the doctor and he ordered some tests that he would like to do asap. He then proceeded to give me medication samples, which he told me were pain pills and muscle relaxers in case my pain was due to muscle spasms. I wasn't going to take something I received no other information about or any literature on. I asked what kind of medication it was and he pretty much ignored me. He had tore the labels off of the bottles, which also made me curious. I got online and found out it is Zyprexa 2.5mg. I can't find any reason or anyone else who has been prescribed this for pain. Is this normal? I can't figure out why I would be given this, other than to calm anxiety (which I never displayed) until I can receive my tests/results? I did take one of the pills, at the insistance of my family, who assured me that he wouldn't prescribe something that would harm me, or wasn't for my pain. I still have severe stomach pains, not to the point of fainting, but severe.

I am at a total loss and figured someone here would be more aware of
the usages of this drug. I do not understand why I am on this, or how it
would help ease my pain?? I fear that my doctor doesn't believe my abdominal pain is real, or?? I don't really know.

I would appreciate any responses or advice, as I am so afraid I'm not going to receive the proper care! Thank you very much & sorry this is so lengthy!
Thank you!

elle-o · 09-26-2007, 01:42 AM

Oops, I wanted to state that I do not feel I had a panic attack
or anxiety attack, due to my colposcopy being later that day. The hospital
told my family that after asking about my medical history (only asthma) and
my family did mention that I was scheduled for the colposcopy and biopsy on that same day. It was then that the hospital decided that was probably why I had fainted. Before, they had no answer.
I displayed no signs of an anxiety attack and did not even respond or speak to any of the health care workers my entire stay/episode.
I know anxiety can manifest itself in a myriad of ways, but I don't feel this was the case, as I was fine leading up to the fainting spell, until my severe stomach pain. I was "out cold" for a total of about 4 hours, (the EMTs administered morphine before taking me, I was told) when I woke up at home and heard the diagnosis. I disagree with their opinions and my colposcopy being on that date was just a coincidence, imo. My co-workers all heard the diagnosis and disagreed, saying it didn't seem anything like an anxiety attack, what they saw of it; only me passed out, unconscious. I stayed like this until I woke up at home later that evening.

Could the hospital's diagnosis have influenced my doctor into prescribing Zyprexa? I had told him how the hospital let my family discharge me before ever seeing me conscious and that I fainted from my pain, not anxiety. He seemed to believe me, but who knows? I'm just very frustrated!

I would appreciate any feedback!

trg247 · 09-26-2007, 02:13 PM

Hi:

Zyprexa as you must have found out is a antipsycotic and not a nice one. Severe weight gain is common with this drug, I gained over sixty pounds in a short period of time and had to stop taking it. I was on it for a few different reasons and I guess the main one was to stop my delusions both visual and auditory for some reason it also stopped my self harm tendencies as well. I don't remember it helping with any anxiety issues and by no means was it a pain killer. I really do not know why your doctor would choose this med..I think you should get a second opinion

take care
trg247

rosequartz · 09-26-2007, 02:51 PM

wow that sounds kinda scary to me......you might want to think about reporting that doctor........