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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 2 of 2. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by rapunzel on August 2, 2000, at 0:48:41
Does anyone out there know anything about Olanzapine? I just completed a study in which this med was given to treat trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling). I was fine during the drug trial, and I did have significantly less pulling urges, but now that the trial is over I have been plunged into a terrible depression. I can't work, eat or sleep. My mom has had to come to care for my family, as I couldn't even get out of bed. (Slightly better now - no longer suicidal, but still not eating well and am still overtaken with feelings of incapacity/helplessness/anxiety when I think about doing anything, even something as insignificant as getting the mail!) The pdoc running the study now has me on Celexa, but too soon for positive results yet. I never had significant depression before taking olanzapine, and nothing in the pharmacy report indicated that this might be a side effect. However, all previous trials of this drug were conducted on psychotics and schizophrenics, so who knows? This depression came on within two weeks of ceasing the Olanzapine, and progressed quickly (3 days) from feeling blue and despondent to completely incapacitated and suicidal. The depression is accompanied by a headache that doesn't respond to tylenol (my stomach is so messed up that I am afraid to try aspirin) and an inability to regulate my body temp. (mostly too cold, but some hot flashes)
This whole experience has really thrown me for a loop. If I had had ANY idea that I was giving up my peace of mind for hair... Any anecdotal info on this drug will be most apprectated!
Rapunzel
Posted by SLS on August 3, 2000, at 10:48:46
In reply to olanzapine, trichotillomania side effects, posted by rapunzel on August 2, 2000, at 0:48:41
> Does anyone out there know anything about Olanzapine? I just completed a study in which this med was given to treat trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling). I was fine during the drug trial, and I did have significantly less pulling urges, but now that the trial is over I have been plunged into a terrible depression.
>
> This whole experience has really thrown me for a loop. If I had had ANY idea that I was giving up my peace of mind for hair... Any anecdotal info on this drug will be most apprectated!
>
> Rapunzel
Dear Rapunzel,You have a good sense of humor. :-)
I can’t offer any personal accounts of this phenomenon with olanzapine (Zyprexa). However, I can attest to the capacity of another antipsychotic (sulpiride) to produce such a syndrome. I believe that the discontinuation of Zyprexa could account for the emergence of your depression. It probably unmasked your vulnerability to depression or a depressive counterpart of your illness. I would guess that this depression would abate by the end of the third week after discontinuation. This phenomenon is considered a rebound depression, and is not unheard of. I think the choice of Celexa as an antidepressant makes sense, as Zyprexa, like Celexa, possesses serotonergic properties.
I hope Celexa works out for you. Is your doctor using it as an OCD drug?
- Scott
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