Posted by Cam W. on March 19, 2000, at 1:17:19
In reply to Re: Zyprexa? for depression? Dosage?, posted by Lynne on March 18, 2000, at 20:59:20
Lynne - It has been my experience that Zyprexa can augment antidepressants effectively and does seem to have some good mood stabilizing effects on it's own. The weight gain is annoying and I really don't think that stimulants are the first line defence against it. A balanced diet (aka rabbit food) and increased exercise have helped. The weight gain (from John's munchies - carbohydrate cravings) is the worst in the first 8 or 9 months of taking the drug. Underweight people seem to gain more weight than those who are overweight to begin with. I am not saying that it is MacDonalds every night in 8 months, but the weight gain does seem to plateau. It is by far easier (and more successful) to prevent weight gain than it is to take it off afterwards.
My experience with the dosing of Zyprexa as an antidepressant augmenter (or as monotherapy in depression) is that only low doses are usually needed (eg 2.5mg - 5mg), but, if needed, higher doses work as well. Higher dosages do not seem to correlate with the amount of weight gained, though (in my experience).
As an aside - Zyprexa has a hard coating. Unlike many other drugs with a hard coating, it can be split. Use caution when splitting Zyprexa, as it can be very corrosive, especially if introduced to sensitive membranes, like the eye (wash hands well, afterwards). Also, if one is having trouble swallowing the pills, they can be crushed and mixed with most liquids (water, coffee, juice, even Coke). Once broken though, the tablet only retains its potency for 7 days.
Good luck with you trial - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:27490
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000312/msgs/27538.html