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
poster:rapunzel
thread:41984
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000729/msgs/41984.html