Posted by Cam W. on December 6, 2000, at 7:02:05
In reply to need info on zyprexa, posted by ItsJustMe on December 6, 2000, at 3:53:57
IJM -
> Hi - My Dr. put me on 5 mg of Zyprexa to help boost the Effexor XR (300 mg/day) that I take.
>
> Does Zyprexa have a good history of helping anti-depressants such as Effexor work better?
>
•Zyprexa™ (olanzapine), as do many of the newer atypical antidepressants, does seem to augment the action of many antidepressants. It seems that a new use for Zyprexa is being found everyday.
>
> Is 5 mg a good dose?
>
•The 5mg dose is a fairly standard starting dose in physically healthy adults. It can be raised to 7.5mg or 10mg (or lowered to 2.5mg) if necessary. Usually a dosage adjustment from 5mg isn't needed when used as an antidepressant augmenter.
>
> What is the half-life of Zyprexa? Should I be taking 2.5 mg twice a day or is it a drug that can be taken just once a day and still work all 24 hours?
>
•The mean elimination half-life of Zyprexa is 29h in men and 39h in women (from the monograph), so Zyprexa can be taken once daily. This half-life varies greatly from person to person, due to individual body chemistries. Some other meds that induce or inhibit a drug metabolizing system of the liver (the cytochrome P450 system) raising or lowering blood levels (No, Effexor™ - venlafaxine - has little or no effect on this system). Since Zyprexa blocks muscarinic/cholergic receptors to an appreciable degree, you may want to take the dose at bedtime, as blocking this receptor causes drowsiness (esp. in the first couple of weeks). If you sense that you are waking up tired (drug hangover effect), take the Zyprexa a little earlier in the evening for the first couple of weeks.
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> Any info would be GREATLY appreciated!!!
>
•A WORD OF NOTE: Zyprexa commonly causes appreciable weight gain and to a lesser extent, so does Effexor. It might be wise to get some dietary counseling on planning a good diet and lifestyle regimen (eg food diary, increased exercise). Ask you doc. The propensity for weight gain does seem to plateau at about 8 or 9 months. The reason for the weight gain (seen in 65% - 75% of people who take the drug) is multifactorial and has not been fully figured out, yet. People do tend to get carbohydrate cravings, so deplete your house of junk food and fill the pantry with fruits and veggies. It is much easier to keep the weight off from the beginning than to try to lose it once it has been put on.•Hope this helps (and good luck) - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:50033
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001130/msgs/50038.html