Posted by papillon2 on March 14, 2012, at 14:55:45
In reply to Re: zyprexa PRN, posted by yellowbird01 on March 14, 2012, at 11:55:43
I'm not sure, but I would think that the incidence (or amount) of weight gain / appetite increase would be lower than with regular use.
I also have a history of an eating disorder (anorexia). I ceased Zyprexa due to uncontrollable weight gain, a resurgence in eating disordered thoughts and associated anxiety/paranoia. I decided it was doing more harm than good. I was on a regular, nightly dose for anxiety and sleep; thanks to its side effects, Zyprexa was not helping with either!
The important thing is to be honest with yourself and your treatment team, weigh the costs vs. benefits carefully (not just before deciding to take the medication, but also while taking it) and SPEAK UP if the side effects become an issue BEFORE they become a major problem. This goes for any medication or side effect.
You know yourself the best. If you think your recovery is strong enough and your coping skills developed enough to weather a potential trigger, I would go for it. You may not experience this side effect and it would be a shame to unnecessarily rule out what could be a really helpful medication, if it is safe to do so.
However, if your eating disorder recovery is at all precarious you may decide that it is not worth the risk of relapse. This is not a matter to be taken lightly.
Incidentally, I take other medication (Nortriptyline and Lithium) which are renowned for causing weight gain, but which have not done so for me. So you see, it need not be a fait acompli.
Ring the bells that still can ring
forget your perfect offering
there is a crack in everything
that's how the light gets in
~ Leonard Cohen
poster:papillon2
thread:1013002
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120302/msgs/1013052.html