What is Zyprexa? Is it used to treat Bipolar Disorder?

Zyprexa is an anti psychotic drug (also known as a neuroleptic) used to treat bipolar disorder psychosis.

Zyprexa is called an ‘atypical’ antipsychotic as it is a new class of drugs with less side effects that the old anti-psychotics such as Thorazine and Haldol.

Zyprexa is known for weight gain- an average of 20 pounds per person, but some don’t have the weight gain. It’s used to treat bipolar disorder psychosis and schizophrenia.

It’s hard to find a balance between the benefits of Zyprexa and the side effects- but for many, the benefits are what matters. I have a friend who was on the drug for two years to keep her mania and psychosis in check. It definitely kept her out of the hospital- but she felt over drugged and gained weight.  She is now stable and no longer needs the Zyprexa. It did the job it was supposed to do.

Zyprexa is no longer the first drug of choice when a person is diagnosed.  I see more use of Seroquel and Risperdal. It truly comes down to how sick you are and how much help you need.

Outside of the people with bipolar disorder, it’s all about big pharma politics-  much is done to hide the negative sides of the meds- but that is another story!

The new anti psychotics (Abilify, Zyprexa, Seroquel, Risperdal, etc) basically work the same- a person’s physiology is  what determines their success. It’s the same with the side effects.  I find these drugs the most toxic- but I’ve also see them change a person from someone who literally couldn’t  function in the world due to paranoid psychosis to someone who can work and be a productive part of society.  He tells me his life is a lot better! But his face is puffy and he shakes.

What can we do?

It’s always a trade off. In one hand there are the dreaded and often physically destructive pills- on the other hand is a life out of hostpial and in the world.

It’s our choice.

Julie

I have absolutely no idea why I found a picture of a lemon with a zyprexa lable!

Related posts:
Bipolar Disorder Medications: What is Zyprexa? (Olanzapine)
Reader Question: The Bipolar Disorder Antipsychotic and Weight Gain Dilemma
Newsletter: Bipolar Disorder and the Anti Psychotic Abilify (Aripiprazole)