Not sure what to do

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I’ve had 3 episodes of psychosis. Both relapses were after stopping Olanzapine, then came a few months afterwards. The first relapse lasted 6 weeks and the second 3 months.

I was on 5mg Olanzapine for 2 years before coming off of it and becoming unwell I’m now on 7.5mg Olanzapine having worked my way down from 15mg. I won’t to go down to 5mg again but am scared of relapsing.

The problems I’m having a complete lack of labido and poor athletic performance. When I was on 5mg Olanzapine I didn’t have these issues. I feel like olanzapine is making me weak.

I have been on Aripiprazole in the past but was bed bound on 15 mg with fatigue. I’m considering if it’s best to lower olanzapine or ask to go on 7.5mg Aripiprazole?

I should say that I’m working full time, exercising and seeing friends, family and spending time with my son. Life isn’t that bad! But I’m missing something, and would like a full life.

I’m asking all you for your advice? I’m not sure what to do. Guess I just need a bit more but is it worth the risk?

Will going down to 5mg solve my problems? Will it cause a relapse? Should I instead go for 7.5mg Aripiprazole? Should I except life how it is and play safe and stay on the same dose?

I dont see my psychiatrist until the 29th of April so will have to see what he or she thinks then.

Would like to get my labido back. Also the running performance is getting me down! Been training hard for a year and made very minimal performance gains :sweat_smile:

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Of course you should consult with your doctor, but as a peer I think reducing olanzapine from 7.5 mgs to 5 mgs is considered a moderate, manageable step. You were doing well on this med and dose for two years and only relapsed after stopping the medication altogether.

Work with your doctor and pay close attention to any symptoms. Unfortunately it’s trial and
error with medications and dose, but I think the goal is to find the least restrictive/ most effective medication and dose.

I do want to add that if you’re feeling well on olanzapine 5 mgs, and a year or two goes by, do not abruptly stop taking the medication. There is a big difference between 5 mgs and 0 mgs, so you’ll have to work with your doctor to very slowly taper down if you do want to stop taking the med. This will significantly reduce the chance of relapse.

I hope you feel better soon.

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