Sleep Medicine Specialist Questions Sleep Medicine Specialist

Sleep issues?

I've been taking the drug Olanzapine for 3 years primarily for enhancing my sleep quality. I'm not a bipolar person. I do not have any mental illness. I'm stopping using that drug. Does taking Olanzapine for 3 years produce unwanted side effects? Also, are there any alternative drugs that help to enhance my sleep quality?

Male
Complaint duration: 3
Medications: Olanzapine. 10mg
Conditions: Sleep enhancement

4 Answers

yes, all medications have potential side effects, I have never used Olanzapine for insomnia. Multiple alternative meds available
There are certainly many sedative-hypnotics, however, the key is a thorough understanding of the sleep problem. If the issue is chronic, a formal sleep medicine consult would be very prudent. Once the nature of the problem is clear, s/he would be able to develop a treatment plan with you.
There are definitely other options to help with sleep quality. If you have not noticed any side effects from olanzapine while you've taken it, it is unlikely you will have any lasting side effects after stopping it.
Yes, Olanzapine can cause metabolic syndrome.