[Stellata]

I'm on a low dose of Olanzapine [Zyprexa] FOR severe anxiety.

I started it a month ago now.

Previously I was on a low dose of Aripirazole [Abilify] which handled my anxiety well but gave me horrendous restless legs.

But the past couple of weeks my anxiety has been way worse, almost like I'm not medicated. But I'm on Vortioxetine [Brintellix] as well, the highest dose.

I'm hovering dangerously close to a similar state of psychosis as I was in 3 years ago, prior to all my current meds - I was only on Mirtazapine, with Diazepam prn at the time.

Is it normal for anxiety to be more intense like this to begin with?

[SoliloquyStandard]

I'm new here so I can't link you to the articles until I have a greater post count, but I looked at the PsychCentral articles on both Zyprexa and Brintellix to see if I could help you out. Please feel free to look these up yourself on PsychCentral; I apologize for not being able to link them!

Zyprexa: The article says one of the common side effects is agitation. However, it advises to contact your doctor if you experience symptoms typical of an anxiety/panic attack, such as tightness in the chest, muscle trembling/jerking, eyelid spasms, pounding in the ears, or difficulty speaking. You also need to take it at the same time every day.

Brintellix: The only side effects listed in the PsychCentral article are nausea, constipation, and vomiting. However, Brintellix has only recently been approved by the FDA in 2018, while Zyprexa was approved back in 2011. That means that the study of Brintellix and its side effects are still fairly new.

In my personal experience with different medications, I have experienced an increase in anxiety in the first 4-6 weeks of a new medication, but it should start lessening by the 6 week mark. It is possible that it's just a side effect of starting a new medication and will decrease with time, but it seems you're worried about how high your anxiety currently is. I don't blame you for being worried. To stay safe, I would recommend going to your doctor or psychiatrist and discuss your concerns with them! They will be able to go more in-depth about the medications you're on and alleviate any fears or start you on something different if need be.

Again, sorry for not being able to link the articles! I wish the absolute best for you and hope this anxiety starts alleviating for you soon! <3

[GSC2019]

There are known correlations with AAP induced anxiety if prescribed for the wrong reasons. Check out the study they did on it

[GSC2019]

Being severely OCD of the pure O variety; my success with anxiety came with the older SSRI meds

[possum220]

Hovering close to a state of psychosis? Please check in with the doctor who looks after your medications and let them know what is happening.

[bpcyclist]

I get psychotic regularly, but Zyprexa definitely can cause agitation in me. And akathesia. And restless legs/plmd.