Zyprexa (Olanzapine) Side Effects: Need Advice

Hi everyone--first time poster. Female, mid-30s, currently on 15mg Zyprexa daily (and going down to 12.5mg next week).

I need help with two debilitating side effects of the meds and want to know if anyone has had any success with getting these under control. I'm hoping the lower dose will help both, but I've got issues here.

First is lymphatic drainage. My face is really, really puffy. It seems to get worse when I eat sweets, which I've cut back on. I really feel self-conscious about this and need to find something to reduce it. Laying down with my legs up for 20 minutes helps a little, but doesn't get rid of it entirely. I'm cutting down/eliminating most sweets and want to lose weight, but the following DON'T help: lowering sodium, drinking water (seems to make it worse), and those water pills.

My boyfriend told me cardio might work...anyone have any luck with that? My legs are like lead and I don't really work out, so I'm hoping that can help, but I want to see if anyone has had any success before I jump into something like running.

Second is hair loss. I am hoping going down a little on the dose helps, but my hair is getting thin and I don't want to lose any more than I already have.

My self-esteem has taken a huge hit here. I'm open to trying just about anything to help with both side effects, especially the puffy face!!

First off, I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with these side effects.

Back when I took zyprexa my side effects were similar yet different from yours. I had the impression I looked rounder, but then again I thought so before I had the medicine too. However, I did get the impression that slight exercising of specifically the legs seemed to help. Rather than going into running outdoors, I ran in place when getting up and before leaving the house. Maybe that will do the trick for you too? Either way it may be a good way to start getting used to moving/exercising in general.

Didn't have the hair loss issue but in general hair loss is reduced by taking cold showers so that could be an idea?

Hope this helps.