Started on zyprexa with no firm diagnosi. Believe had drug…

Long-term Zyprexa use unfortunately can cause permanent side effects as that is the nature of that medication and you stated you were on the Zyprexa for 20 years. So I do not know what will be considered "normal" in 1-2 months as you still may have some psychological and other physical symptoms related to your mental health disorder, physical disorders, and/or past medication use (e.g. Zyprexa). Valium can be addictive after consistent use for over a few months, so I am not sure why your doctor said to just stop it or that you would not get addicted; granted you were taking a low dose, but that does not take away from the possible withdrawal symptoms...also I would say that you are more sensitive to withdrawal symptoms given the fragile state of your mental and physical health too. But after 1-2 months there should be no withdrawal symptoms left, if there are any at all, and then you should get a clearer picture of your baseline and what symptoms need to be treated.

Zyprexa like all atypical antipsychotics can cause something known as "brain shrinkage" which is basically a way of saying that is physically damages the brain. It really depends on what areas of the brain are damaged, but it can affect cognitive processes such as your focus, attention, and can cause confusion. It can also damage areas of emotional regulation and increase anxiety. Memory issues have been documented as well. So far I am not aware of increased levels of neuropathic pain caused by this level of brain damage, but it may be possible.

Neuroplasticity involves other portions of the brain taking up the slack for damaged parts of the brain, but this has limits. The brain does not heal like your body would if you were cut, once the brain is physically damaged, usually the damage is permanent although with neuroplasticity some of the functions can come back, but not at 100 percent. You would need repeated MRI scans to show progression of brain shrinkage as one scan in a solitary moment would not detect it unless it was severe. The brain shrinkage involved with atypical antipsychotics is subtle and gradual.

I unfortunately cannot predict the future as I do not know what you can expect, so the best advice I have for you is to be patient and to not rule out the future use of psychotropic medications, even as a last resort.

You are most welcome. I am happy that I was able to help. i wish you all the best.