Posted by Chris A. on March 22, 2001, at 12:24:40
In reply to Re: Geodon - What is a fair trial? -all » Chris A., posted by SLS on March 22, 2001, at 6:55:41
> 1. What are your reasons for taking antipsychotics?Mixed/ultra-rapid cycling bipolar that has already been treated with the full arsenal. Getting rid of the constant suicidal ideation and drive would be welcome. Lamotrgine has been the most effective, but dosen't by any means make me well.
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> 2. To what degree have you experienced the positive therapeutic effects from APs?I was hoping the Geodon would help to stabilize my moods and get me out of this depression. It's hard to tell how others have helped, because I was not able to tolerate any of the other atypical APs.
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> 3. How would you describe akathisia? How is it different from anxiety?For me is was an unfamiliar disquietness. I was ready to let someone behead me. I tried sitting through a couple of meetings this past week and was so restless that I simply could not. At the same time I felt like I couldn't stand up for two minutes either. Hard to explain. Anxiety can respond to meds, such as benzos and any number of relaxation techniques. It will also sometimes remit upon resolution of a problem.
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> 4. What other side effects have you had with APs?
> Somnolence has always a major problem. When taking perphenazine 2 mg (a tiny dose) I developed some tardive dyskinesia.> 5. Which of the APs, not counting Geodon, has been the best overall?
Perphanazine, but who wants TD?
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> 6. What other types of treatments have been offered?
Everything but tricyclics. It's been eleven years since I was on desipramine. My pDoc wouldn't consider them now me because of concerns of overdose. ADs also tend to cause me to cycle so they are limited to small doses of selegiline, the stimulant effect from the Lamictal and my light box. I go see Dr. Dubovsky in Denver next month, so perhaps he'll have some new tricks up his sleeve.> Does SI = self-injury?
Sorry about that. For me it is suicidal ideation. If I self-injure it is unto death.
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> The positive effects of APs for depression may take two to six weeks to become significant. Depending on the drug, anxiety may not resolve quickly. This might also be true of ruminating thoughts and schizoid features, especially in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The one AP that comes to mind showing this profile is Risperdal. It is best to follow and get feedback from people who have used these drugs to get a feel as to what degree these things are true. It is imporatant to determine which side effects you are not experiencing are startup effects that will lessen or disappear with time.
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> If Geodon, or any other AP gives you what you need, but produces EPS, including akathisia, these can be treated with any one of several anticholinergic drugs like Cogentin. I have been told by doctors that an early occurrence of EPS does not indicate a higher risk of developing tardive dyskinisia.Thanks for that info. When my regular pDoc returns we'll look more closely into what the possibility of eliminating the akathisia is. I am tired of drug failures to the point that I have at late questioning my diagnosis. Most would say it's a no-brainer. My brain is so tired of it all that thinking anything through anymore seems like an unsurmountable task. It's almost as is I don't even know the right questions to ask anymore. It's tempmting to just say "no" to further treatment. I do, however, remember being horribly depressed when on nothing. That's been fifteen years ago.
Aren't you over due for a nice vacation in Colorado? You might have the patience to help me sort out neurotransmitters, symtoms, mechanisms of actions, side effects etc., etc. I believe in giving a regimine an adequate trial, but simply haven't a number of times due to overwhelming side effects.
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> Thinking of you...Thanks. I hope you find the right cocktail soon. Yes, you should be a pyschopharmacologist.
Blessings,
Chris A.
poster:Chris A.
thread:56412
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010319/msgs/57173.html