Posted by medlib on May 19, 2001, at 11:26:22
In reply to Re: new antipsychotic » medlib, posted by SLS on May 17, 2001, at 21:57:22
Hi Scott--
Good to hear from you!
> I'm glad you are finding Geodon helpful.Thanks for the interest!
> Questions, questions, questions.
What is any good researcher without them?
>In what way is it helpful?
In just about all the standard measures of depression. On Geodon, it's easier for me to:
- get up in the morning
- make decisions
- get out of the house
- make contact with significant others
- take care of self and environment
- focus and prioritize
My overall mood is more positive--so much improvement so quickly is making me a little afraid to hope.> Dosage
So far, 20mg. b.i.d. Pdoc meant me to take 40mg. b.i.d., I think--I'll check with him Monday--don't think I need more.
> Side effects?
Initially, severe jaw muscle tension and general jitters (fine muscle intention tremors). Sx#1 disappeared post day 4, jitters better (this is Day 8). And, wonder of wonders, significantly reduced appetite; I've lost 5 pounds this week without doing or eating anything differently.
> How long did it take to start working?
2-3 days.
> What other drugs are you taking?
One weird combo: EffexorXR 375mg/a.m., Prozac 20mg./p.m. and Ritalin 20mg t.i.d. (I also take Synthroid 0.15mg/day. And that's just the psychoactive cocktail.
> Had you tried Zyprexa or Risperdal?No to Zyprexa--causes significant weight gain pretty reliably and I'm already obese. No to Risperdal--15 years ago I had a major hemorhagic stroke (left side paralyzed). Though I've regained most mobility, my balance is not 100%. I need the potential for more movement disorders like I need another hole in my head (hemorrhage left a 1"x3" hole in my right parietal lobe.) I've never taken a neoroleptic before.
> Any help would be greatly appreciated.Scott, you've helped so many so often, you have carte blanche in my book. It's just hard to figure how help someone who already knows so much. And how is *your* search faring lately?
If it doesn't poop out, Geodon may be for me what I'd hoped every other med I tried would be--not just a floor under how far I can fall, but a launching pad toward that Nirvana-- >NORMALCY. Of course, having been dysthmic all of my adult life, chances are good that I won't recognize it if I get close enough to trip over it.
Well wishes---medlib
poster:medlib
thread:63125
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010515/msgs/63610.html