Posted by SLS on March 16, 2003, at 11:40:39
In reply to Re: Abilify drug reaction?, posted by stjames on March 16, 2003, at 3:21:40
Hi James.
It is so hard to make decisions regarding the choosing of neuroleptic antipsychotics to treat non-psychotic disorders. I am heartened to have you understand my situation in particular. Like you, I tend to lean in the direction of conservatism. Abilify represents a good example of how unexpectedly EPS can raise its ugly head(s). I was initially suspect of this drug and somewhat afraid of it because it binds so incredibly tightly to D2 receptors. It is comparable to Haldol in this regard. It really is a mixed-up drug. However, my alternatives are few, and I deemed it worth a try.
I have noticed an association between Abilify and Geodon and the propensity of both of these drugs to produce akathisia at a rate greater than the other atypicals. Both drugs are separated from the others by their ability to bind tightly to and stimulate 5-HT1a receptors. It is quite possible that the liability of these APs to produce akathisia, anxiety, insomnia, and cognitive side effects is greater in affective disorders than in schizoid disorders in the same way that tardive dyskinesia occurs at a higher rate in bipolar disorder than schizophrenia. Perhaps neuroleptic antipsychotics are being used too cavalierly in todays's environment. They can help so much. They can hurt so much. Crystal balls are hard to come by. Hopefully, the more optimistic outlooks regarding the incidence of EPS and TD with the long-term use of the newer drugs will be justified.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:208723
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030314/msgs/209677.html