Posted by xjs7 on April 20, 2003, at 19:33:12
In reply to Paxil and Geodon, posted by MelD on April 20, 2003, at 10:20:20
I used to take Paxil and it exacerbated my tremor (by making the shaking faster and more noticeable). Once I discontinued the Paxil (I was at 10-20 mg/day) the shaking lessened. So, Paxil can exacerbate (and probably cause) tremor.
I take Geodon (120 mg/day) and it does not cause or worsen my tremor. One of the possible side effects of this medication (EPS) can involve tremor.
I have an entirely natural tremor (I will shake my legs quite a lot). Since I have taken Cogentin, however, this tremor is gone. Cogentin is a kind of medication called an anticholinergic, and it is useful for muscle stiffness and tremor--either natural or caused by an antipsychotic medication. I tried propranolol and lorazepam (Ativan) for the shaking but they did not work, and the propranolol made me more depressed. So, I highly recommend Cogentin but don't recommend propranolol or lorazepam for shaking.
I would suggest you look into discontinuing the Paxil (especially if it is not helping a lot) or adding Cogentin.
By the way, Geodon needs to be taken twice daily. The only reason I could see someone taking it only once daily would be that the dosage is the absolute minimum (20 mg/day). That dosage would probably be not enough for anything except augmentation or anxiety. I don't know why your son is on Geodon but I would definitely ask why he is not taking it twice a day.
I hope this helps--and remember that just because I have had success with certain medications does not mean your son will. We are all different.
xjs7
poster:xjs7
thread:220823
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030417/msgs/220961.html