Posted by Dingbat on November 7, 2004, at 10:34:26
In reply to Re: Fluanxol (flupenthixol) for Bipolar ???, posted by ed_uk on November 6, 2004, at 16:59:29
> Hello....
> Were you using Fluanxol to treat depression? What were the benefits of flupenthixol compared with olanzapine?
> EdHi Ed
At that time (about 1 year ago now) I was still Dx as a "treatment resistant depressive" with "comorbid anxiety". Fluanxol was prescribed because all the usual meds had failed ME! Fluanxol (at doses of 1-3mg) is marketed as both an antidepressant and as having anti-anxiety properties. Curiously, it also has certain 'activating properties' (I don't know what the drug company REALLY means by that term)? Of most benefit to me were Fluanxol's ability to reduce irritability and agitation and promote pro-social behavior (reduced social apathy and social anxiety).
It also doesn't cost as much as the "new" atypicals!!! That's one BIG benefit over olanzapine (Zyprexa). In addition, it is considered 'weight gain neutral' whereas most of us experience ridiculous (?dangerous) weight gain on Zyprexa. Last, you don't feel so 'drugged'. Zyprexa - even at small doses (2.5mg-5mg nocte) made me feel 'drugged' the next day. Fluanxol may have a few side-effects for the first 5-7 days of treatment, but after that you hardly know you're taking it - except for the benefits (which my wife and kids labelled: 'profound'!).
While Zypreza may still be the drug of choice when one is hospitalised fotr psychosis/mania, I think that Fluanxol is possibly better as a chronic treatment? Any opinions/experiences out there???
Hope that helps ...
Cheers4now
Dingbat
poster:Dingbat
thread:412493
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041103/msgs/412853.html