Posted by Christ_empowered on November 1, 2011, at 6:25:00
In reply to Re: More on Abilify...(long, sorry) » jono_in_adelaide, posted by SLS on November 1, 2011, at 6:06:35
I actually thought about Surmontil. Probably won't happen. My shrink is Public Health. I don't think they prescribe TCA drugs because of the OD risk. They also are prohibited from prescribing any controlled substances.
Apparently, Surmontil is similar in some respects to clozapine, which might explain why it calms people down. Google turned up a few studies on Surmontil at high doses in Schizophrenia. Apparently, at high doses there can be some EPS and its not as effective as normal doses of phenothiazines (I couldn't find any studies comparing it to the newer neuroleptics).
Luckily for me, the Lamictal @ 200 seems to improve my mood and somehow keep the agitation under control. Lamictal also seems to help a bit with the anxiety, although I do still find myself blushing for no reason or getting nervous in public.
I was kind of hoping for Prozac, honestly. Never tried it before, but because of the drug-drug interaction with Abilify, I could lower the Abilify to 1/4 of a 30 tab, which would cut drug acquisition costs for me, since the Prozac is now a $4 generic. Also, its apparently stimulating, which I'd appreciate; however, I think my doctor is of the opinion that stimulation is the absolute last thing I need.
Anyway, with the TCAs probably not an option ever and the newer reuptake inhibitors not an option for right now, I think the best approach might be to just go back on the Abilify at 15 (even in the absence of hallucinations I find that it helps me calm down and focus on things, which is always a good thing), stay there for a while, and then see about maybe reducing to 10 to maybe reduce the tranquilized feeling and/or get a little bit of stimulation.
My dream would be to say good bye to the neuroleptics forever, except maybe a couple weeks of treatment here and there for acute episodes of crazy, but I think maybe I should face up to the fact that I'm going to be on neuroleptics for a long time.
I'm trying to make my body better able to handle the neuroleptics by loading up on antioxidants orthomolecular medicine style. I know, its not exactly orthodox and some of their practitioners seem to make wild claims, but so far the vitamins have really improved the tolerability and effectiveness of my medications. No EPS, no akathisia, and as much as I complain about the "tranquilizer psychosis," in my more objective moments, I realize that I'm not as dulled out as I often think I am. Or maybe I've just convinced myself to accept the chemical straitjacket. Who knows, right?
poster:Christ_empowered
thread:1001368
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20111027/msgs/1001421.html