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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by kerry B on June 28, 2000, at 18:06:04
I have once again been put on stelazine and am having side effects like: irritability in my muscles, like I feel like pacing or just doing something to relieve the sensation, tiredness but I don't want to give in to that and just plain feeling weird.
Just wondering if anyone else has had or is having problems of this kind, also the fixed stare, now that's a bother, people look at you as if you're strange. Let me know how you've handled it or are handling it PLEASE!!!
Posted by Willie on June 29, 2000, at 10:45:01
In reply to Stelazine side effects anyone?, posted by kerry B on June 28, 2000, at 18:06:04
> I have once again been put on stelazine and am having side effects like: irritability in my muscles, like I feel like pacing or just doing something to relieve the sensation, tiredness but I don't want to give in to that and just plain feeling weird.
> Just wondering if anyone else has had or is having problems of this kind, also the fixed stare, now that's a bother, people look at you as if you're strange. Let me know how you've handled it or are handling it PLEASE!!!I was put on Stelazine over 20 years ago for anxiety and panic attacks by a misguided doctor. The inner restlessness is most definitely a side-effect. I could not stop moving my leg. I think it is called akathesia. The feeling was even worse when he switched me to similar drugs Haldol and Chlorazine. After my first dose of Haldol the feeling was so awful that I wound up outside pacing the streets at 3:00 am waiting for the dose to wear off.
There is a drug commonly use to counter these effect; I think an anti-Parkinson's drug, but I don't remember the name.
I would stay far away from these major psych drugs unless you have a major psych illness. For depression and anxiety, forget it!
Posted by danf on June 29, 2000, at 11:42:49
In reply to Re: Stelazine side effects anyone?, posted by Willie on June 29, 2000, at 10:45:01
symptoms described are EPS. They are quite common with stelazine.
antipsychotic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
cogentin & benadryl work for this.
I would look at one of the drug info sites for dosages, etc
Posted by Cam W. on June 29, 2000, at 12:26:13
In reply to Stelazine side effects anyone?, posted by kerry B on June 28, 2000, at 18:06:04
Kerry - You should have this checked (with a simple test) by a doctor to determine if this muscle stiffness is a dystonia (spasms) or extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). With the motor restlesslness you are experiencing, I would "guess" it is EPS. There are a number of anticholinergics to counteract this: benztropine (Cogentin™), trihexyphenidyl (Artane™), procyclidine (Kemadrin™), ethopropazine (Parsitan™), orphenadrine (Disipal™), and biperiden (Akineton™) that are available in Canada. They also are available in generic forms.
The most commonly use ones are Cogentin™ and Artane™. Doses are highly individualized. See your doc to find out what is causing the side effect and what his choice of anticholinergic woulod be.
Hope this helps - Cam
Posted by kerry B on June 29, 2000, at 17:56:45
In reply to Re: Stelazine side effects anyone?, posted by Cam W. on June 29, 2000, at 12:26:13
> Kerry - You should have this checked (with a simple test) by a doctor to determine if this muscle stiffness is a dystonia (spasms) or extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). With the motor restlesslness you are experiencing, I would "guess" it is EPS. There are a number of anticholinergics to counteract this: benztropine (Cogentin™), trihexyphenidyl (Artane™), procyclidine (Kemadrin™), ethopropazine (Parsitan™), orphenadrine (Disipal™), and biperiden (Akineton™) that are available in Canada. They also are available in generic forms.
>
> The most commonly use ones are Cogentin™ and Artane™. Doses are highly individualized. See your doc to find out what is causing the side effect and what his choice of anticholinergic woulod be.
>
> Hope this helps - Cam
Thanks Cam,
That was very informative. I was actually on cogentin last year as I was on some other medication (can't think what it was now) there have been so many. I had dystonia when I was on resperidol but they wouldn't believe me so I went off it myself. Maybe what I have now is EPS. I have no appointment to see the doctor, they have just sort of abandoned me (meaning the psych)but I may as well go & see my G.P. maybe she knows. Hate going out though, really uncomfortable!!! Anyway thanks again, you've been a big help!!!!
Posted by kerry B on June 29, 2000, at 18:06:53
In reply to For EPS use cogentin or benadryl, posted by danf on June 29, 2000, at 11:42:49
> symptoms described are EPS. They are quite common with stelazine.
>
> antipsychotic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
>
> cogentin & benadryl work for this.
>
> I would look at one of the drug info sites for dosages, etc
Hi danf,
Thanks for the info. I was on cogentin last year for side effects from a different med I was on, can't remember what it was now. Tell me, Benadryl, isn't that a cough mixture? Over here it is, I give it to my kids when they have a cold. Would that be the same stuff? Anyway thanks again for your help, the full meaning of EPS sounds pretty scarey!!!!!!
Posted by kerry B on June 29, 2000, at 18:17:05
In reply to Re: Stelazine side effects anyone?, posted by Willie on June 29, 2000, at 10:45:01
> > I have once again been put on stelazine and am having side effects like: irritability in my muscles, like I feel like pacing or just doing something to relieve the sensation, tiredness but I don't want to give in to that and just plain feeling weird.
> > Just wondering if anyone else has had or is having problems of this kind, also the fixed stare, now that's a bother, people look at you as if you're strange. Let me know how you've handled it or are handling it PLEASE!!!
>
> I was put on Stelazine over 20 years ago for anxiety and panic attacks by a misguided doctor. The inner restlessness is most definitely a side-effect. I could not stop moving my leg. I think it is called akathesia. The feeling was even worse when he switched me to similar drugs Haldol and Chlorazine. After my first dose of Haldol the feeling was so awful that I wound up outside pacing the streets at 3:00 am waiting for the dose to wear off.
>
> There is a drug commonly use to counter these effect; I think an anti-Parkinson's drug, but I don't remember the name.
>
> I would stay far away from these major psych drugs unless you have a major psych illness. For depression and anxiety, forget it!Hi Willie,
Thanks for that! I did have a major psych episode a few years ago where I was diagnosed schizoaffective. Yes, the side effects back then were really bad from the stelazine so I took myself off them as I usually do if something doesn't feel right but this time I am hesitant to do that as I have just had a relapse with my illness. For some reason (I belive this psych I am seeing is too old and misguided), has put me back on stelazine and it's not good at all!!! I say I am seeing, well I mean I saw him once and he hasn't bothered with a follow up appointment so I am in limbo as far as what to do goes.
Thanks again for sharing your experience with me, it's good to know I am not imaging this!!!!! Like they would have one believe!!!!!
Posted by JohnL on June 30, 2000, at 4:47:03
In reply to Stelazine side effects anyone?, posted by kerry B on June 28, 2000, at 18:06:04
Kerry,
I wonder if you are on the best AP for you? Not that any one is better than another, but I am continually amazed how our unique body chemistries often prefer one particular medication over all others within the same class. This is just a thought. But if you are stable enough you might consider comparing some other choices to be sure you are on the best one for you.
In his book the internationally acclaimed psychiatrist/guru (some call him 'da man') Hagop Akiskal states that Stelazine and Amisulpride are very similar, except that Amisulpride has far fewer side effects. I've tried it and I agree. Amisulpride (solian) can be mailordered from international pharmacies with a prescription.
Other choices could include Zyprexa or Risperdal. I've tried Zyprexa but not Risperdal. Just based on my own trials and on comments I hear at this board, I would informally rate Amisulpride #1, Zyprexa #2, and Stelazine and Risperdal tied for #3. Amisulpride's primary benefit is not just its efficacy in schizophrenias and depressions, but its favorable side effect profile.
If you are interested, Amisulpride could be a real good replacement for Stelazine. Zyprexa or Risperdal could be too, though I obviously favor Amisulpride. If you would like more information on it, you could post a request to AndrewB. He is a regular here who has put together an information piece he could email you, which includes Amisulpride research and places to order it. That way you could be well armed with good information to review with your doctor. Hey, if it's good enough for Dr Akiskal, it's good enough for me.
Wishing you a smooth day. :-)
JohnL
Posted by kerry B on June 30, 2000, at 6:21:13
In reply to Re: Stelazine side effects anyone?, posted by JohnL on June 30, 2000, at 4:47:03
> Kerry,
>
> I wonder if you are on the best AP for you? Not that any one is better than another, but I am continually amazed how our unique body chemistries often prefer one particular medication over all others within the same class. This is just a thought. But if you are stable enough you might consider comparing some other choices to be sure you are on the best one for you.
>
> In his book the internationally acclaimed psychiatrist/guru (some call him 'da man') Hagop Akiskal states that Stelazine and Amisulpride are very similar, except that Amisulpride has far fewer side effects. I've tried it and I agree. Amisulpride (solian) can be mailordered from international pharmacies with a prescription.
>
> Other choices could include Zyprexa or Risperdal. I've tried Zyprexa but not Risperdal. Just based on my own trials and on comments I hear at this board, I would informally rate Amisulpride #1, Zyprexa #2, and Stelazine and Risperdal tied for #3. Amisulpride's primary benefit is not just its efficacy in schizophrenias and depressions, but its favorable side effect profile.
>
> If you are interested, Amisulpride could be a real good replacement for Stelazine. Zyprexa or Risperdal could be too, though I obviously favor Amisulpride. If you would like more information on it, you could post a request to AndrewB. He is a regular here who has put together an information piece he could email you, which includes Amisulpride research and places to order it. That way you could be well armed with good information to review with your doctor. Hey, if it's good enough for Dr Akiskal, it's good enough for me.
>
> Wishing you a smooth day. :-)
> JohnL
Hi John,
Thanks for the info! Actually, I have tried risperidal with really, really bad side effects (dystonia) I think it's called and zyprexa, the same. I agree, how can they put every human body in the same category and prescribe the same drug not calculating that each body is different?
I will post Andrew B and get the info from him and see if the doc will give me a script for it. It has to be better than what I am feeling now and with your opinion on it, it's a bonus one to try!!!!
Thanks so much. Actually, I was diagnosed as schizoaffective so I have quite a few different disorders going on in here which are hard to live with but with everyone's help here, I am starting to feel a little more at ease.
Thanks again!
Best wishes,
Kerry
Posted by danf on June 30, 2000, at 6:43:17
In reply to Re: For EPS use cogentin or benadryl » danf, posted by kerry B on June 29, 2000, at 18:06:53
Hey, Kerry
Yes, benadryl is mainly used as an anti-itch antihistamine & a cough med for kids.
It is used some times for EPS, but has the dis advantage of needing 3x a day dosage. this can make dosage easier if the sy are mild. usual dose 25mg TID.
It is an easy to get, cheap, over the counter med. it is a little more sedating than some of the other meds Cam listed.
EPS & dystonia are not the same & one may have both side effects at the same time.
hope you are better soon.
Posted by kerry B on June 30, 2000, at 6:56:26
In reply to Re: For EPS use cogentin or benadryl, Kerry, posted by danf on June 30, 2000, at 6:43:17
> Hey, Kerry
>
> Yes, benadryl is mainly used as an anti-itch antihistamine & a cough med for kids.
>
> It is used some times for EPS, but has the dis advantage of needing 3x a day dosage. this can make dosage easier if the sy are mild. usual dose 25mg TID.
>
> It is an easy to get, cheap, over the counter med. it is a little more sedating than some of the other meds Cam listed.
>
> EPS & dystonia are not the same & one may have both side effects at the same time.
>
> hope you are better soon.
Hi dan,
Actually I have some Benadryl in the cupboard, I have had a supply for the last few years and I never knew that it could help!!! I always keep a bottle there for the kids. I might as well start taking that seeing as the docs won't help!!!!
Thanks for that, I'll do it now but I'll start off at 3 x a day and see what happens!!!!
Amazed!!!!
Thanks.......
Kerry!
This is the end of the thread.
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