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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sheilac on July 23, 2013, at 7:32:02
I have been taking Trileptal and it really helps with stability. I have BPII.
I can't take antidepressants, so I've tried the atypical antipsychotics. Currently, 40mg Geodon.
I have gained weight (over 20 lbs), just like I did with Abilify & Seroquel & Lamictal.
I have been taking Geodon to help with depression. It does work the next day. I take it at night. It knocks me out and I sleep very deep.
Besides extreme hunger, I also experience heart palps. But I thought maybe it was worth it. Now I'm fat, feel drugged and not so great.
My mother has serious atrial fib, which can happen on atypical antipsychotics especially Geodon. I'm worried that I'm causing my heart damage. My whole family has heart issues. Not sure a drug is worth damaging my heart.
I would like to stop Geodon, but don't know what to do about low grade depression.
Antidepressants and AAPs are out. What's left that doesn't cause heart issues?
This just sucks.
Posted by Phillipa on July 23, 2013, at 9:52:16
In reply to Not sure anymore..., posted by Sheilac on July 23, 2013, at 7:32:02
I don't know but I'd surely take it up with a doc sooner than later. Phillipa
Posted by SLS on July 23, 2013, at 10:15:00
In reply to Not sure anymore..., posted by Sheilac on July 23, 2013, at 7:32:02
Hi Sheila.
How would you describe your depression? What do you feel? What do you think?
Have you tried Latuda (lurasidone)? It is supposed to have antidepressant properties and no weight gain. What about Saphris (asenapine)?
I am confused about the whole Geodon and cardiac thing. What do you know about it? Is it a theoretical concern, or do you know of cases of atrial fibrillation or QT-interval prolongation? Have you had an ECG to see if Geodon is producing any irregularities?
If Lamictal was of any help at all, perhaps minocycline would be work.
https://www.google.com/#sclient=psy-ab&q=minocycline+bipolar+depression
- Scott
Posted by Sheilac on July 23, 2013, at 11:57:18
In reply to Re: Not sure anymore... » Sheilac, posted by SLS on July 23, 2013, at 10:15:00
I would describe my depression as no energy, no motivation, feeling easily intimidated or low self esteem.
I know that atrial fib is listed as a major side effect of Geodon. I've had a heart test done that showed some heart beat irregularities.
I will discuss with my doc. But I know as a patient you have to sometimes talk through meds with your doc.
Never heard of the meds you mentioned.
I'm sure if I pull back a bit on the Trileptal that would help.
But I end up overdosing on caffeine.
Posted by SLS on July 23, 2013, at 12:21:19
In reply to SLS - Re: Not sure anymore..., posted by Sheilac on July 23, 2013, at 11:57:18
> I would describe my depression as no energy, no motivation, feeling easily intimidated or low self esteem.
Those features are consistent with bipolar depression in my estimation.
> I know that atrial fib is listed as a major side effect of Geodon.
Yes. I see that it is listed as being infrequent. I can understand your concern.
> Never heard of the meds you mentioned.
This is a good thing. The more meds that you haven't heard of, the more alternatives you now know exist.
> I'm sure if I pull back a bit on the Trileptal that would help.
I know that when you discontinue Trileptal, you become manic. Can you describe your mania? It might help to know this. Is there any irritability?
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on July 23, 2013, at 21:07:52
In reply to SLS - Re: Not sure anymore..., posted by Sheilac on July 23, 2013, at 11:57:18
Sheila since you have had heart testing done which indeed showed irregularities it sounds like discontinuing the Geodon is a very good idea. Are you taking anything for the irregularities. Do you know the name of the irregularities atrial or ventricular? Fast, slow, or skipped beats? If so can you feel when you skip a beat? Phillipa
Posted by Sheilac on August 4, 2013, at 13:43:05
In reply to Re: SLS - Re: Not sure anymore... » Sheilac, posted by Phillipa on July 23, 2013, at 21:07:52
My mania is more severe irritability and quick anger.
The depression right now is awful. I feel so bad.
This is the end of the thread.
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