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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SalArmy4me on April 20, 2001, at 4:37:12
Zyprexa (an antipsychotic) has been proven to boost the actions of antidepressants by working on serotonin. Another study confirmed that last year, and Zyprexa was also approved for Bipolar Disorder. Psychiatrists have been using it off-label for many other illnesses like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and anxiety too.
Here are the advantages of Zyprexa:
--It has gained the respect of psychiatrists worldwide after just a few years of U.S. approval.
--It will calm you down all day; when I took it, I thought it was better than a benzo.
--It has no anticholinergic effects (e.g: dry mouth).
--It has no sexual side-effects. Some claim it increases sex-drive.
--It will definitely help you sleep.
--Zyprexa is convienient because it is taken only once at night.
--It is covered by medical insurance, at least in the largest HMO's in the United States.
--Despite what rumors go around, Tardive Dyskinesia on Zyprexa is rare.
--Zyprexa has few negative drug interactions.I took 10 mg of it at bedtime for three months in addition to Lamictal for unipolar depression. It didn't cause me to have drowsiness in the morning. I didn't have any weight gain, either.
Posted by Sergios on April 21, 2001, at 12:14:04
In reply to Opening up discussion about Zyprexa, posted by SalArmy4me on April 20, 2001, at 4:37:12
> Zyprexa (an antipsychotic) has been proven to boost the actions of antidepressants by working on serotonin. Another study confirmed that last
I really like my 10mg Zyprexa. Though it does nothing for my anxiety (I'm on Xanax too)it got rid of my excessive obsessional and ruminating thoughts.
Posted by KarenB on April 21, 2001, at 12:53:58
In reply to Re: Opening up discussion about Zyprexa, posted by Sergios on April 21, 2001, at 12:14:04
Sal,
For ruminating thoughts and anxiety, it was the best (outside of Sulpiride, which is not available in the US). But... The weight gain was more than my vanity could bear. I have always been thin and I gained 20 lbs in a month. I couldn't fit in any of my clothes. I quit!!
Geodon is still working great but doesn't have quite the anti-anxiety action of Zyprexa. It works, though, and very few things do with me.
Karen
Posted by willow on April 21, 2001, at 21:42:54
In reply to Opening up discussion about Zyprexa, posted by SalArmy4me on April 20, 2001, at 4:37:12
--Despite what rumors go around, Tardive Dyskinesia on Zyprexa is rare.
For someone with TD it may help the symptoms. Or at least that is what my father's doctor believes.
Has it increased anyone's thirst or caused drymouth? If it doesn't this may be an added bonus for somebody with TD?!
Willow
Posted by JohnL on April 24, 2001, at 5:32:33
In reply to Opening up discussion about Zyprexa, posted by SalArmy4me on April 20, 2001, at 4:37:12
Though it is obvious in my posts, I thought I might mention here in this thread that I think Zyprexa is a wonderful med. I think when someone has already tried say two antidepressants, to me it makes more sense to add Zyprexa rather than try yet another antidepressant. I think a lot of people could have their suffering pushed into remission a lot faster if Zyprexa was high up on the priority list.
John
Posted by JulieM on April 24, 2001, at 6:00:02
In reply to Re: Opening up discussion about Zyprexa, posted by JohnL on April 24, 2001, at 5:32:33
> Though it is obvious in my posts, I thought I might mention here in this thread that I think Zyprexa is a wonderful med. I think when someone has already tried say two antidepressants, to me it makes more sense to add Zyprexa rather than try yet another antidepressant. I think a lot of people could have their suffering pushed into remission a lot faster if Zyprexa was high up on the priority list.
> JohnJohn - I am on a good AD for my depression but have tried so many AD's an nothing seems to touch my anxiety.
Would you say Zyprexia works for that?
Posted by JulieM on April 24, 2001, at 9:02:43
In reply to Re: Opening up discussion about Zyprexa, posted by JulieM on April 24, 2001, at 6:00:02
> > Though it is obvious in my posts, I thought I might mention here in this thread that I think Zyprexa is a wonderful med. I think when someone has already tried say two antidepressants, to me it makes more sense to add Zyprexa rather than try yet another antidepressant. I think a lot of people could have their suffering pushed into remission a lot faster if Zyprexa was high up on the priority list.
> > John
>
> John - I am on a good AD for my depression but have tried so many AD's an nothing seems to touch my anxiety.
>
> Would you say Zyprexia works for that?Oh dear - I should obviously read all the above before I asked a daft question. I am new to this board.
The above is very helpful - I think I will try to work at other anti-anxiety options (I am currently having CBT) before I try Zyprexa. I take the occasional valium too.
In case anyone is interested in an AD which worked very well on my depression when all others had failed (others made anxiety worse and various horribe side-effects too) I am on Lofepramine, tade name Gamanil which is a newer trycylic that is better tolerated re side-effects. I have abselutely no side-effects on it - you can I believe - only get it in UK which is odd since it is the AD in the UK that people I have spoken to (Drs and mental health service users) find effective. So much nicer than those SSRI's - in my opinion!
I have considered Effexor (only thing I haven't tried) due to anxiety, but I reckon the devil you know and all that!
Lofepramine - so I understand - works on NE and only on serotonin and dopamine a bit.
Don't know if this is remotely useful to any of you with depression - it's probably no more a wonder drug than anything else - works for some but not others - but the other good thing about it is that it doesn't seem to stop working - for me anyhow.
I'd still like something else for anxiety - but I don't think the 100% perfect med exists.
This is a great board - informative and supportive - but I can feel myself getting rather addicted and spending too much time wondering/worrying about new meds when I should be getting on with things!
Posted by Sergios on April 24, 2001, at 9:28:38
In reply to Re: Opening up discussion about Zyprexa, posted by JulieM on April 24, 2001, at 6:00:02
have tried so many AD's an nothing seems to touch my anxiety.
>
> Would you say Zyprexia works for that?Initially zyprexa could not touch my anxiety at all. I am still on xanax but last days I noticed that some mornings I do not seem to need the xanax SO much. IMHO zyprexa takes a lot time to work fully, I take it for two months only.
Posted by JulieM on April 24, 2001, at 9:38:18
In reply to Re: Opening up discussion about Zyprexa, posted by Sergios on April 24, 2001, at 9:28:38
> have tried so many AD's an nothing seems to touch my anxiety.
> >
> > Would you say Zyprexia works for that?
>
> Initially zyprexa could not touch my anxiety at all. I am still on xanax but last days I noticed that some mornings I do not seem to need the xanax SO much. IMHO zyprexa takes a lot time to work fully, I take it for two months only.Thanks - anxiety's a b - but It's not as awful as depression in my experience. Have you tried CBT? (cognitive behavioral therapy) - somes studies show it to be v. good for severe anxiety - not just phobias, OCD etc. I have just started - but it's not hitting the spot as quickly as Ativan, Valium or Xanax (I daresay not as addictive either!)
Posted by Sergios on April 25, 2001, at 7:08:13
In reply to Re: Opening up discussion about Zyprexa, posted by JulieM on April 24, 2001, at 9:38:18
> Thanks - anxiety's a b - but It's not as awful >as depression in my experience. Have you tried >CBT? (cognitive behavioral therapy) - somes >studies show it to be v. good for severe anxiety -
haven't tried it - yet but plan to.
>Ativan, Valium or Xanax (I daresay not as >addictive either!)
addiction is the last thing that crosses my mind when I have severe anxiety:)
Posted by missliz on May 1, 2001, at 15:35:07
In reply to Zyprexa/info on lofepramine, posted by JulieM on April 24, 2001, at 9:02:43
> > > Though it is obvious in my posts, I thought I might mention here in this thread that I think Zyprexa is a wonderful med. I think when someone has already tried say two antidepressants, to me it makes more sense to add Zyprexa rather than try yet another antidepressant. I think a lot of people could have their suffering pushed into remission a lot faster if Zyprexa was high up on the priority list.
> > > John
> >
> > John - I am on a good AD for my depression but have tried so many AD's an nothing seems to touch my anxiety.
> >
> > Would you say Zyprexia works for that?
>
> Oh dear - I should obviously read all the above before I asked a daft question. I am new to this board.
>
> The above is very helpful - I think I will try to work at other anti-anxiety options (I am currently having CBT) before I try Zyprexa. I take the occasional valium too.
>
> In case anyone is interested in an AD which worked very well on my depression when all others had failed (others made anxiety worse and various horribe side-effects too) I am on Lofepramine, tade name Gamanil which is a newer trycylic that is better tolerated re side-effects. I have abselutely no side-effects on it - you can I believe - only get it in UK which is odd since it is the AD in the UK that people I have spoken to (Drs and mental health service users) find effective. So much nicer than those SSRI's - in my opinion!
>
> I have considered Effexor (only thing I haven't tried) due to anxiety, but I reckon the devil you know and all that!
>
> Lofepramine - so I understand - works on NE and only on serotonin and dopamine a bit.
>
> Don't know if this is remotely useful to any of you with depression - it's probably no more a wonder drug than anything else - works for some but not others - but the other good thing about it is that it doesn't seem to stop working - for me anyhow.
>
> I'd still like something else for anxiety - but I don't think the 100% perfect med exists.
>
> This is a great board - informative and supportive - but I can feel myself getting rather addicted and spending too much time wondering/worrying about new meds when I should be getting on with things!
As an anxiety queen, I've tried almost every thing out there. I also have bipolar illness so I've been through some drugs. Zyprexa makes you feel just wonderful, it zaps the anxiety, but it turns you into a human garbage disposal. I'd try Risperdol or Seroquel first and see if they help. The side effects are much gentler. Like all the other antipsychotics, the eating thing seems to be worse in women because of our hormones and how these drugs work. Every one I know that's taken Zyprexa packed on 100 or so pounds in no time. I gained 90 pounds in 8 months, then refused to take it any more. My knees and feet are badly injured from the stress of the extra weight- I can't walk very far. It doesn't change your metabolism- it just makes you eat. I ate till I was in physical pain, I got up in the middle of the night to pig out, it was out of control. My doc says this is a common reaction.
So be warned. If you take Zyprexa you'll feel so good you won't care 'tll it's completely out of hand. I don't think it was worth it. There's nothing wrong with Valium, and it works best for anxiety anyway.
Posted by Cindylou on May 1, 2001, at 19:07:09
In reply to Opening up discussion about Zyprexa, posted by SalArmy4me on April 20, 2001, at 4:37:12
Would I need to be off of Wellbutrin and Klonapin for awhile before beginning Zyprexa?
And is the weight gain truly caused by more eating, or is it simply a side-effect of the drug? (I can afford some pounds, but definitely not 100!)
Thanks in advance,
cindy
> Zyprexa (an antipsychotic) has been proven to boost the actions of antidepressants by working on serotonin. Another study confirmed that last year, and Zyprexa was also approved for Bipolar Disorder. Psychiatrists have been using it off-label for many other illnesses like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and anxiety too.
>
> Here are the advantages of Zyprexa:
>
> --It has gained the respect of psychiatrists worldwide after just a few years of U.S. approval.
> --It will calm you down all day; when I took it, I thought it was better than a benzo.
> --It has no anticholinergic effects (e.g: dry mouth).
> --It has no sexual side-effects. Some claim it increases sex-drive.
> --It will definitely help you sleep.
> --Zyprexa is convienient because it is taken only once at night.
> --It is covered by medical insurance, at least in the largest HMO's in the United States.
> --Despite what rumors go around, Tardive Dyskinesia on Zyprexa is rare.
> --Zyprexa has few negative drug interactions.
>
> I took 10 mg of it at bedtime for three months in addition to Lamictal for unipolar depression. It didn't cause me to have drowsiness in the morning. I didn't have any weight gain, either.
Posted by Cece on May 1, 2001, at 21:53:38
In reply to Re: Zyprexa/info on lofepramine, posted by missliz on May 1, 2001, at 15:35:07
Dear missliz-
I appreciated your post. I've just started trying very small (i.e. 1/4 to 1/2 of a 2.5mg tab, 1-2X/day) to help with depression (I'm BPII, on mood stabilizers, a TCA & more- like many, have tried many), and also with "ruminating thoughts"- getting stuck in negative, paranoid thoughts that lead to no good. I'm afraid to take more because of the weight gain problem. I get a little relief from this small amount- calms me down some so that I don't carry my negative thoughts into action- but I'm eating more and my jeans are getting tight. I have never been a thin person anyway.
I tried Geodon with great hopes, but it made me feel very disassociated and zombie-esque, at just 10mg. I had to stop.
Could you, or someone out there, give me a good rundown on the differences between Zyprexa, Risperdol and Seroquel- what's useful for what, side effects, etc.? My pdoc, who is new for me, has given me some fast info- but it didn't stick in my head, and of course he wasn't speaking from his own internal experience.
I am really uncertain whether the pain that continue to experience is anxiety (I already take benzos), depression (I take a small amount of Nortrityline- when I've taken more I've gotten weight gain and hideous dry mouth), some kind of personality disorder, or rapid cycling. I've gotten worn out from trying to figure it out. And I'm feeling really discouraged these days. I take a whole bunch of meds and still have a lot of trouble coping- I get thrown off kilter so easily.
As I write this I realize how bummed out I really am. When I started treatment, 8 years ago, I was really pro-active, hopeful, and sure that I could regain "myself". Now I'm not so sure, feeling really stupid, and very scared of growing old and being unable to take care of myself (I'm 52). This is the first "help me" post that I've done on this board, and it feels scary.
Cece
> As an anxiety queen, I've tried almost every thing out there. I also have bipolar illness so I've been through some drugs. Zyprexa makes you feel just wonderful, it zaps the anxiety, but it turns you into a human garbage disposal. I'd try Risperdol or Seroquel first and see if they help. The side effects are much gentler. Like all the other antipsychotics, the eating thing seems to be worse in women because of our hormones and how these drugs work. Every one I know that's taken Zyprexa packed on 100 or so pounds in no time. I gained 90 pounds in 8 months, then refused to take it any more. My knees and feet are badly injured from the stress of the extra weight- I can't walk very far. It doesn't change your metabolism- it just makes you eat. I ate till I was in physical pain, I got up in the middle of the night to pig out, it was out of control. My doc says this is a common reaction.
> So be warned. If you take Zyprexa you'll feel so good you won't care 'tll it's completely out of hand. I don't think it was worth it. There's nothing wrong with Valium, and it works best for anxiety anyway.
Posted by Cece on May 1, 2001, at 23:29:15
In reply to Re: Zyprexa v. Risperdol, Seroquel » missliz, posted by Cece on May 1, 2001, at 21:53:38
> Does anyone out there think that Zyprexa made them MORE depressed? I have been feeling so, plus quite labile, and don't know if it's my basic state, or a drug effect.
Thanx,
Cece
Posted by SalArmy4me on May 2, 2001, at 1:05:40
In reply to Re: Zyprexa v. Risperdol, Seroquel » missliz, posted by Cece on May 1, 2001, at 21:53:38
I found a very good RealPlayer video for you to watch about the side-effects of atypical antipsychotics: http://hog.unmc.edu:8080/ramgen/psychiatry/psych01172001.rm
Posted by JulieM on May 2, 2001, at 11:32:22
In reply to Re: Opening up discussion about Zyprexa, posted by Cindylou on May 1, 2001, at 19:07:09
> Would I need to be off of Wellbutrin and Klonapin for awhile before beginning Zyprexa?
>
> And is the weight gain truly caused by more eating, or is it simply a side-effect of the drug? (I can afford some pounds, but definitely not 100!)
>
> Thanks in advance,
> cindy
>
>
> > Zyprexa (an antipsychotic) has been proven to boost the actions of antidepressants by working on serotonin. Another study confirmed that last year, and Zyprexa was also approved for Bipolar Disorder. Psychiatrists have been using it off-label for many other illnesses like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and anxiety too.
> >
> > Here are the advantages of Zyprexa:
> >
> > --It has gained the respect of psychiatrists worldwide after just a few years of U.S. approval.
> > --It will calm you down all day; when I took it, I thought it was better than a benzo.
> > --It has no anticholinergic effects (e.g: dry mouth).
> > --It has no sexual side-effects. Some claim it increases sex-drive.
> > --It will definitely help you sleep.
> > --Zyprexa is convienient because it is taken only once at night.
> > --It is covered by medical insurance, at least in the largest HMO's in the United States.
> > --Despite what rumors go around, Tardive Dyskinesia on Zyprexa is rare.
> > --Zyprexa has few negative drug interactions.
> >
> > I took 10 mg of it at bedtime for three months in addition to Lamictal for unipolar depression. It didn't cause me to have drowsiness in the morning. I didn't have any weight gain, either.Thanks to all for info on anxiety and Zyprexa - very tempting - but even the thought of any weight gain makes me anxious - so i'm going to see if CBT works - if not - medication make-over time perhaps.
Posted by SalArmy4me on May 2, 2001, at 17:59:13
In reply to Re: Opening up discussion about Zyprexa, posted by JulieM on May 2, 2001, at 11:32:22
You will continue to suffer until you accept safe and effective medications for your illness. I don't know if its the right one for you, but Zyprexa is a very safe medication--that's why its still on the market and very popular.
> Thanks to all for info on anxiety and Zyprexa - very tempting - but even the thought of any weight gain makes me anxious - so i'm going to see if CBT works - if not - medication make-over time perhaps.
Posted by judy1 on May 2, 2001, at 19:15:06
In reply to I forgot to ask..., posted by Cece on May 1, 2001, at 23:29:15
Dear Cece,
Having been on all 3 of the atypicals (have not tried geodon), I found risperdal the least sedating and lowest in weight gain. I only use APs when psychotic, so if you are using one for another purpose I don't know how effective it will be. I really hope you start to feel better soon. Take care, judy
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 2, 2001, at 23:17:32
In reply to Re: Opening up discussion about Zyprexa » JulieM, posted by SalArmy4me on May 2, 2001, at 17:59:13
> You will continue to suffer until you accept safe and effective medications for your illness.
Please use discretion when predicting someone else's future, and try not to pressure them. Thanks,
Bob
PS: Follow-ups about being supportive should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration (or may be deleted).
Posted by JulieM on May 3, 2001, at 12:15:24
In reply to Re: Opening up discussion about Zyprexa » SalArmy4me, posted by Dr. Bob on May 2, 2001, at 23:17:32
> > You will continue to suffer until you accept safe and effective medications for your illness.
>
> Please use discretion when predicting someone else's future, and try not to pressure them. Thanks,
>
> Bob
>
> PS: Follow-ups about being supportive should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration (or may be deleted).Thank you Dr Bob
I really appreciate the interjection
I don't think 'suffer' is quite the terminology I would use for attempting to explore non-drug approaches to anxiety before resorting to yet more drugs! We are all different - and for some of us medication doesn't necessarily provide all the answers - we may need to look at what is at the bottom of the anxiety - and that's where I am at right now.
If it doesn't work out - well there's always Zyprexa!
But i'm optmistic!
This is the end of the thread.
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