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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by noah4321 on October 8, 2001, at 17:27:54
I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia. I take risperdal for it with paxil. I take 20mg paxil and 2mg risperdal. I have real bad negative symptoms: withdrawal, apathy, no motivation, fatigue. I was doing research and it said that risperdal treats negative symptoms, but it doesn't seem to work for me. Does anyone else have this problem?
Posted by Cam W. on October 8, 2001, at 18:25:51
In reply to risperdal for negative symptoms, posted by noah4321 on October 8, 2001, at 17:27:54
Noah - It has been my experience that the atypical antipsychotics really only work for secondary negative symptoms (ie. those caused by the old typical antipsychotics) and really don't touch primary negative symptoms. I may get a lot of flak from researchers on this, but I haven't seen primary negative symptoms helped much by the atypicals (Clozaril™ - clozapine - may have some limited effect, but I haven't been totally convinced of this either).
Perhaps some of the negative symptoms are eased, due to a reduction in positive symptoms (ie. disappearance of auditory hallucinations allowing one to function better in society).
- Cam
Posted by Blood and Fire on October 8, 2001, at 21:51:27
In reply to risperdal for negative symptoms, posted by noah4321 on October 8, 2001, at 17:27:54
You might want to raise your dose of Risperdal to 4 mg and see what it does. Some people even take 6 mg, but the chance of EPS rises with such a dose.
Some people seem to do better for some inexplicable reason on Zyprexa as opposed to Risperdal, even though they are really similar. I would say that if you tried Zyprexa and it didn't provide the benefits you need, then you should try Clozaril.
Posted by Cam W. on October 8, 2001, at 22:44:22
In reply to Re: risperdal for negative symptoms » noah4321, posted by Blood and Fire on October 8, 2001, at 21:51:27
BFD - Unfortunately, you just can't "try" Clozaril™ (clozaril). There are very strict guidelines (too strict, I believe), but if Noah has had positive symptoms respond to Risperdal, he would not be a candidate for a Clozaril trial.
Also, do you have any definitive "proof" that Zyprexa will work on primary negative symptoms.
Hint: Carefully read the results and conclusions of any journal article you may find. Pay particular attention to the limitations of the studies.
- Cam
P.S. I have given several presentaion on this subject.
Posted by HenryO on October 10, 2001, at 1:33:43
In reply to risperdal for negative symptoms, posted by noah4321 on October 8, 2001, at 17:27:54
That doesn't sound like a very big dose of Respedal. I take 2mgs for depression augmentation. I thought anti psyc dose was higher. I don't know though.
Posted by Denise528 on October 10, 2001, at 8:03:57
In reply to Re: risperdal for negative symptoms » noah4321, posted by Blood and Fire on October 8, 2001, at 21:51:27
> Noah,
Can you tell me what EPS is please, I am currently on 10mg of Zyprexa anything less doestn't seem to work but I am worried about what the possible side effects might be.
Denise
Posted by Cam W. on October 10, 2001, at 8:23:13
In reply to Re: risperdal for negative symptoms, posted by Denise528 on October 10, 2001, at 8:03:57
Denise - EPS (extrapyramidal symptoms) are involuntary movement disorders thought to be caused by the blockage of dopamine in the basal ganglia.
Since Zyprexa does not block these certain dopamine receptors to any great percentage (< 70% blockage) the risk of Zyprexa causing EPS is very low.
Any side effects that you are currently experiencing from the Zyprexa, are probably all you are going to get. There is a chance of weight gain, which levels off at about 8 months. Also, it is a good idea to have your triglyceride levels checked, as some people (especially, but not exclusively, those who gain a lot of weight) may experience a non-insulin dependent type-II diabetes.
The Zyprexa, when compared to the older, traditional antipsychotics, is a far safer drug. By the way, 10mg is an average dose.
I hope this is of some help. - Cam
Posted by HenryO on October 10, 2001, at 20:52:13
In reply to Re: risperdal for negative symptoms » Denise528, posted by Cam W. on October 10, 2001, at 8:23:13
Thank you Cam. I've been wondering about EPS for awhile. Thanks
Posted by judy1 on October 11, 2001, at 18:49:28
In reply to risperdal for negative symptoms, posted by noah4321 on October 8, 2001, at 17:27:54
I only took risperdal (usually at 4mg/day) for positive symptoms. When I was younger the best drug I took for negative was actually Mellaril, which has a myriad of problems associated with it besides EPS- cardiac? I think, maybe Cam can help me here. But it did work and sometimes if you're monitored closely and suffering enough you may be willing to try something else- Take care, Judy
Posted by Cam W. on October 11, 2001, at 23:18:13
In reply to Re: risperdal for negative symptoms » noah4321, posted by judy1 on October 11, 2001, at 18:49:28
Judy - Yeah, there can be cardiac problems (QT prolongation) with Mellaril™ (thioridazine), but it was used for about 25 to 30 years, in many people, without problem. If one is reasonably healthy, the risk of death is probably very low. The trick would be to get a doc to put his/her butt on the line, and prescribe it. - Cam
This is the end of the thread.
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