![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 29. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Deneb on June 15, 2006, at 16:05:55
I've been taking 50 mg of Celexa for about 16 months now. I've been taking 0.50 mg then 0.75 mg Risperdal since September??? I stopped for a while in between. I don't remember when or how long. I've also been taking 150 mg Wellbutrin, less time than the Risperdal, I dunno, several months? Geez, I really should keep track of these things!
Anyways, I'm not sure when it started, but I've been experiencing tremors when doing things that require a steady hand. I used to think it was anxiety, but I'm not sure anymore. The tremors have gotten worse. Now they are noticeable by other people. When I was on the Babble trip, even 10derHeart noticed.
The shakiness gets really annoying. I was making tacos yesterday and I made a mess because I couldn't steadily scoop ingredients into the taco. My hands shake when bring a cup to my mouth. I can't build a tower with wooden blocks because my hands shake too much.
My hands don't shake when I'm resting. I also have no problems with typing or using the mouse.
When I hold my arms out in front of me, my hands and arms shake a bit. It's not a lot, but you can definitely see it. Sometimes my arms would jerk. When I first starting knitting the scarf for Dr. Bob, knitting was difficult because my arms would jerk suddenly. Later the jerking stopped. Sometimes my head jerks a little too. It jerks in a "no-no" fashion.
I don't think I have any other problems besides the ones I mentioned.
Do you think it's serious? Could it be TD caused by my meds?
Deneb*
Posted by B2chica on June 15, 2006, at 16:20:03
In reply to Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something?, posted by Deneb on June 15, 2006, at 16:05:55
from what you've decribed i don't think it's TD. some type of tremor.
i noticed that the AP's that i've been on all caused some degree of shaking in me. usually the harder i tried to (point) the worse it got. so my guess would be that it's from the risperdal.
mine did calm a little but never went away until i stopped the meds. then they did disappear completely. i don't know if that's lucky or typical.
others may be able to help out better.not sure if i'd call it serious but i'm no doctor. i would mention it to yours just to be sure. but in my case it was just a really cr@ppy side effect that i had to live with while on the med.
best luck to you Deneb.
b2c
Posted by Deneb on June 15, 2006, at 17:47:06
In reply to Re: Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something?, posted by B2chica on June 15, 2006, at 16:20:03
Did you shake all the time? Or only when doing certain things?
I'm pretty sure it's not Parkinson's and I don't think it's TD.
I think maybe the Celexa or Risperdal is causing it. If not, it might be essential tremor.
I'm not debilitated, just annoyed.
Deneb*
Posted by flip_flop on June 15, 2006, at 18:28:17
In reply to Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something?, posted by Deneb on June 15, 2006, at 16:05:55
I have read several posts on the internet describing the same problem with Risperdal. I believe this condition is called EPS and that it goes away when quitting the drug. I'm not sure, but I think EPS can lead to TD, so I would consider quitting the Risperdal if I were you.
Posted by Deneb on June 15, 2006, at 18:42:02
In reply to Re: Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something?, posted by flip_flop on June 15, 2006, at 18:28:17
I will quit the Risperdal. I'm taking a really low dose, I didn't think such a low dose could cause problems. I'll stop taking it starting today and see what happens in a week or two. How long does it take for EPS to go away?
If stopping the Risperdal doesn't help, I'll stop the Celexa too, then Wellbutrin. I want to find out once and for all whether it is the medication that is causing my tremors.
I don't think my pdoc will be too happy with me stopping the Celexa, but I really want to get to the root of the problem.
I hope I'll be okay without meds. I really hope so.
Deneb*
Posted by Phillipa on June 15, 2006, at 20:15:39
In reply to Re: Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something? » flip_flop, posted by Deneb on June 15, 2006, at 18:42:02
Deneb maybe your doc will change to something else. Don't just stop the meds call your pdoc and discuss it with him. You do so much better when taking meds. Love Phillipa
Posted by Deneb on June 15, 2006, at 20:30:51
In reply to Re: Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something? » flip_flop, posted by Deneb on June 15, 2006, at 18:42:02
According to this:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20031015/1545.htmlA neuroleptic induced tremor is a resting tremor, like in Parkinson's. I don't have a resting tremor. I have an action tremor. I'm not sure exactly what type of action tremor I have, but I know it's not a resting tremor.
Now that I think about it, I remember having tremors when I wasn't on any medication. I had them in my cell biology labs. I remember them because they were annoying when I was pipetting. Maybe it was anxiety? I don't know. I don't think the tremors were as bad back then. I think my tremors get worse when I think about them.
Who should I go to about my tremors? My pdoc? Or my GP? I need someone who knows what they are doing. My pdoc doesn't strike me as much of a medical professional, but I guess I could be wrong.
Maybe I should ask her before I stop taking anything. I don't know if I have to wean off them or what.
I should do an experiment...I should experiment with alcohol. For essential tremor, alcohol helps the tremors. I should go drink a screwdriver and see if I can play Jenga. LOL
Yep, I'm doing it. A before and after experiment. Not a very controlled experiment, but good enough.
Deneb*
Posted by blueberry on June 15, 2006, at 21:04:21
In reply to Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something?, posted by Deneb on June 15, 2006, at 16:05:55
It sounds like a risperdal thing. Even just 2.5mg zyprexa gives me tremors in the hands and slight hints of that head twitching stuff you mentioned. The other meds could be magnifying it, but my guess would be risperdal is the one causing it.
Is there any history of essential tremor or parkinson's in your family tree? If there is, many meds can make it more pronounced.
I have found in the last few days that .125mg klonopin stops the tremors and stuff. For me the tremors and shaking are the worst right when I wake up. If I take klonopin before I go to bed, I wake up with no tremor or shaking.
I guess it depends on how well risperdal is helping you. If it is helping a lot, maybe use something like clonidine or klonopin to stop the shaking. If it isn't helping a lot then maybe taper off risperdal. I wouldn't stop it suddenly though. Also, you may find when you taper off or stop it suddenly that the shaking stuff actually increases at first. Then in two or three weeks it goes away. So don't be alarmed if it gets worse after you stop. It is likely temporary.
Posted by Deneb on June 15, 2006, at 21:40:26
In reply to Re: Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something? » Deneb, posted by blueberry on June 15, 2006, at 21:04:21
There's no history of essential tremor or Parkinson's in my family.
I don't know if the Risperdal is really helping me that much. My pdoc doesn't seem to think it's that important. I'm going to start tapering down and see what happens.
The tremors don't bother me much. Sometimes it gets worse and then it gets annoying.
Deneb*
Posted by yxibow on June 16, 2006, at 13:32:40
In reply to Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something?, posted by Deneb on June 15, 2006, at 16:05:55
> I've been taking 50 mg of Celexa for about 16 months now. I've been taking 0.50 mg then 0.75 mg Risperdal since September??? I stopped for a while in between. I don't remember when or how long. I've also been taking 150 mg Wellbutrin, less time than the Risperdal, I dunno, several months? Geez, I really should keep track of these things!
>
> Anyways, I'm not sure when it started, but I've been experiencing tremors when doing things that require a steady hand. I used to think it was anxiety, but I'm not sure anymore. The tremors have gotten worse. Now they are noticeable by other people. When I was on the Babble trip, even 10derHeart noticed.
>
> The shakiness gets really annoying. I was making tacos yesterday and I made a mess because I couldn't steadily scoop ingredients into the taco. My hands shake when bring a cup to my mouth. I can't build a tower with wooden blocks because my hands shake too much.
>
> My hands don't shake when I'm resting. I also have no problems with typing or using the mouse.
>
> When I hold my arms out in front of me, my hands and arms shake a bit. It's not a lot, but you can definitely see it. Sometimes my arms would jerk. When I first starting knitting the scarf for Dr. Bob, knitting was difficult because my arms would jerk suddenly. Later the jerking stopped. Sometimes my head jerks a little too. It jerks in a "no-no" fashion.
>
> I don't think I have any other problems besides the ones I mentioned.
>
> Do you think it's serious? Could it be TD caused by my meds?
>
> Deneb*I would agree its most likely a strong form of pseudoparkinsonism, a form of EPS. Does the intensity get worse if you take your hands and purposely shake them? That would definately be pseudoparkinsonism. Arm jerking is a sharp form of it, but it could occur in a variety of ways in different people and different ages I can imagine.
I had it on Zyprexa which was unfortunate because it had helped my disorder more than Seroquel. I still have a slight tremor on Seroquel, but its less than 1Hz.When you combine it with the Celexa -- probably not the origin -- the Wellbutrin, well maybe a stimulant in its own right, there could be accumulative interactions I suppose although neither is particularly known for EPS, but SSRIs can give tremor, not called pseudoparkinsonism.
Do you have any propranolol, {Akineton, Artane, Cogentin}, or {Klonopin, Valium, etc.} on hand ? They would definately slow down something that is pseudoparkinsonism. Even half a dose of OTC Benadryl might slow things down (although make you somewhat drowsy and a little dried out).
If you want to continue the Risperdal, I would definately personally want have a prescription for any of the above.
But since you are experiencing it so severely, I personally, and you and your doctor only know the reasons for it and whether to go on or on, would discontinue it in favour for something less intense like Abilify, Zyprexa, or Seroquel if you need a slight dose of neuroleptic.
TD, though unpredictable, does not show up usually in several months and you are taking a lower dose of Risperdal. If you're really worried about TD, and these are only usually given to people taking full dose neuroleptics, a psychiatrist can give you an AIMS exam which is just a few questions and probing you for some muscle demonstrations. They're normally only given every six months typically.
Posted by linkadge on June 16, 2006, at 15:27:25
In reply to Re: Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something? » Deneb, posted by yxibow on June 16, 2006, at 13:32:40
I would personally suspect the wellbutrin first.
Wellbutrin can cause tremor, just as coffee and other stimulants can.
Linkadge
Posted by Jost on June 16, 2006, at 17:42:13
In reply to Re: Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something? » Deneb, posted by yxibow on June 16, 2006, at 13:32:40
>
> I would agree its most likely a strong form of pseudoparkinsonism, a form of EPS. Does the intensity get worse if you take your hands and purposely shake them? That would definately be pseudoparkinsonism. Arm jerking is a sharp form of it, but it could occur in a variety of ways in different people and different ages I can imagine.
>
>
> But since you are experiencing it so severely, I personally, and you and your doctor only know the reasons for it and whether to go on or on, would discontinue it in favour for something less intense like Abilify, Zyprexa, or Seroquel if you need a slight dose of neuroleptic.
>
>
>
Please please let's not diagnose one another online! As you say yxibow, only Deneb's doctor can draw truly rational inferences about what this could be.Even MDs can't diagnose people sight unseen, there are too many variables, including history-- and esp. clinical judgment, which is something one only gets over years, and also seeing and talking to the person "in person."
Esp. with something so potentially frightening--or potentially, harmless or easily treated--IMO none of us can possibly say what the tremor is, nor should we try--again IMHO..
Deneb, check with your doctor. Don't forecast dire assessment---just check it out.
Jost
Posted by Deneb on June 16, 2006, at 17:53:23
In reply to Re: Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something? » Deneb, posted by yxibow on June 16, 2006, at 13:32:40
> I would agree its most likely a strong form of pseudoparkinsonism, a form of EPS. Does the intensity get worse if you take your hands and purposely shake them?
I'm not too sure what you mean, but no, the shaking doesn't get worse when I purposely shake them.
>That would definately be pseudoparkinsonism.
Does pseudoparkinsonism imply tremors that are like the ones in Parkinson's? Tremors in Parkinson's are resting tremors, that is, the tremors occur when the hands/arms/whatever are resting. I don't have that. I have action tremors, most likely a postural tremor. Try pointing your two forefingers at each other, with a tiny space in-between them. When I do that my left hand/arm shakes at times. My right hand isn't shaking now, but sometimes it does.
>Arm jerking is a sharp form of it, but it could occur in a variety of ways in different people and different ages I can imagine.
I don't know. I should ask my pdoc about it.
> I had it on Zyprexa which was unfortunate because it had helped my disorder more than Seroquel. I still have a slight tremor on Seroquel, but its less than 1Hz.
Did you have resting tremors? Or action tremors?
> When you combine it with the Celexa -- probably not the origin -- the Wellbutrin, well maybe a stimulant in its own right, there could be accumulative interactions I suppose although neither is particularly known for EPS, but SSRIs can give tremor, not called pseudoparkinsonism.
I get sudden jerking motions while on SSRIs. I got them on Zoloft too. They're not that bad. They don't annoy me.
> Do you have any propranolol, {Akineton, Artane, Cogentin}, or {Klonopin, Valium, etc.} on hand ? They would definitely slow down something that is pseudoparkinsonism. Even half a dose of OTC Benadryl might slow things down (although make you somewhat drowsy and a little dried out).
My tremors aren't bad enough to bother me all the time. Most days I forget that I even have them. I can do most things without problem. I can even thread a needle. It's things like building a tower out of blocks that I can't do, or playing Jenga.
> If you want to continue the Risperdal, I would definately personally want have a prescription for any of the above.
I do too. Thanks for the information. I didn't know all the drugs that can lessen tremor. Would propranolol help my type of tremor? I've read it helps essential tremor, which is like the tremor I have now.
> But since you are experiencing it so severely, I personally, and you and your doctor only know the reasons for it and whether to go on or on, would discontinue it in favour for something less intense like Abilify, Zyprexa, or Seroquel if you need a slight dose of neuroleptic.
I think the only reason why I'm on it right now is because I'm doing very well and we just don't want to change anything.
> TD, though unpredictable, does not show up usually in several months and you are taking a lower dose of Risperdal. If you're really worried about TD, and these are only usually given to people taking full dose neuroleptics, a psychiatrist can give you an AIMS exam which is just a few questions and probing you for some muscle demonstrations. They're normally only given every six months typically.
I'll ask my pdoc whether or not I need such a test.
Thanks for your reply. It was very informative.
Deneb*
Posted by Deneb on June 16, 2006, at 17:57:37
In reply to Re: Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something?, posted by Jost on June 16, 2006, at 17:42:13
> Deneb, check with your doctor. Don't forecast dire assessment---just check it out.
>
> JostOK, I will check it out. Do I check it out with my pdoc or my regular doctor?
Maybe both...
Deneb*
Posted by yxibow on June 16, 2006, at 21:26:10
In reply to Re: Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something? » yxibow, posted by Deneb on June 16, 2006, at 17:53:23
> > I would agree its most likely a strong form of pseudoparkinsonism, a form of EPS. Does the intensity get worse if you take your hands and purposely shake them?
>
> I'm not too sure what you mean, but no, the shaking doesn't get worse when I purposely shake them.I meant really taking your hands and purposely shaking them left and right alot, and then stopping -- this can also illustrate pseudoparkinsonism at least sometimes, because the intense energy simulates activity.
>
> >That would definately be pseudoparkinsonism.
>
> Does pseudoparkinsonism imply tremors that are like the ones in Parkinson's? Tremors in Parkinson's are resting tremors, that is, the tremors occur when the hands/arms/whatever are resting. I don't have that. I have action tremors, most likely a postural tremor. Try pointing your two forefingers at each other, with a tiny space in-between them. When I do that my left hand/arm shakes at times. My right hand isn't shaking now, but sometimes it does.Action, as in when you are doing certain things? Pseudoparkinsonism is just a way of describing the EPS (which is a way of saying side effects for neuroleptics) that occur with neuroleptics. It doesn't mean that you have Parkinson's although the part of the brain that is affected is one that is affected in Parkinson's. When I was on Zyprexa, or even for some time after, when I would do something like use power tools in the garage or whatever, they would vibrate my hands and eventually there would be a lot of motion.
And yes I have mild side motion (finger V) tremors like you mentioned from Seroquel, those are all forms of tremors/pseudoparkinsonism.
>
> >Arm jerking is a sharp form of it, but it could occur in a variety of ways in different people and different ages I can imagine.
>
> I don't know. I should ask my pdoc about it.I think that would be a good idea
> > I had it on Zyprexa which was unfortunate because it had helped my disorder more than Seroquel. I still have a slight tremor on Seroquel, but its less than 1Hz.
>
> Did you have resting tremors? Or action tremors?Both -- more action tremors, if you mean as I was saying, while doing things.
> > When you combine it with the Celexa -- probably not the origin -- the Wellbutrin, well maybe a stimulant in its own right, there could be accumulative interactions I suppose although neither is particularly known for EPS, but SSRIs can give tremor, not called pseudoparkinsonism.
>
> I get sudden jerking motions while on SSRIs. I got them on Zoloft too. They're not that bad. They don't annoy me.Its possible you're susceptible to the same mechanisms with SSRIs. Zoloft affects dopamine more than other SSRIs.
> > Do you have any propranolol, {Akineton, Artane, Cogentin}, or {Klonopin, Valium, etc.} on hand ? They would definitely slow down something that is pseudoparkinsonism. Even half a dose of OTC Benadryl might slow things down (although make you somewhat drowsy and a little dried out).
>
> My tremors aren't bad enough to bother me all the time. Most days I forget that I even have them. I can do most things without problem. I can even thread a needle. It's things like building a tower out of blocks that I can't do, or playing Jenga.I can't vouch for the differences between those, everyone's reaction and decision to continue treatment because it affects their lives too much, is something that only you know. If you can thread a needle without much trouble, the tremors are in my opinion not particularly terrible. But they may be bad in yours. Thats why I can't place judgment here and nobody should.
> > If you want to continue the Risperdal, I would definately personally want have a prescription for any of the above.
>
> I do too. Thanks for the information. I didn't know all the drugs that can lessen tremor. Would propranolol help my type of tremor? I've read it helps essential tremor, which is like the tremor I have now.ET is a disorder that is classically treated with propranolol although other classes of drugs are used too.
> > But since you are experiencing it so severely, I personally, and you and your doctor only know the reasons for it and whether to go on or on, would discontinue it in favour for something less intense like Abilify, Zyprexa, or Seroquel if you need a slight dose of neuroleptic.
>
> I think the only reason why I'm on it right now is because I'm doing very well and we just don't want to change anything.
Then that's a reason to continue as you are going and perhaps get some form of agent that would give more relief to your side effects.
> > TD, though unpredictable, does not show up usually in several months and you are taking a lower dose of Risperdal. If you're really worried about TD, and these are only usually given to people taking full dose neuroleptics, a psychiatrist can give you an AIMS exam which is just a few questions and probing you for some muscle demonstrations. They're normally only given every six months typically.
>
> I'll ask my pdoc whether or not I need such a test.
>
> Thanks for your reply. It was very informative.
>
> Deneb*
No problem. AIMS exams aren't usually given that often at low doses of neuroleptics but your doctor may bother to do so if you wish, its just a few minutes really.
Posted by Deneb on June 16, 2006, at 21:52:55
In reply to Re: Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something? » Deneb, posted by yxibow on June 16, 2006, at 21:26:10
> I meant really taking your hands and purposely shaking them left and right alot, and then stopping -- this can also illustrate pseudoparkinsonism at least sometimes, because the intense energy simulates activity.
No, it doesn't increase the tremor. The tremor stays the same.
> Action, as in when you are doing certain things?
Yep, action as in when the muscles aren't at rest, i.e. maintaining a position against gravity or holding something or in motion.
>Pseudoparkinsonism is just a way of describing the EPS (which is a way of saying side effects for neuroleptics) that occur with neuroleptics.
Oh, I see...I thought it meant, "like Parkinson's".
> It doesn't mean that you have Parkinson's although the part of the brain that is affected is one that is affected in Parkinson's. When I was on Zyprexa, or even for some time after, when I would do something like use power tools in the garage or whatever, they would vibrate my hands and eventually there would be a lot of motion.
You mean the vibrations triggered a tremor?
> And yes I have mild side motion (finger V) tremors like you mentioned from Seroquel, those are all forms of tremors/pseudoparkinsonism.
I have very noticeable motion especially on my left hand.
> > Did you have resting tremors? Or action tremors?
>
> Both -- more action tremors, if you mean as I was saying, while doing things.I don't have resting tremors at all. I'm relieved I don't because that is a sign of Parkinson's.
> > I get sudden jerking motions while on SSRIs. I got them on Zoloft too. They're not that bad. They don't annoy me.
>
> Its possible you're susceptible to the same mechanisms with SSRIs. Zoloft affects dopamine more than other SSRIs.I got them on Celexa too. I would bet all SSRI's would cause the same jerking motions.
> > My tremors aren't bad enough to bother me all the time. Most days I forget that I even have them. I can do most things without problem. I can even thread a needle. It's things like building a tower out of blocks that I can't do, or playing Jenga.
>
> I can't vouch for the differences between those, everyone's reaction and decision to continue treatment because it affects their lives too much, is something that only you know. If you can thread a needle without much trouble, the tremors are in my opinion not particularly terrible. But they may be bad in yours. Thats why I can't place judgment here and nobody should.My tremors are bad at times. People around me notice them. I don't know why some things trigger the tremor and other things like threading a needle or typing doesn't. My writing though, has deteriorated.
> > I think the only reason why I'm on it right now is because I'm doing very well and we just don't want to change anything.
>
>
> Then that's a reason to continue as you are going and perhaps get some form of agent that would give more relief to your side effects.I will ask about that. Thanks.
> No problem. AIMS exams aren't usually given that often at low doses of neuroleptics but your doctor may bother to do so if you wish, its just a few minutes really.
I'm going to read more about this AIMS test.Deneb*
Posted by Deneb on June 16, 2006, at 22:16:15
In reply to Re: Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something? » yxibow, posted by Deneb on June 16, 2006, at 21:52:55
I think I've had a psychogenic tic before. About two years ago I developed this side to side tic of my head. It got worse when I thought about it and when I was alone. I would feel this tension right before the tic and then I would move my head.
I don't think it was the Zoloft that caused it. My tic went away when I forgot about it.
I don't think my current tremor is psychological. That head tic was probably psychological.
Anyone ever had a psychogenic tremor or tic before?
Deneb*
Posted by yxibow on June 16, 2006, at 23:36:38
In reply to Re: Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something?, posted by Deneb on June 16, 2006, at 22:16:15
> I think I've had a psychogenic tic before. About two years ago I developed this side to side tic of my head. It got worse when I thought about it and when I was alone. I would feel this tension right before the tic and then I would move my head.
>
> I don't think it was the Zoloft that caused it. My tic went away when I forgot about it.As they say, the more you pound your head against the wall... No, I'm not trying to be snide, you're right, the more you think about things the more they can happen, good and bad. Its conceivable as many as 1/3 of patients get results from their medication even though it is a placebo.
> I don't think my current tremor is psychological. That head tic was probably psychological.
>
> Anyone ever had a psychogenic tremor or tic before?
>
> Deneb*There are a lot of "psychogenic", which I will explain later as somatiform, although I may be reading into your case from my own experince, things, such as a rare condition called psychogenic polydipsia, where people feel compelled to drink water far beyond the norm. I have had some minor thirst issues though I think they were partially medication caused. Again, the more you think about it, the more it happens.
The psychogenic tic you describe may be a form of somatiform disorder, which I currently suffer from an awful variety that has stretched beyond 4 years though with psychotherapy and medication it is in a "guarded", i.e., mostly suppressed but not gone, state.
Basically somatiform disorders (and if you read old literature they will talk about malingering, which it isnt -- I can tell you that patients with somatiform disorders do not want their pseudoseizures and other sorts of things that happen when anxiety manifests itself in the physical).
Long story short, it is probable 9-11 triggered a PTSD reaction that manifested a somatiform disorder where brightness and contrast (i.e. traffic lights, etc, especially poor quality big box store fluorescent lights) distract me more than the average person.(If one asks the obvious, yes, I have had an MRI and multiple eye exams and a bevy of other relevant bloodwork)
Its like there isn't much of a stopping mechanism for the distraction, that if you pointed out to someone, they'd say oh, yeah, that's bright, and not think about it.
But tic disorders are a common part of the OC spectrum disorder system, which may be connected with somatiform disorders too. Orap (pimozide), an older line antipsychotic has been used in tic disorders, especially tourette's, although it is not without its side effects.
Posted by Karen44 on June 16, 2006, at 23:58:58
In reply to Re: Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something? » Deneb, posted by blueberry on June 15, 2006, at 21:04:21
> It sounds like a risperdal thing. Even just 2.5mg zyprexa gives me tremors in the hands and slight hints of that head twitching stuff you mentioned. The other meds could be magnifying it, but my guess would be risperdal is the one causing it.
>
> Is there any history of essential tremor or parkinson's in your family tree? If there is, many meds can make it more pronounced.
>
> I have found in the last few days that .125mg klonopin stops the tremors and stuff. For me the tremors and shaking are the worst right when I wake up. If I take klonopin before I go to bed, I wake up with no tremor or shaking.
>
> I guess it depends on how well risperdal is helping you. If it is helping a lot, maybe use something like clonidine or klonopin to stop the shaking. If it isn't helping a lot then maybe taper off risperdal. I wouldn't stop it suddenly though. Also, you may find when you taper off or stop it suddenly that the shaking stuff actually increases at first. Then in two or three weeks it goes away. So don't be alarmed if it gets worse after you stop. It is likely temporary.I would agree with it being the Risperidal. I had a horrible reaction to just .5 mg. of Risperidal. I developed slurred speech, confusion, unsteadiness, forgetting what I was saying, stiff and sore muscles, jerking, and other symptoms. Once off the Risperidal, the symptoms began to resolve with the jerking taking a couple of weeks to three weeks to reslove. What has your psychiatrist said about your symptoms???
Karen
Posted by Deneb on June 17, 2006, at 0:45:29
In reply to Re: Do I have TD, etc, Tics, and somatiform » Deneb, posted by yxibow on June 16, 2006, at 23:36:38
The mind's a powerful thing, it sure can make us miserable at times.
Sorry about your disorder. It doesn't sound fun.
I wonder if my tics were completely psychogenic. I think the Zoloft might have caused some of my tics, but then the more I thought about them, the more I got them.
Deneb*
Posted by Deneb on June 17, 2006, at 0:52:19
In reply to Re: Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something?, posted by Karen44 on June 16, 2006, at 23:58:58
> I would agree with it being the Risperidal. I had a horrible reaction to just .5 mg. of Risperidal. I developed slurred speech, confusion, unsteadiness, forgetting what I was saying, stiff and sore muscles, jerking, and other symptoms.
Wow, all that from just 0.50 mg? I didn't know it could be that powerful.
> Once off the Risperidal, the symptoms began to resolve with the jerking taking a couple of weeks to three weeks to reslove. What has your psychiatrist said about your symptoms???
>
> KarenI haven't told my pdoc about my symptoms. We don't usually talk about meds during my sessions (we do therapy) so I always forget to mention it to her. I always attributed the tremor to anxiety, but now I'm not so sure anymore. I have an appointment with her on the 26th. I've started the process of tapering down the Risperdal. I think she would be okay with my decision. She doesn't seem to think the Risperdal is as important as the Celexa and Wellbutrin.
Deneb*
Posted by Deneb on June 17, 2006, at 2:08:42
In reply to Re: Do I have tardive dyskinesia or something? » Karen44, posted by Deneb on June 17, 2006, at 0:52:19
Here's some good info I found on tremors:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20031015/1545.html
It seems like neuroleptics cause resting tremors. Maybe my tremor is caused by the Celexa? Check out the drug-induced tremor section.
I'll go off the Risperdal to see if it's the cause of my tremors. I just have a gut feeling it's not the Risperdal. I think I've had the tremor for a long time, I dunno.
Deneb*
Posted by Phillipa on June 17, 2006, at 20:55:46
In reply to Info on tremors, posted by Deneb on June 17, 2006, at 2:08:42
Deneb resperidol your doc would not be happy if you stopped. Call him on the phone and say it's an emergency. But don't call 9ll just ask him to return your call. Love Phillipa
Posted by Deneb on June 17, 2006, at 21:25:09
In reply to Re: Info on tremors » Deneb, posted by Phillipa on June 17, 2006, at 20:55:46
Some other people also told me it's a bad idea to taper and stop taking my meds without talking to my pdoc first.
One person said she got psychotic (even though she wasn't psychotic to being with) when she stopped taking her med.
Scary stuff.
Now I'm conflicted. Maybe I should go back on the original dose. Kind of scared to stop now.
I don't know what to do anymore. I don't even know if my meds are causing my tremors.
Maybe I shouldn't change anything yet until I find out if my breast lump is benign. I think I'll seriously lose it if I have cancer.
Deneb*
Posted by Phillipa on June 17, 2006, at 21:33:54
In reply to Re: Info on tremors » Deneb, posted by Phillipa on June 17, 2006, at 20:55:46
Deneb calm down. Just keep taking your meds are prescribed wait until Monday to call and let him//her know your concerns so they can reassure you. And you don't have Cancer when does the biopsy come back? Love Phillipa
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