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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by waterfall on June 17, 2006, at 20:10:08
I'm taking lithium, geodon, and Klonopin, and was getting dizzy so my doc took me off the Klonopin but now my anxiety level is back up. I know Geodon is a major tranquilizer - is it supposed to be good for treating anxiety, or just the hypomania I was ramping into when the weather turned sunny? Anyone else had anxiety while taking major tranquilizers? or is my dose of Geodon just too low?
Thanks for any input!
Posted by Phillipa on June 17, 2006, at 21:20:42
In reply to Geodon instead of Klonopin?, posted by waterfall on June 17, 2006, at 20:10:08
Geodon is an atypical antipsychotic. Much stronger than klonopin. Love Phillipa
Posted by med_empowered on June 17, 2006, at 22:27:07
In reply to Re: Geodon instead of Klonopin? » waterfall, posted by Phillipa on June 17, 2006, at 21:20:42
Geodon is a newer, "atypical" antipsychotic, which means it has fewer side effects than older drugs, like Thorazine or Haldol. However...Geodon has the old side effects (EPS, tardive dyskinesia), just less often, may carry some of its own risks (cardiovascular problems, for instance).
Traditionally, bipolar treatment is centered on the mood-stabilizer(s), whether those meds are lithium, anti-convulsants, or a combination. Antipsychotics like Geodon (and older drugs, like Haldol or Trilafon) were used, but they were usually used briefly and then withdrawn ASAP. Benzos, like Klonopin (and other sedatives as well) also have long been used in bipolar. Ideally, these meds are withdrawn, but for some people the benefits outweight any possible risks, so they are maintained either indefinitely or for an extended period of time.
Antipsychotics **can** be used to treat anxiety. They can also **cause** or worsen anxiety and/or trigger akathisia and other forms of agitation. So...its a mixed bag. Plus, even the new drugs have a risk of tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignancy syndrome.
Personally...I'd go for a short-term benzo over an antipsychotic, especially in bipolar disorder. If Klonopin is problematic, you could try something else (Ativan is commonly used, and Valium is still immensely helpful to some people) in the benzo family. You could also try BuSpar or Atarax (hydroxyzine), or even something "novel" like Lyrica.
Good luck!
Posted by heaven help me on June 17, 2006, at 22:48:30
In reply to Geodon instead of Klonopin?, posted by waterfall on June 17, 2006, at 20:10:08
I started on Geodon a couple months ago and for the first few weeks I had terrible anxiety. BUT, I was also coming off Prozac, cold turkey, at the same time. In retrospect I think it was the w/d, not the Geodon. Now I feel great (in combo with Lamictal) Very little EPS
blessings
mary
Posted by yxibow on June 18, 2006, at 16:59:36
In reply to Re: Geodon instead of Klonopin? » waterfall, posted by heaven help me on June 17, 2006, at 22:48:30
> I started on Geodon a couple months ago and for the first few weeks I had terrible anxiety. BUT, I was also coming off Prozac, cold turkey, at the same time. In retrospect I think it was the w/d, not the Geodon. Now I feel great (in combo with Lamictal) Very little EPS
> blessings
> maryEveryone responds differently -- some people get sleepy with Geodon -- for me, it causes akathisia in any quantity.
Posted by heaven help me on June 18, 2006, at 18:58:06
In reply to Re: Geodon instead of Klonopin? » heaven help me, posted by yxibow on June 18, 2006, at 16:59:36
Yes, yes, It (Geodon) does make me tired too, so I take it at night
blessings
mary
This is the end of the thread.
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