![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by kimbersaur on September 5, 2008, at 20:53:24
Here's what's up:
I've been on Lamictal and Seroquel for years (currently 250mg Lam and 50mg Ser) due to mood problems (they said bipolar but I have my doubts). I used to be on Effexor as well for OCD but stopped because of side effects. My mood problems have been pretty much under control for the last few years (hence the bipolar doubts) but recently my OCD has reached ridiculous heights. I've tried a number of SSRIs and SNRIs and they work but I can't tolerate them due to side effects. My doctor just prescribed me Abilify 2mg for the OCD.
So I guess my question is, has anyone here had any luck with Abilify for OCD? I realize it is usually used to augment an SSRI (in the case of OCD) but I'm wondering if it will help on its own.
Posted by emilio on September 6, 2008, at 4:26:34
In reply to Abilify for OCD?, posted by kimbersaur on September 5, 2008, at 20:53:24
i have been on abilify for the last month and it helps with ocd.i do take zoloft ciao emilio
Posted by yxibow on September 7, 2008, at 4:16:18
In reply to Abilify for OCD?, posted by kimbersaur on September 5, 2008, at 20:53:24
> Here's what's up:
>
> I've been on Lamictal and Seroquel for years (currently 250mg Lam and 50mg Ser) due to mood problems (they said bipolar but I have my doubts). I used to be on Effexor as well for OCD but stopped because of side effects. My mood problems have been pretty much under control for the last few years (hence the bipolar doubts) but recently my OCD has reached ridiculous heights. I've tried a number of SSRIs and SNRIs and they work but I can't tolerate them due to side effects. My doctor just prescribed me Abilify 2mg for the OCD.
>
> So I guess my question is, has anyone here had any luck with Abilify for OCD? I realize it is usually used to augment an SSRI (in the case of OCD) but I'm wondering if it will help on its own.
Have you ever tried Anafranil (clomipramine) ?I see you have already tried Seroquel so that wasn't going to be a suggestion for an add-on. There's always Zyprexa or Geodon.
Mainly the minimum dosage should be used in this case as the interaction between SSRIs and APs are unknown -- there is plenty of evidence that they can help hard cases of OCD.
But then there's the theory in psychiatry that less medicine and paring down the number of medications is always better.What sort of OCD is occurring?
Remember that if you do have OCD, it is a lifetime disorder for most (I do -- I fought off a bad episode at 17) but there is also CBT (behavioral therapy) that is equally effective and the right SSRI or TCA at a respectable dose along with it helps more. Once you have the tools (CBT) you can keep using them in your life.
Has your doctor ever suggested or have you ever looked into the OC Foundation (http://www.ocfoundation.org/)
There is no "magic cure" for OCD, a pill won't wipe it out and I don't think you want (I'm not trying to be facetious) to be one of the 100 or less patients in the US who have a cingulotomy surgery every year.
-- best wishesJay
Posted by SLS on September 7, 2008, at 4:40:28
In reply to Re: Abilify for OCD? » kimbersaur, posted by yxibow on September 7, 2008, at 4:16:18
> > Here's what's up:
> >
> > I've been on Lamictal and Seroquel for years (currently 250mg Lam and 50mg Ser) due to mood problems (they said bipolar but I have my doubts). I used to be on Effexor as well for OCD but stopped because of side effects. My mood problems have been pretty much under control for the last few years (hence the bipolar doubts) but recently my OCD has reached ridiculous heights. I've tried a number of SSRIs and SNRIs and they work but I can't tolerate them due to side effects. My doctor just prescribed me Abilify 2mg for the OCD.
> >
> > So I guess my question is, has anyone here had any luck with Abilify for OCD? I realize it is usually used to augment an SSRI (in the case of OCD) but I'm wondering if it will help on its own.
>
>
> Have you ever tried Anafranil (clomipramine) ?
>
> I see you have already tried Seroquel so that wasn't going to be a suggestion for an add-on. There's always Zyprexa or Geodon.
>
> Mainly the minimum dosage should be used in this case as the interaction between SSRIs and APs are unknown -- there is plenty of evidence that they can help hard cases of OCD.
>
>
> But then there's the theory in psychiatry that less medicine and paring down the number of medications is always better.
>
> What sort of OCD is occurring?
>
> Remember that if you do have OCD, it is a lifetime disorder for most (I do -- I fought off a bad episode at 17) but there is also CBT (behavioral therapy) that is equally effective and the right SSRI or TCA at a respectable dose along with it helps more. Once you have the tools (CBT) you can keep using them in your life.
>
> Has your doctor ever suggested or have you ever looked into the OC Foundation (http://www.ocfoundation.org/)
>
>
> There is no "magic cure" for OCD, a pill won't wipe it out and I don't think you want (I'm not trying to be facetious) to be one of the 100 or less patients in the US who have a cingulotomy surgery every year.
>
>
> -- best wishes
>
> Jay
Memantine (Namenda) is emerging as an accepted treatment for OCD - at least as an adjunct to other drugs. I don't know how effective it is as monotherapy.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on September 7, 2008, at 12:18:18
In reply to Re: Abilify for OCD? » kimbersaur, posted by yxibow on September 7, 2008, at 4:16:18
Jay what is cingulatomy? Never heard that word before what about luvox? Phillipa
Posted by Kimbersaur on September 7, 2008, at 17:20:49
In reply to Re: Abilify for OCD? » kimbersaur, posted by yxibow on September 7, 2008, at 4:16:18
> > Here's what's up:
> >
> > I've been on Lamictal and Seroquel for years (currently 250mg Lam and 50mg Ser) due to mood problems (they said bipolar but I have my doubts). I used to be on Effexor as well for OCD but stopped because of side effects. My mood problems have been pretty much under control for the last few years (hence the bipolar doubts) but recently my OCD has reached ridiculous heights. I've tried a number of SSRIs and SNRIs and they work but I can't tolerate them due to side effects. My doctor just prescribed me Abilify 2mg for the OCD.
> >
> > So I guess my question is, has anyone here had any luck with Abilify for OCD? I realize it is usually used to augment an SSRI (in the case of OCD) but I'm wondering if it will help on its own.
>
>
> Have you ever tried Anafranil (clomipramine) ?
>
> I see you have already tried Seroquel so that wasn't going to be a suggestion for an add-on. There's always Zyprexa or Geodon.
>
> Mainly the minimum dosage should be used in this case as the interaction between SSRIs and APs are unknown -- there is plenty of evidence that they can help hard cases of OCD.
>
>
> But then there's the theory in psychiatry that less medicine and paring down the number of medications is always better.
>
> What sort of OCD is occurring?
>
> Remember that if you do have OCD, it is a lifetime disorder for most (I do -- I fought off a bad episode at 17) but there is also CBT (behavioral therapy) that is equally effective and the right SSRI or TCA at a respectable dose along with it helps more. Once you have the tools (CBT) you can keep using them in your life.
>
> Has your doctor ever suggested or have you ever looked into the OC Foundation (http://www.ocfoundation.org/)
>
>
> There is no "magic cure" for OCD, a pill won't wipe it out and I don't think you want (I'm not trying to be facetious) to be one of the 100 or less patients in the US who have a cingulotomy surgery every year.
>
>
> -- best wishes
>
> Jay
>Hey thanks for the long response. I tried Anafranil last year but it totally wiped me out and I just couldn't afford to be incapacitated for a week while I was in the midst of college so I quit after a few days. Also, it had the same sexual side effects as the SSRIs, which is why I'm not taking an SSRI in the first place.
As far as Zyprexa or Geodon, I always just assumed that they wouldn't do any more for my OCD than Seroquel so I stuck with the Seroquel (mostly for sleep and agitation).
As far as what kind of OCD, I've got several. The most potent and difficult to deal with aspect of my OCD is contamination fears and cleaning. I also get disturbing intrusive thoughts, however Inositol has helped with that. I have some touching rituals which I have recently realized are more likely tics. I also get ideas in my head that I just obsess over for days. I can deal with most of that, but the contamination issue is really getting bad.
I'm really considering CBT but I think that SSRIs and TCAs probably aren't worth it. I can't tolerate a drug that gives me those sexual side effects. Levitra has worked for me but I don't like the idea of taking it a few times a week as a 20-year-old female. I have looked at the OC Foundation, there aren't any therapists listed in my area but I'm looking for someone. And I know a pill wont cure me, but I'm hoping Abilify will help take the edge off. I know I'll have to deal with this contamination stuff no matter what I'm on. (Although when I was on Effexor the OCD almost went COMPLETELY away.)
Well I think I've rambled enough. Thanks for taking the time to talk to me. :)
Posted by Kimbersaur on September 7, 2008, at 17:22:45
In reply to Re: Abilify for OCD?, posted by SLS on September 7, 2008, at 4:40:28
> > > Here's what's up:
> > >
> > > I've been on Lamictal and Seroquel for years (currently 250mg Lam and 50mg Ser) due to mood problems (they said bipolar but I have my doubts). I used to be on Effexor as well for OCD but stopped because of side effects. My mood problems have been pretty much under control for the last few years (hence the bipolar doubts) but recently my OCD has reached ridiculous heights. I've tried a number of SSRIs and SNRIs and they work but I can't tolerate them due to side effects. My doctor just prescribed me Abilify 2mg for the OCD.
> > >
> > > So I guess my question is, has anyone here had any luck with Abilify for OCD? I realize it is usually used to augment an SSRI (in the case of OCD) but I'm wondering if it will help on its own.
> >
> >
> > Have you ever tried Anafranil (clomipramine) ?
> >
> > I see you have already tried Seroquel so that wasn't going to be a suggestion for an add-on. There's always Zyprexa or Geodon.
> >
> > Mainly the minimum dosage should be used in this case as the interaction between SSRIs and APs are unknown -- there is plenty of evidence that they can help hard cases of OCD.
> >
> >
> > But then there's the theory in psychiatry that less medicine and paring down the number of medications is always better.
> >
> > What sort of OCD is occurring?
> >
> > Remember that if you do have OCD, it is a lifetime disorder for most (I do -- I fought off a bad episode at 17) but there is also CBT (behavioral therapy) that is equally effective and the right SSRI or TCA at a respectable dose along with it helps more. Once you have the tools (CBT) you can keep using them in your life.
> >
> > Has your doctor ever suggested or have you ever looked into the OC Foundation (http://www.ocfoundation.org/)
> >
> >
> > There is no "magic cure" for OCD, a pill won't wipe it out and I don't think you want (I'm not trying to be facetious) to be one of the 100 or less patients in the US who have a cingulotomy surgery every year.
> >
> >
> > -- best wishes
> >
> > Jay
>
>
> Memantine (Namenda) is emerging as an accepted treatment for OCD - at least as an adjunct to other drugs. I don't know how effective it is as monotherapy.
>
>
> - ScottWow that is very interesting. Thanks!
Posted by Kimbersaur on September 7, 2008, at 17:29:00
In reply to Re: Abilify for OCD? » yxibow, posted by Phillipa on September 7, 2008, at 12:18:18
> Jay what is cingulatomy? Never heard that word before what about luvox? Phillipa
I've sort of given up on SSRI's since I've taken several and they have all cause sexual side effects. I'll probably end up trying Luvox one day if nothing else works.
Posted by Bob on September 7, 2008, at 19:02:08
In reply to Re: Abilify for OCD? » yxibow, posted by Phillipa on September 7, 2008, at 12:18:18
> Jay what is cingulatomy? Never heard that word before what about luvox? Phillipa
Phillipa,A cingulotomy is a neurosurgical procedure in which sterotactical lesions are created in the anterior cingulate gyrus region of the brain. This is accomplished by drilling two small holes in the top of the skull and inserting very thin wires down into the brain guided with imaging. When the end of the "electrodes" are verified to be in the correct position, heat is applied to essentially cauterize a small lesion in the localized brain tissue. The wires are then pulled out and the holes patched and allowed to heal. The theory is that interrupting the cingulate gyrus with the sterotactic lesions results in an eventual improvement in some psychiatric conditions, OCD being prime among them.
DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) is now being studied and a possible replacement/successor to the destructive psychosurgical techniques like cingulotomy. In DBS the leads/electrodes are left in and connected to a chest implanted generator. The generator or stimulator creates a repeating electrical stimulation of a certain programmable parameters which serves to interrupt brain activity in the area of electrode placement, e.g. the cingulate gyrus. The obvious benefit to this latter approach over procedures such as cingulotomy is that it would ostensibly be reversible.
- Bob
Posted by Phillipa on September 7, 2008, at 19:06:57
In reply to Re: Abilify for OCD? » Phillipa, posted by Bob on September 7, 2008, at 19:02:08
Thanks Bob sounds like something I wouldn't want ever. Do know about the DBS. Don't you continue to take meds afterwards as well? Thanks again. Phillipa
Posted by Bob on September 7, 2008, at 19:20:05
In reply to Re: Abilify for OCD? » Bob, posted by Phillipa on September 7, 2008, at 19:06:57
> Thanks Bob sounds like something I wouldn't want ever. Do know about the DBS. Don't you continue to take meds afterwards as well? Thanks again. Phillipa
I looked into both procedures, actually. The cingulotomy is only performed at a couple of university hospitals in the US any more. It used to be more widely practiced, but is very carefully controlled now. It's actually more common outside the US from what I can gather.DBS is currently being investigated with the early stages of medical trials. As time goes on hopefully it will work it's way towards FDA approval and availability. IMO, we need all the treatment options we can get. For me, meds have a disasterous mess. Who knows though, DBS could easily be a mess also.
Posted by Bob on September 7, 2008, at 19:26:21
In reply to Re: Abilify for OCD? » Bob, posted by Phillipa on September 7, 2008, at 19:06:57
> Thanks Bob sounds like something I wouldn't want ever. Do know about the DBS. Don't you continue to take meds afterwards as well? Thanks again. Phillipa
I would gather that the situation with meds would be something like with ECT. Might need them, might not. More than likely they would be needed.
Posted by Phillipa on September 7, 2008, at 23:43:59
In reply to Re: Abilify for OCD? » Phillipa, posted by Bob on September 7, 2008, at 19:26:21
Bob I think there is or was a DBS study in California recently. Phillipa
Posted by yxibow on September 8, 2008, at 6:09:41
In reply to Re: Abilify for OCD? )) yxibow, posted by Kimbersaur on September 7, 2008, at 17:20:49
> > > Here's what's up:
> > >
> > > I've been on Lamictal and Seroquel for years (currently 250mg Lam and 50mg Ser) due to mood problems (they said bipolar but I have my doubts). I used to be on Effexor as well for OCD but stopped because of side effects. My mood problems have been pretty much under control for the last few years (hence the bipolar doubts) but recently my OCD has reached ridiculous heights. I've tried a number of SSRIs and SNRIs and they work but I can't tolerate them due to side effects. My doctor just prescribed me Abilify 2mg for the OCD.
> > >
> > > So I guess my question is, has anyone here had any luck with Abilify for OCD? I realize it is usually used to augment an SSRI (in the case of OCD) but I'm wondering if it will help on its own.
> >
> >
> > Have you ever tried Anafranil (clomipramine) ?
> >
> > I see you have already tried Seroquel so that wasn't going to be a suggestion for an add-on. There's always Zyprexa or Geodon.
> >
> > Mainly the minimum dosage should be used in this case as the interaction between SSRIs and APs are unknown -- there is plenty of evidence that they can help hard cases of OCD.
> >
> >
> > But then there's the theory in psychiatry that less medicine and paring down the number of medications is always better.
> >
> > What sort of OCD is occurring?
> >
> > Remember that if you do have OCD, it is a lifetime disorder for most (I do -- I fought off a bad episode at 17) but there is also CBT (behavioral therapy) that is equally effective and the right SSRI or TCA at a respectable dose along with it helps more. Once you have the tools (CBT) you can keep using them in your life.
> >
> > Has your doctor ever suggested or have you ever looked into the OC Foundation (http://www.ocfoundation.org/)
> >
> >
> > There is no "magic cure" for OCD, a pill won't wipe it out and I don't think you want (I'm not trying to be facetious) to be one of the 100 or less patients in the US who have a cingulotomy surgery every year.
> >
> >
> > -- best wishes
> >
> > Jay
> >
>
> Hey thanks for the long response. I tried Anafranil last year but it totally wiped me out and I just couldn't afford to be incapacitated for a week while I was in the midst of college so I quit after a few days. Also, it had the same sexual side effects as the SSRIs, which is why I'm not taking an SSRI in the first place.
>
> As far as Zyprexa or Geodon, I always just assumed that they wouldn't do any more for my OCD than Seroquel so I stuck with the Seroquel (mostly for sleep and agitation).
>
> As far as what kind of OCD, I've got several. The most potent and difficult to deal with aspect of my OCD is contamination fears and cleaning. I also get disturbing intrusive thoughts, however Inositol has helped with that. I have some touching rituals which I have recently realized are more likely tics. I also get ideas in my head that I just obsess over for days. I can deal with most of that, but the contamination issue is really getting bad.
>
> I'm really considering CBT but I think that SSRIs and TCAs probably aren't worth it. I can't tolerate a drug that gives me those sexual side effects. Levitra has worked for me but I don't like the idea of taking it a few times a week as a 20-year-old female. I have looked at the OC Foundation, there aren't any therapists listed in my area but I'm looking for someone. And I know a pill wont cure me, but I'm hoping Abilify will help take the edge off. I know I'll have to deal with this contamination stuff no matter what I'm on. (Although when I was on Effexor the OCD almost went COMPLETELY away.)
>
> Well I think I've rambled enough. Thanks for taking the time to talk to me. :)
Not a problem -- rambling is fine.I have intrusive thoughts -- although there are many different definitions of what that is. "Pure O", or whatever it is called, is one single thought that is unwanted and repeated. Intrusive thoughts can be a panoply of "word salad" for a lack of a better layman's term.
I had a YBOCS (Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) of 39 out of 40 for washing when I was about your age, and it got to 7 hour showers.
I was hospitalized and in a day treatment program during and after and through CBT (I didnt actually want to take medication and I didnt start Prozac until afterwards) I have mostly eliminated that. There will always be vestiges with OCD but it is background to a major multi-diagnosis disorder which has some OC components to it, now.
My point is, yes, I understand the sexual side effects issue -- there are other things that can be added, like a scant amount of Wellbutrin, yohimbine (with caution, I don't know about females) and a few other things that doctors have tried. Its whether the benefits outweigh the risks of any multi-psychotropic therapy.
There is the possibility of taking short half life agents such as Paxil, and just removing the dose when.... the moment is needed. This is one other tactic.
I wish you well with whatever decision you make, but don't make it lightly, taking abilify and other agents and "going on" with life will not cure you of what you ail. They are palleatives and reduce what maybe a 40 out of 40 YBOCS for you too, I don't know.
Some form of life change has to occur as well and that is a task that is hardest to tackle. I know because I have to do it as well, to improve my chances in life along with a medication regime that needs to be pared down.
Meditation, relaxation therapy, occasional benzodiazepine augmentation are other things that can be used, as well as propranolol.
-- tidingsJay
Posted by Kimbersaur on September 10, 2008, at 21:40:27
In reply to Re: Abilify for OCD? )) yxibow » Kimbersaur, posted by yxibow on September 8, 2008, at 6:09:41
> > > > Here's what's up:
> > > >
> > > > I've been on Lamictal and Seroquel for years (currently 250mg Lam and 50mg Ser) due to mood problems (they said bipolar but I have my doubts). I used to be on Effexor as well for OCD but stopped because of side effects. My mood problems have been pretty much under control for the last few years (hence the bipolar doubts) but recently my OCD has reached ridiculous heights. I've tried a number of SSRIs and SNRIs and they work but I can't tolerate them due to side effects. My doctor just prescribed me Abilify 2mg for the OCD.
> > > >
> > > > So I guess my question is, has anyone here had any luck with Abilify for OCD? I realize it is usually used to augment an SSRI (in the case of OCD) but I'm wondering if it will help on its own.
> > >
> > >
> > > Have you ever tried Anafranil (clomipramine) ?
> > >
> > > I see you have already tried Seroquel so that wasn't going to be a suggestion for an add-on. There's always Zyprexa or Geodon.
> > >
> > > Mainly the minimum dosage should be used in this case as the interaction between SSRIs and APs are unknown -- there is plenty of evidence that they can help hard cases of OCD.
> > >
> > >
> > > But then there's the theory in psychiatry that less medicine and paring down the number of medications is always better.
> > >
> > > What sort of OCD is occurring?
> > >
> > > Remember that if you do have OCD, it is a lifetime disorder for most (I do -- I fought off a bad episode at 17) but there is also CBT (behavioral therapy) that is equally effective and the right SSRI or TCA at a respectable dose along with it helps more. Once you have the tools (CBT) you can keep using them in your life.
> > >
> > > Has your doctor ever suggested or have you ever looked into the OC Foundation (http://www.ocfoundation.org/)
> > >
> > >
> > > There is no "magic cure" for OCD, a pill won't wipe it out and I don't think you want (I'm not trying to be facetious) to be one of the 100 or less patients in the US who have a cingulotomy surgery every year.
> > >
> > >
> > > -- best wishes
> > >
> > > Jay
> > >
> >
> > Hey thanks for the long response. I tried Anafranil last year but it totally wiped me out and I just couldn't afford to be incapacitated for a week while I was in the midst of college so I quit after a few days. Also, it had the same sexual side effects as the SSRIs, which is why I'm not taking an SSRI in the first place.
> >
> > As far as Zyprexa or Geodon, I always just assumed that they wouldn't do any more for my OCD than Seroquel so I stuck with the Seroquel (mostly for sleep and agitation).
> >
> > As far as what kind of OCD, I've got several. The most potent and difficult to deal with aspect of my OCD is contamination fears and cleaning. I also get disturbing intrusive thoughts, however Inositol has helped with that. I have some touching rituals which I have recently realized are more likely tics. I also get ideas in my head that I just obsess over for days. I can deal with most of that, but the contamination issue is really getting bad.
> >
> > I'm really considering CBT but I think that SSRIs and TCAs probably aren't worth it. I can't tolerate a drug that gives me those sexual side effects. Levitra has worked for me but I don't like the idea of taking it a few times a week as a 20-year-old female. I have looked at the OC Foundation, there aren't any therapists listed in my area but I'm looking for someone. And I know a pill wont cure me, but I'm hoping Abilify will help take the edge off. I know I'll have to deal with this contamination stuff no matter what I'm on. (Although when I was on Effexor the OCD almost went COMPLETELY away.)
> >
> > Well I think I've rambled enough. Thanks for taking the time to talk to me. :)
>
>
> Not a problem -- rambling is fine.
>
> I have intrusive thoughts -- although there are many different definitions of what that is. "Pure O", or whatever it is called, is one single thought that is unwanted and repeated. Intrusive thoughts can be a panoply of "word salad" for a lack of a better layman's term.
>
> I had a YBOCS (Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) of 39 out of 40 for washing when I was about your age, and it got to 7 hour showers.
>
> I was hospitalized and in a day treatment program during and after and through CBT (I didnt actually want to take medication and I didnt start Prozac until afterwards) I have mostly eliminated that. There will always be vestiges with OCD but it is background to a major multi-diagnosis disorder which has some OC components to it, now.
>
> My point is, yes, I understand the sexual side effects issue -- there are other things that can be added, like a scant amount of Wellbutrin, yohimbine (with caution, I don't know about females) and a few other things that doctors have tried. Its whether the benefits outweigh the risks of any multi-psychotropic therapy.
>
>
> There is the possibility of taking short half life agents such as Paxil, and just removing the dose when.... the moment is needed. This is one other tactic.
>
>
> I wish you well with whatever decision you make, but don't make it lightly, taking abilify and other agents and "going on" with life will not cure you of what you ail. They are palleatives and reduce what maybe a 40 out of 40 YBOCS for you too, I don't know.
>
>
> Some form of life change has to occur as well and that is a task that is hardest to tackle. I know because I have to do it as well, to improve my chances in life along with a medication regime that needs to be pared down.
>
>
> Meditation, relaxation therapy, occasional benzodiazepine augmentation are other things that can be used, as well as propranolol.
>
>
> -- tidings
>
> JayHey, thank you for sharing about your life! My OCD isn't as bad as yours was at my age, but it definitely interferes with my daily life. The sexual side effects thing is hard... it is so frustrating to go through those side effects over and over again, and I hate the idea of taking a second drug just to counter the side effects of the first, but you have a very good point. If this whole Abilify thing doesn't work out I may just have to suck it up and take Cymbalta or Effexor again and try to find a way around the side effects. I wish there was a magic patience pill! :)
I'm wondering which SSRI's have short half lives? Last time I took Prozac it made me paranoid and Paxil made me manic...
Also, what exactly is propranolol?
Thank you so much for your time and advice, it means a lot coming from someone who knows what I'm going through. I think you are right about not being able to just take a pill and go on with life, and I am working on other avenues as well (starting with regular sleep and exercise!).
Take care,
Kim
Posted by yxibow on September 11, 2008, at 1:10:58
In reply to Re: Abilify for OCD? )) yxibow, posted by Kimbersaur on September 10, 2008, at 21:40:27
> Hey, thank you for sharing about your life! My OCD isn't as bad as yours was at my age, but it definitely interferes with my daily life. The sexual side effects thing is hard... it is so frustrating to go through those side effects over and over again, and I hate the idea of taking a second drug just to counter the side effects of the first, but you have a very good point. If this whole Abilify thing doesn't work out I may just have to suck it up and take Cymbalta or Effexor again and try to find a way around the side effects. I wish there was a magic patience pill! :)Don't we all -- benzodiazepines may calm oneself but they're not "magic", one just has to develop hope for the better days.
>
> I'm wondering which SSRI's have short half lives? Last time I took Prozac it made me paranoid and Paxil made me manic...Hmm.... Luvox is another, half to one day. Zoloft is about a day. Celexa and Lexapro are about two days, give or take. These though are not plasma level indicators, just half lives.
> Also, what exactly is propranolol?
Its a beta blocker, non-cardioselective (that's important, because it doesn't just affect the heart), used off label a lot for stage fright, and for the symptoms of anxiety, the primitive fight or flight system that we all have (and needed to run away from saber tooth tigers in the past) that can cause flushing and other anxiety symptoms, and also affects the peripherals, steadying hand shaking, etc.
It does not go after the actual anxiety itself like benzodiazepines but it can be taken for a much longer term without much habituation.
It comes with its own caveats of course -- namely that if you have a low pulse (say 40), one should be careful with beta blockers --- a cuff monitor from a drug store is always useful. And once a plasma level has developed, it cant be dropped without affecting the heart, so it should be lowered incrementally.
For some people they say it can be a depressant -- I'm not sure of that, I know it is a CNS depressant just like a lot of agents, so thats possible.
Its main other unwanted effects could be lightheadedness (which probably will go away with acclimation as long as one doesn't have a low pulse), and headache (which may go away -- probably due to vascular functions affected by pulse and the like).
> Thank you so much for your time and advice, it means a lot coming from someone who knows what I'm going through. I think you are right about not being able to just take a pill and go on with life, and I am working on other avenues as well (starting with regular sleep and exercise!).
Yes, mea culpa, I need more exercise, its just a complicated problem with my disorder finding how to cut calories which is the most I can do, and finding something, walking, anything that doesn't .... its too hard to describe what I visually see, sort of discontinuity and a lack of the normal gate present that discounts noise and visual motion and surroundings, etc within milliseconds... which makes the gym not a good thing at the moment.
I probably have some sort of sleep disorder, but keeping regular sleep is the only way out -- unfortunately I sometimes have to take naps or I cant continue functioning, and that affects sleep.> Take care,
>
> Kim
>
Thanks-- tidings
Jay
This is the end of the thread.
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