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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sheilac on April 14, 2011, at 17:52:44
A month ago I switched from Geodon back to Seroquel. I was taking 50mg of Seroquel at night which knocked me out. I also take 5mg of Adderall XR in the morning. In the evening I take 1mg of Klonopin. This combo was pretty good. The Seroquel was keeping me stable, but dull with no energy and almost depressed feeling during the day.
I have switched back to 40mg of Geodon in the evening with dinner. The problem is that it doesn't make me sleepy. I toss and turn. I feel less depressed during the day and have more energy, but I just can't sleep.
What gives?
I don't really want to take a sleep med.
Going back to the Seroquel means a life of dull unambition - just blah, but great sleep.
Posted by Christ_empowered on April 14, 2011, at 18:04:54
In reply to Geodon and sleep problems?, posted by Sheilac on April 14, 2011, at 17:52:44
Some people have found that raising the dose of seroquel a bit helps reduce sedation. I have no idea why this is the case, but it might be worth trying...now that there's a seroquel xr, you could take an XR plus as needed old-school seroquel for sleep. Just a suggestion.
Posted by Sheilac on April 14, 2011, at 18:09:17
In reply to Re: Geodon and sleep problems?, posted by Christ_empowered on April 14, 2011, at 18:04:54
I seem to feel more happy and outgoing on Geodon. Some people have told me that I am just feeling what "normal" is like on Seroquel. I love the sleep on Seroquel, but I feel so blah during the day.
Is one safer than the other?
Posted by Christ_empowered on April 14, 2011, at 19:13:29
In reply to Re: Geodon and sleep problems?, posted by Sheilac on April 14, 2011, at 18:09:17
Seroquel is fairly notorious for weight gain and sometimes causes metabolic disorders, such as diabetes. Taking metformin with the seroquel may help.
Geodon has more EPS, which may or may not translate into more tardive dyskinesia. Geodon also has a warning about potential cardiovascular problems, but that hasn't translated into any actual patient deaths (that we know of).
50mgs seroqel is highly sedating; I would think ramping it up, maybe with an xr+instant release combination, would reduce overall sedation. I could be wrong. Adding more adderall during the day could also help.
Posted by sheilac on April 15, 2011, at 7:59:01
In reply to Re: Geodon and sleep problems?, posted by Christ_empowered on April 14, 2011, at 19:13:29
Both of those side effects sound awful for me! My Dad had diabetes when he died and both sides of my family have heart issues (my mother has severe atrial fib). So, both meds sound scary to me!
Ugh!
I can't take Lamictil (due to side effects I had). I wish there were an easier drug to take that wouldn't make me fat, give me diabetes, make me dull and lifeless or cause heart problems.
I think this is why so many people go on and off meds!
Posted by Christ_empowered on April 15, 2011, at 8:05:57
In reply to Re: Geodon and sleep problems?, posted by sheilac on April 15, 2011, at 7:59:01
Geodon has a warning about prolonging the qTC interval. I'm not a doctor, so I have no idea what that means, but I think its linked with sudden death. Geodon itself, however, has not been linked to any greater number of sudden deaths than any other antipsychotic.
Yeah, meds can be rough. I personally find that Abilify is great, aside from the weight gain (which has stabilized, awesome). If you decide to try seroquel, there are some studies that seem to show that taking metformin with it reduces weight gain considerably and reduces the risk of diabetes.
Posted by sheilac on April 15, 2011, at 8:29:50
In reply to Re: Geodon and sleep problems?, posted by Christ_empowered on April 15, 2011, at 8:05:57
Yea, I ate like a little piggy on Abilify. Had to stop that drug!
I like Seroquel for the unbelievable sleep I get. But I just feel so blah the next day. Maybe that's what being stable is? Or maybe I just need to up the Adderall? Who knows. I tried Metformin and it upset my stomach something awful. I was constantly running to the bathroom.
With Geodon, I do get racing heart and some palps. But my mood is brighter and I engage more in life.
So, I'm not sure which to go with. It's like devil is better.
I just don't know.
This is the end of the thread.
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