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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Phil on April 17, 2015, at 7:07:23
When I started meds 30 years ago, I weighed 170. I'm almost 100 pounds heavier now thanks to Zyprexa and Seroquel.
I had a two week severe depression and anxiety out the *ss. That was at 600mg's. I told my doctor that I upped Seroquel to 900 and he said let's go with that. I didn't realize that it hasn't been tested at that dose. He had to talk to Medicare to get the dose approved.
I've started walking and still gained 7 pounds in a week.
Now I'm pissed. I want off of this sh*t but I have few other options unless someone here has a miracle pill that is covered by Medicare.
The anxiety and depression were so bad that I couldn't really function. Even if Medicare covered a 'newer med' it will get me into the "donut hole" quicker where they don't pay about 55% of the cost. BTW, I'm on 2000mg of Metformin. It worked amazing at one time. I think the AP dose is so high now that Metformin doesn't do sh*t.
Sorry for my language, you should hear me in person. I'm not willing to get on another older AP because that opens a whole new bag of problems. So, wtf is one supposed to do?
Posted by Lamdage22 on April 17, 2015, at 8:04:03
In reply to Fk antipsychotics, posted by Phil on April 17, 2015, at 7:07:23
You are supposed to try Metformin ASAP.
It really works against weight gain for many people.
Posted by Lamdage22 on April 17, 2015, at 8:05:26
In reply to Fk antipsychotics, posted by Phil on April 17, 2015, at 7:07:23
Oh sorry you already take it.
Metformin can only do so much. My guess is it is still working.
Its just that taking these two meds together is the worst mix you can be on.
I can relate. I take the same meds.
Posted by Lamdage22 on April 17, 2015, at 8:07:44
In reply to Fk antipsychotics, posted by Phil on April 17, 2015, at 7:07:23
Im reducing my meds. 2.5 mg less Zyprexa or 100mg less Seroquel.
Every three months. Thats my plan.
Posted by Phil on April 17, 2015, at 9:21:31
In reply to Re: Fk antipsychotics, posted by Lamdage22 on April 17, 2015, at 8:07:44
Good luck. I think I woke up a little frustrated today. I shouldn't post after stepping on the scale.
Posted by Christ_empowered on April 17, 2015, at 9:32:34
In reply to Re: Fk antipsychotics » Lamdage22, posted by Phil on April 17, 2015, at 9:21:31
Abilify made me fat. Docs are all "no, you made yourself fat," and I'm like...your f*cking over priced tranquilizer miracle cure all is a fatty pill! But nobody cares what a mental patient says.
I'm currently on a lowish dose wellbutrin sr and I'm losing a bit of weight. I'm hoping it'll help over the long haul, because my pdoc refuses to Rx contrave or metformin. :-(
Posted by Lamdage22 on April 17, 2015, at 11:24:32
In reply to Re: Fk antipsychotics, posted by Christ_empowered on April 17, 2015, at 9:32:34
What happened christ empowered?
You sounded so well the other day!
@Phil: I think the only feasible thing you can do is try to slowly withdraw and at the same time stay on Metformin.
How come you are taking two APs? (i know i currently do the same thing).
Posted by SLS on April 17, 2015, at 17:29:36
In reply to Fk antipsychotics, posted by Phil on April 17, 2015, at 7:07:23
I don't know what your main symptoms are, but Geodon, Latuda, and Saphris are pretty much weight-neutral. I am partial to Saphris. It seems to be particular good for bipolar depression and for psychotic disorders where paranoia is an issue.
I am trying Saphris right now for bipolar depression. I don't know if the drug is responsible for my feeling better, but I intend to give it a full trial.
Feel better, Phil.
- Scott
Posted by Lamdage22 on April 18, 2015, at 3:07:22
In reply to Re: Fk antipsychotics » Phil, posted by SLS on April 17, 2015, at 17:29:36
I never tried saphris but i heard that its not terribly effective against psychosis??
Posted by Lamdage22 on April 18, 2015, at 6:57:04
In reply to Re: Fk antipsychotics, posted by Lamdage22 on April 18, 2015, at 3:07:22
Scott,
is saphris an option for me?
I heard its not approved for schizo in Germany because it is weak? Is it?
Posted by Phil on April 18, 2015, at 12:15:02
In reply to Re: Fk antipsychotics, posted by Lamdage22 on April 17, 2015, at 11:24:32
We dropped the Latuda. Wasn't helping.
Posted by Phil on April 18, 2015, at 12:17:40
In reply to Re: Fk antipsychotics » Phil, posted by SLS on April 17, 2015, at 17:29:36
Thanks Scott. My problem is that every expensive med that I take gets me closer to the Medicare donut hole. Even if they worked I would be paying half which is impossible right now.
Posted by europerep on April 18, 2015, at 12:42:14
In reply to Re: Fk antipsychotics@Scott saphris, posted by Lamdage22 on April 18, 2015, at 6:57:04
> is saphris an option for me?
>
> I heard its not approved for schizo in GermanyAsenapine is available in Germany under the trade name Sycrest, as 5mg and 10mg sublingual tablets.
Just wanted to point that out in case you might want to try it...
Posted by Lamdage22 on April 18, 2015, at 13:47:52
In reply to Re: Fk antipsychotics@Scott saphris » Lamdage22, posted by europerep on April 18, 2015, at 12:42:14
> > is saphris an option for me?
> >
> > I heard its not approved for schizo in Germany
>
> Asenapine is available in Germany under the trade name Sycrest, as 5mg and 10mg sublingual tablets.
>
> Just wanted to point that out in case you might want to try it...
>
>Its only approved for mania here
Posted by europerep on April 18, 2015, at 15:43:37
In reply to Re: Fk antipsychotics@Scott saphris, posted by Lamdage22 on April 18, 2015, at 13:47:52
> Its only approved for mania here
Ah ok, that may be, I just knew that it was marketed and available in Germany. And generally speaking, psychiatrists are quite willing to go off-label if there is a good case for it.
Posted by Horse on April 18, 2015, at 16:39:21
In reply to Fk antipsychotics, posted by Phil on April 17, 2015, at 7:07:23
FYI saphris was not weight neutral in my case.... Good anti anxiety and depression, great for sleep. Metabolism took a big hit.
Posted by SLS on April 19, 2015, at 9:34:59
In reply to Re: Fk antipsychotics, posted by Horse on April 18, 2015, at 16:39:21
Hi Horse.
> FYI saphris was not weight neutral in my case.... Good anti anxiety and depression, great for sleep. Metabolism took a big hit.
Can you provide some more details regarding weight gain?
1. Dosage?
2. Length of treatment?
3. Amount of weight gain?Thank you.
- Scott
Posted by Chris O on May 13, 2015, at 0:37:57
In reply to Fk antipsychotics, posted by Phil on April 17, 2015, at 7:07:23
I'm with you on the Fk AP sentiment. I have three APs in my medicine cabinet right now--Abilify, Seroquel and Risperdal--and I cannot, for the life of me, bring myself to take any of them. I know that if any AP did work, I would have take it long term, and I cannot imagine sacrificing my body for whatever (probably fleeting) positive effects the APs might give me. I hope you can find a way out of your frustrating situation.
On the other hand, I am glad my psychiatrist is willing to go down any pharmaceutical road to treat my lifelong depression and anxiety. It's better having a p-doc who will take risks and be there with you than one who has preconceived notions about what meds will and will not work with various patients. Just my two cents.
Chris
Posted by Phil on May 13, 2015, at 10:44:34
In reply to Re: Fk antipsychotics » Phil, posted by Chris O on May 13, 2015, at 0:37:57
Thanks Chris. I hear you.
This is the end of the thread.
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