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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sheilac on July 18, 2016, at 9:26:41
My husband's neurologist said I should not be taking Geodon due to the risk factors of diabetes, weight gain, tremors, heart issues, etc. I've heard these warnings before and wonder if I shouldn't stop taking Geodon altogether?
I have a love / hate relationship with Geodon. It helps with my depression, but causes some wild side effects (insomnia, sleeping in too late, weight gain, tremors, etc.).
I can always go up on my lithium, but I don't know if that would help my depression. I also take 2500mg of Keppra.
The only antidepressant I was able to take with pristiq and it caused terrible constipation, but maybe that's a side effect I could deal with in other ways.
I've been taking meds since 1990 and Geodon in various doses for the past 10 years. I'm worried that now might be the time to wean off Geodon and treat my bipolar rapid cycling another way. Maybe AAPs are just too bad. So many doctors have such strong opinions about AAPs.
Posted by Christ_empowered on July 18, 2016, at 11:02:10
In reply to Stopping Geodon? Depression?, posted by Sheilac on July 18, 2016, at 9:26:41
I think neuroleptics/tranquilizers/"antipsychotics" should be reserved for people who need them. If there's a strong psychotic component to your problems, then yes, I'd say your probably need a neuroleptic. If not...I'd avoid them. I say this as someone who takes 30mgs/Abilify per day, because of recurrent psychotic depression.
The risk of permanent side effects is very real. My personal advice would be to take Pristiq and deal with the constipation. I've found that very high dose vitamin c helps with that.
I hope you find something safe and effective.
Posted by SLS on July 18, 2016, at 11:12:36
In reply to Re: Stopping Geodon? Depression?, posted by Christ_empowered on July 18, 2016, at 11:02:10
> My personal advice would be to take Pristiq and deal with the constipation.
This is certainly a reasonable alternative. I didn't know that a SNRI had already been tried with good effect. I guess it is the SNRI properties of Geodon that make it work for Sheila as an antidepressant. However, she will probably need a potent anti-manic agent that can help stabilize mood. It would be nice to drop Geodon in favor of a SNRI and choose another antipsychotic as a mood stabilizer.
- Scott
Posted by Sheilac on July 18, 2016, at 12:26:29
In reply to Re: Stopping Geodon? Depression? » Christ_empowered, posted by SLS on July 18, 2016, at 11:12:36
My doc is recommending that I taper off Geodon and begin Rexulti. I've never heard of this Med and know nothing about it.
Since I'm concerned about the weight gain/hunger of lithium, she recommends we do t go higher than the 300mg I'm taking right now along with my maxed out dose of 2500mg Keppra.
Posted by Sheilac on July 18, 2016, at 12:29:03
In reply to Re: Stopping Geodon? Depression?, posted by Christ_empowered on July 18, 2016, at 11:02:10
How would you classify the disorder of someone who feels like a pot boiling and then the switch is flipped and the lid goes flying off the pot? Basically, uncontrollable rage episodes with anxiety & depression.
Is that why docs use AAPs?
Posted by SLS on July 18, 2016, at 13:47:39
In reply to Re: Stopping Geodon? Rexulti? » SLS, posted by Sheilac on July 18, 2016, at 12:26:29
> My doc is recommending that I taper off Geodon and begin Rexulti. I've never heard of this Med and know nothing about it.
>
> Since I'm concerned about the weight gain/hunger of lithium, she recommends we do t go higher than the 300mg I'm taking right now along with my maxed out dose of 2500mg Keppra.Reluxti (brexpiprazole) is a relative of Abilify (aripiprazole). It is supposed to have a reduced potential to produce akathisia than Abilify.
How much weight did you gain on Lithium?
- Scott
Posted by sheilac on July 18, 2016, at 14:09:23
In reply to Re: Stopping Geodon? Rexulti? » Sheilac, posted by SLS on July 18, 2016, at 13:47:39
I hope I don't gain weight on rexulti!
Lithium just makes me super hungry. I've probably gained about 5-6 lbs so far. Trying to keep the unbelievable hunger at bay is hard.
Posted by Christ_empowered on July 19, 2016, at 14:06:19
In reply to Re: Stopping Geodon? Rexulti? » SLS, posted by sheilac on July 18, 2016, at 14:09:23
Personally, I'd try to drop the lithium. Kidney damage is a very real, very common side effect of long term use.
Posted by jonhed on July 19, 2016, at 14:31:32
In reply to Stopping Geodon? Depression?, posted by Sheilac on July 18, 2016, at 9:26:41
I also think that you could maybe try to stop lithium and get on rexulti or abilify.
If you can tolerate these two drugs, they can do wonders for you!I think that sometimes doctors give people so much tranquilizers, and it's not needed in all cases.
Abilify in low doses are stimulating but at the same time antipsychotic.
Kinb regards / J
This is the end of the thread.
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