Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 1098631

Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 78. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Switching from Abililfy to Saphris.

Posted by SLS on May 9, 2018, at 22:38:04

I have been taking 15 mg/day of Abilify for quite a few years. I gained 50 pounds and my triglycerides are 450 mg/dL. I would like to reverse these conditions. I took my first 5 mg dose of Saphris tonight. My plan is to cross-titrate the two drugs. My hope is that Saphris will provide approximately the same antidepressant effect as Abilify, but without the weight gain and metabolic side effects.

We shall see.


- Scott

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » SLS

Posted by ed_uk2010 on May 12, 2018, at 16:15:13

In reply to Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by SLS on May 9, 2018, at 22:38:04

I do hope it helps. Do let us know.

Do you have to take meds for your triglycerides at the moment?

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » ed_uk2010

Posted by SLS on May 12, 2018, at 18:47:22

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » SLS, posted by ed_uk2010 on May 12, 2018, at 16:15:13

> I do hope it helps. Do let us know.
>
> Do you have to take meds for your triglycerides at the moment?

The last time I saw my primary doctor, she prescribed Lovaza. My insurance wouldn't cover it, so I let it go. Had I known earlier that metformin reduced triglycerides, I would have asked for it. I don't want to start taking it now, though. I will wait to see how my trial of Saphris goes. With a bit of luck, I won't need metformin.

Thanks for asking.


- Scott

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » SLS

Posted by ed_uk2010 on May 13, 2018, at 16:00:08

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » ed_uk2010, posted by SLS on May 12, 2018, at 18:47:22

Hi Scott,

Lovaza is a convenient and concentrated, but expensive, way of taking fish oil.

Why not reduce your triglycerides by taking a more affordable fish oil supplement?

Metformin can reduce triglycerides slightly, but generally less than the usual treatments such as fish oil products or statins.

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » ed_uk2010

Posted by SLS on May 13, 2018, at 19:55:54

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » SLS, posted by ed_uk2010 on May 13, 2018, at 16:00:08

Hi Ed.

> Lovaza is a convenient and concentrated, but expensive, way of taking fish oil.

It is unconscionable what they charge for simple fish oil. Purified? How much could it possibly cost?

> Why not reduce your triglycerides by taking a more affordable fish oil supplement?

I'll consider that.

> Metformin can reduce triglycerides slightly, but generally less than the usual treatments such as fish oil products or statins.

Hopefully, I will be able to discontinue Abilify in favor of Saphris. If my triglycerides remain high after stabilizing on Saphris, I think I'll have to look seriously into doing something about it. I'm not sure what to try first, though.

What are the long-term adverse effects of taking a statin?

Thanks.

Hope you are doing well.


- Scott

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » SLS

Posted by ed_uk2010 on May 14, 2018, at 15:09:03

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » ed_uk2010, posted by SLS on May 13, 2018, at 19:55:54

Hi Scott,

I'm doing OK thanks :)

>>Why not reduce your triglycerides by taking a more affordable fish oil supplement?
>
> I'll consider that.

We have loads of supermarket brands, often costing about £0.05 per 1g capsule. Maybe worth a try? You'd need several capsules a day though, due to the lower amounts of EPA/DHA per capsule than Lovaza.

>I'm not sure what to try first, though.
>
> What are the long-term adverse effects of taking a statin?

Some people have intolerance with muscle pain, but I wouldn't say that's a long-term adverse effect.

Effects on mental health are conflicting... usually none, I suspect, but both improved and worsened depression have been reported.

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris.

Posted by Christ_empowered on May 14, 2018, at 19:17:53

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » SLS, posted by ed_uk2010 on May 14, 2018, at 15:09:03

hi. the "alternative" health people say that if you take a statin, its a good idea to take a quality coenzyme q10 supplement, too. as always...check with a doctor, of course.

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » Christ_empowered

Posted by SLS on May 14, 2018, at 20:42:05

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Christ_empowered on May 14, 2018, at 19:17:53

> hi. the "alternative" health people say that if you take a statin, its a good idea to take a quality coenzyme q10 supplement, too. as always...check with a doctor, of course.

Thanks, C_E.


- Scott

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris.

Posted by SLS on May 14, 2018, at 20:54:38

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » Christ_empowered, posted by SLS on May 14, 2018, at 20:42:05

Abilify -> Saphris

Day 5. So far, so good.

I was taking Abilify for bipolar depression. My objective for switching medications was to find a replacement for Abilify that wouldn't produce weight-gain and high triglycerides. I would have been happy just to "break even" with respect to antidepressant effect. However, right now, I feel better on Saphris than I did on Abilify. In addition, my appetite has been reduced and I feel full more quickly during a meal.


- Scott

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » SLS

Posted by ed_uk2010 on May 16, 2018, at 14:05:26

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by SLS on May 14, 2018, at 20:54:38

That's good news. Have you stopped aripiprazole completely now? How much asenapine are you taking?

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris.

Posted by SLS on May 17, 2018, at 7:48:04

In reply to Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by SLS on May 9, 2018, at 22:38:04

> I have been taking 15 mg/day of Abilify for quite a few years. I gained 50 pounds and my triglycerides are 450 mg/dL. I would like to reverse these conditions. I took my first 5 mg dose of Saphris tonight. My plan is to cross-titrate the two drugs. My hope is that Saphris will provide approximately the same antidepressant effect as Abilify, but without the weight gain and metabolic side effects.
>
> We shall see.

So far, so good. I have been on Saphris 10 mg/day for a week, and discontinued Abilify 3 days ago. I feel better now than I did before making the switch. Of course it could be temporary. Abilify leaves the body somewhat slowly. Its half-life is 3 days. However, I remain optimistic. I have more energy and accomplish a bit more during the day. My thought speed and memory have improved. I am more social. My affect is less flat and my thoughts and feelings are more positive. I still suffer from laziness and a lack of interest and motivation. I also remain in a brain fog and stare off into space a lot. These things, while being symptoms of depression, are made worse by Parnate. This is my reason for wanting to switch from Parnate to Trintellix. I will do this once I have been stabilized on Saphris for a few weeks. Trintellix was my doctor's idea. I originally wanted to go back to Effexor, a drug that I have had partial success with in the past. His idea is much better. I am excited to make the switch.


- Scott

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » SLS

Posted by ed_uk2010 on May 20, 2018, at 9:56:23

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by SLS on May 17, 2018, at 7:48:04

>Abilify leaves the body somewhat slowly.
>I still suffer from laziness...

Perhaps that will improve as aripiprazole exits your system. I would imagine that having two antipsychotics on board will not be helpful in that respect.

Hope you continue to improve over the next week or two :)

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris.

Posted by Lamdage22 on May 25, 2018, at 12:13:10

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » SLS, posted by ed_uk2010 on May 20, 2018, at 9:56:23

are you lazy in a way normal people are?

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » Lamdage22

Posted by SLS on May 25, 2018, at 12:54:40

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Lamdage22 on May 25, 2018, at 12:13:10

> are you lazy in a way normal people are?

That's a great question. I would say no. The "laziness" is actually a combination of anergia and amotivation along with a loss of interest in doing things. It feels like laziness, but is actually a cluster of well-recognized symptoms of depression. A person with depression can't find the resources to be active and goal-directed, no matter how hard they try.


- Scott

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris.

Posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 4:39:54

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » Lamdage22, posted by SLS on May 25, 2018, at 12:54:40

> > are you lazy in a way normal people are?
>
> That's a great question. I would say no. The "laziness" is actually a combination of anergia and amotivation along with a loss of interest in doing things. It feels like laziness, but is actually a cluster of well-recognized symptoms of depression. A person with depression can't find the resources to be active and goal-directed, no matter how hard they try.

Well i think it depends on how severe it is. I have picked up running and wakeboarding. I dont know why i am able to do that now whereas before i was not. My bet is that it is because ofhealthy eating and supplements!

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris.

Posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 4:44:30

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 4:39:54

And some willpower, too. I dont know where it came from but it is there. I am proud to do exercise although my motivation was not exactly sky high.

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris.

Posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 5:03:35

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 4:39:54

All i am saying is that we should do whatever we can do. Is Saphris sedating at all? If Seroquel would be a 10 in terms of sedation, how does Saphris compare?

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris.

Posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 5:54:19

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 4:39:54

All i am saying is that we should do whatever we can do. Is Saphris sedating at all? If Seroquel would be a 10 in terms of sedation, how does Saphris compare?

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris.

Posted by SLS on May 28, 2018, at 12:32:18

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 5:54:19

> All i am saying is that we should do whatever we can do. Is Saphris sedating at all? If Seroquel would be a 10 in terms of sedation, how does Saphris compare?

I found Saphris to be mildly sedating during the first few days of treatment. After that, I hardly knew that I was taking it.


- Scott

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris.

Posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 15:47:54

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 5:54:19

and it gets the job of protecting you from mania and psychosis done?

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris.

Posted by SLS on May 29, 2018, at 23:53:02

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 15:47:54

> and it gets the job of protecting you from mania and psychosis done?

That is very astute of you. That is my hope. I did not experience a single manic episode during the 13 years that I took Abilify for. I have had manic reactions to MAOIs in the past. With a little luck, Saphris will help with depression and prevent mania.

I performed an experiment with Saphris. I stopped taking it. I wanted to be sure that it was absolutely necessary before moving on to months of different drug trials. I was so excited that I felt better on Saphris, but I wanted to explore the possibility that my improvement was due to the discontinuance of Abilify. After a week without Saphris, my bipolar depression deteriorated rapidly. I restarted it this afternoon. I allowed several days to pass before I began to descend into the abyss. I pushed and pushed as my conditionn grew worses and worse. I guess I have my answer. Now comes allowing the neuroendocrine systems to settle down under its new conditions. Once I feel stable, I will taper and discontinue Parnate in preparation for taking Trintellix.


- Scott

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris.

Posted by Lamdage22 on May 30, 2018, at 2:55:41

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by SLS on May 29, 2018, at 23:53:02

It sounds like it is helping. Did you do alot of destructive stuff when you were manic/psychotic?

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris.

Posted by Lamdage22 on May 30, 2018, at 3:05:23

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Lamdage22 on May 30, 2018, at 2:55:41

Did your food cravings lessen? If not you can still try Metformin. It sounds like it could help you.

Are you still volunteering?

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris.

Posted by SLS on May 30, 2018, at 6:04:10

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Lamdage22 on May 30, 2018, at 3:05:23

Hi Lamdage.

My manias were indeed severe and overtly psychotic. Religiosity was the major theme. Mania for me is generally dysphoric. Parnate more so than Nardil. Although I was energetic and industrious at the beginning of each mania, the mania became destructive as it grew more severe. I lost my job and my marriage.

My depression has eased this morning. I took a 10 mg dose yesterday. It was too much all at once. I thought I could take a loading dose. I was impatient. I was left dizzy and sedated. It wasn't pleasant. I'm okay now, and will remain at 10 mg/day taken in divided doses.

Thanks for reminding me about metformin. If I have the same weight-gain and triglycerides issues with Saphris that I had with Abilify, I will ask my doctor about it.

I'm not volunteering right now. I left my position last August when my mother had spinal surgery. Afterwards, I had my bout with septic shock. The commute was getting too expensive, anyway. My guess is that I will feel employable later this summer as I eventually discontinue the Parnate and move on to Trintellix and Effexor.

Do you have a plan in place to treat your condition(s)? Have you reduced your dosage of Seroquel?

I always appreciate your kind concern.


- Scott

 

Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris.

Posted by Lamdage22 on May 30, 2018, at 9:42:12

In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by SLS on May 30, 2018, at 6:04:10

> Hi Lamdage.
>
> My manias were indeed severe and overtly psychotic. Religiosity was the major theme. Mania for me is generally dysphoric. Parnate more so than Nardil. Although I was energetic and industrious at the beginning of each mania, the mania became destructive as it grew more severe. I lost my job and my marriage.

I am sorry to hear that. I was destructive, too, but everyone involved forgave me. Also religious. You werent angry that a psychmed sent you into that? I was for sure.

> I'm not volunteering right now. I left my position last August when my mother had spinal surgery. Afterwards, I had my bout with septic shock. The commute was getting too expensive, anyway. My guess is that I will feel employable later this summer as I eventually discontinue the Parnate and move on to Trintellix and Effexor.

I watched your experiment with Saphris with some concern but i changed my mind. I hope the other change pays works out for you as well. I am kind of conservative. I rather not try everything because of the risks involved. It could be better with a new med, but it could also be worse. Thats kind of my thinking here. I am pretty stable and i dont want to mess this up.

> Do you have a plan in place to treat your condition(s)? Have you reduced your dosage of Seroquel?

I have gone from 1000mg to 900mg. But i did not have the nasal congestion again. I have picked up frequent exercise again and besides that i am kind of waiting for stuff like Rapastinel to come onto the market.
>
> I always appreciate your kind concern.
>
>
> - Scott

Sure thing;)


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