Posted by anita on October 8, 2000, at 19:23:03
In reply to Note on Zyprexa and Risperdal, posted by Cam W. on February 29, 2000, at 7:22:21
Hi Cam,
I came across this old post of yours, and was wondering if you had any thoughts about the difference in risperidone and zyprexa's hemispheric effects in regard to depression.
thanks,
anita>
> Amanda and John - One of our pharmacopsychologists (Scott Purdon) out here is doing CAT scan studies using Zyprexa, Risperdal, and others. He has suggested that Risperdal seems to work better for right frontal brain dysfunction and Zyprexa for left frontal brain dysfunction. I haven't heard any more on this in the past year, but I thought it was an interesting concept. Really, with all the 'less filling - tastes great' fighting that the respective drug company marketers are doing between Zyprexa and Risperdal, I think one should use the medication that works best for them. If the first drug tried takes that edge off enough then stick with it, but if symptoms aren't 'tamed' enough with an adequate trial, try the other. I use to say use Zyprexa first, but after a number of successes on low dose Risperdal, my mind is changing. Disadvantages of these meds: Zyprexa - weight gain, sedation; Risperdal - EPS (at doses above 6mg/day, sedation, prolactin increases (not usuually clinically significant). Also, I believe the best antipsychotic we have is Clozaril but blood tests and paperwork are annoying. It still seems that the more 'toxic' (or more annoying side effects) an antipsychotic is (or has), the better it works. I believe that Zyprexa does work better for someone who is showing more positive side effects or extreme mania, but Risperdal is good for taking the edge off of someone who has fewer psychotic symptoms. Sincerely - Cam W.
poster:anita
thread:24675
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000926/msgs/45977.html