Posted by Chris A. on March 14, 2001, at 21:35:42
In reply to Re: ADVICE PLEASE-Want to try Geodon, but TD risk? » Chris A., posted by ShelliR on March 14, 2001, at 15:57:51
Shelli,
Thanks for the link. Now I know why my consultant suggested taking 2,000 IU of vit E a day. I thought it was a bit high, as it can have side effects, but so far so good. It's on my list to ask about when I see him again. Increasing intake of other antioxidants makes sense for a lot of reasons. Tardive dyskinesia is now the first reason on my list to take them.
When my TD appeared I was taking 2 mgs of pherphenazine. Some of us are just blessed with vulnerable central nervous systems. Geodon is the first atypical AP that I've been able to tolerate at all, so you're not alone there. This is day five, so it's a little early to give a full report. Perhaps it's a bit premature to take out stock in Pfizer. They make half of the meds I take.Have you found Omega 3s that you can tolerate? I was taking about nine grams daily (six of EPA and three of DHA), but haven't been able to tolerate them the last few months. I wondered if restarting anticonvulsants had anything to do with the dyspahagia. They don't seem to want to stay put after I swallow them anymore. They keep revisiting. Considering the multitude of health benefits it is definitely the way to go if it works. My preference is for Alaskan Salmon oil since it has the least probability of contamination. The last thing my brain needs is methylmercury.
I don't go above 200 mg of Lamictal because on higher doses it was speculated that it could be contributing to my ultra-rapid cycling. I'm sorry to hear about the weight gain you've experienced with it. I have names for most of the anticonvulsants and atypical APs in regards to their propensity to add the weight, but never considered one for Lamictal. How about lamotri-mountain? Not funny, is it. If I could get by on just Lamictal and Geodon without debilitating side effects it would be great. There are still days I wonder what would happen if I ditched all meds, something I preach against for those of us with bipolar. When a pharmacist asked me if I was going to be able to carry all of my meds it was a wake-up call. I would like to avoid the Klonopin and the Ambien as they probably don't enhance cognitive functioning.
Perhaps the ziprasidone will help with my tangential thinking and writing.
Thanks for caring. Keep me posted on your progress. Temporary use of an atypical AP should be fairly safe as far as TD goes.
Blessings,
Chris A.
poster:Chris A.
thread:56412
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010310/msgs/56543.html