Posted by Sunnely on May 17, 2001, at 18:51:54
In reply to Re: Zyprexa, Risperdal fears » Lawrence s., posted by Cam W. on May 17, 2001, at 8:43:30
Hi Cam,
Thanks for a crystal clear explanation.
Hope you're doing fine.
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> Lawrence - "Antipsychotic" is just a name. We are finding that the receptor binding profile of the so-called "atypical antipsychotics" allows them to be successfully used in many conditions outside of psychosis (eg. mania, aggression, augmentor of antidepressants, etc.). The atypical antipsychotics probably should be called "mood modifiers".
>
> The same is true for SSRIs. They should not be called antidepressants as they have activity in a number of nondepressive disorders, as well (eg. PMDD, social phobia, OCD, etc.). The problem with labels is that they stigmatize people; either self-induced stigmatization or second-hand, through a second party. One has to look beyond the label to see the person. Unfortunately, political correctness has not fully hit the psychiatric medication. Actually stigmatization starts when you realize that you need to see a doctor for a psychiatric problem.
>
> Also, the older antipsyhotics (conventional neuroleptics, major tranquillers, etc.) need not be taken for life. In many instances they were, and are, used short term (ie. brief psychotic episodes, flare-ups of bipolar mania, intractable hiccups, etc.). There is no need to worry about getting addicted to antipsychotics, nor do you need to worry about getting a psychosis by taking them.
>
> This is not to say that Risperdal™ (risperidone) and Zyprexa (olanzapine) do not have side effects that need to be considered. With Risperdal one needs to stay on low loses (less than 6mg/day) to avoid movement disorders and to try an minimize prolactin (hormone) elevations. These can occur in some people. With Zyprexa one needs to worry about weight gain (which can be controlled with exercise, diet, and diligent monitoring of weight). Again, not everyone gains weight, but many do.
>
> You can do a search of this board for Zyprexa and Risperdal if you need more information on these drugs.
>
> Hope this of some help - Cam
poster:Sunnely
thread:63316
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010515/msgs/63393.html