Posted by Sunnely on October 24, 2001, at 20:47:23
In reply to Slowly Switching from Seroquel to Geodon - Help, posted by Jane Doh on October 24, 2001, at 0:11:56
Insomnia is a common complaint of people on Geodon especially in the early part of treatment. So when switching from Seroquel to Geodon, you may start substituting Geodon for the daytime doses of Seroquel. Taper down the bedtime dose of Seroquel last. The bedtime dose of Seroquel will hopefully alleviate the insomnia that you may experience while initiating Geodon.
Geodon is taken in at least 2 divided doses with food. By the time you see your psychiatrist on Nov. 5, based on his recommendation for substitution, you have substituted 80 mg/day of Geodon to 400 mg/day (out of 500 mg/day) of Seroquel.
Right before your next visit, your Geodon dose may be as follows: 40 mg at 9 am and 40 mg at 5 pm and Seroquel 100 mg bedtime. If this regimen still causes insomnia, you may take the bulk of Geodon in the morning (e.g., 60 mg) and lesser in the afternoon (e.g., 20 mg), and/or slowly taper down the bedtime dose of Seroquel (e.g., 300 mg instead of 200 mg, or 200 mg instead of 100 mg).
Depending on your comfort level, it is also possible that the substitution process from Seroquel to Geodon may take a little longer than your doc anticipated.
Another possible reaction you may experience with Geodon that you may not with Seroquel is anxiety even restlessness. Also, some people report increased activation even becoming "hyper" when started on or switched to Geodon.
> I was taking 500mg of Seroquel, 100mg 9am, 100mg 5pm and 300mg at bedtime. Then, I was still having visual hallucinations and hearing voices - scaring me to death like I'd never been before in my entire life!!
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> I felt that to add more Seroquel would be over-medicating - it already knocks me out like a horse - I'm 5'6" 115 lbs. But, the hallucinations and voices would only occur in the middle of the night or early in the morning.
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> So, my new psychiatrist just now put me on Geodon like I'd requested - he said, substitut 1-20mg pill for 1-100mg of Seroquel slowly until you are taking 80mg of Geodon by the next time I see you. Which is not until Nov.5.
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> My question is - since Geodon doesn't come with a "drowsy" warning on it, when should I take the Geodon? Should I take the whole she-bang at night? Should I split it up? Please help me. Any and all advice is welcome.
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> Thank you my peers,
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> Jane
poster:Sunnely
thread:82141
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011015/msgs/82229.html