Posted by yxibow on December 5, 2008, at 23:43:12
In reply to Re: what is a good med for agitation?, posted by Sigismund on December 5, 2008, at 22:56:33
> Agitation is not the same as anxiety, is it?
Depends in the context, but probably not exactly the same, no -- "agitated depression" is a mixed state in the bipolar spectrum, for example.
Agitation is more akin to irritability, which in the spectrum could be stronger interpreted as rage, usually, unless, as noted, it is something completely different, a side effect, like akathisia due to an neuroleptic, or rarely to TCAs and SSRIs.
Irritability can float both in the depressive realm and other spectrums, rage or frustration at oneself due to their perceived status in life.
The same medications that may help agitation or irritability of course have the usual long laundry list of things that could induce a state of mania.
But to say, what is the best medication for agitation doesn't give the ICD/DSM-IV-TR analysis of what is going on. Its pretty hard to tell someone what to possibly ask their doctor about if you don't know what the diagnosis is?What is the diagnosis and are there medications that are inducing agitation or mania rather than helping ?
I mean one could simply say, well a benzodiazepine, but that might have little effect on someone who better responds to stimulants as calming agents. Clonidine is sometimes used, mostly for childhood, ADHD, agitation. Lamictal or lithium would be possibilities for manic like states that have agitation.I think more information about your condition and asking your doctor obviously would be helpful.
-- tidings
Jay
poster:yxibow
thread:866939
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081204/msgs/866954.html