Posted by ed_uk2010 on December 2, 2013, at 12:20:13
In reply to Re: Thoughts on Haldol for schizoaffective? » ed_uk2010, posted by Phillipa on December 1, 2013, at 20:50:42
> Ed perfect answer and it is all true. Listen to Ed Phillipa
Thanks PJ. Haloperidol CAN work well, but it can also cause many side effects (but so can Zyprexa etc). Personally, I would generally recommend trying a range of different atypicals before going on haloperidol long term eg. Abilify, Seroquel, Risperdal etc. In countries where is it available, amisulpride (Solian) is also a very useful option. Clozapine (Clozaril) is usually the most effective antipsychotic of all, but required tonnes of blood tests and is used more in schizophrenia than schizoaffective. Still, it remains a possibility which can sometimes work wonders.
With respect to trying Risperdal, be careful with the dose. It's often very tolerable at low doses and very intolerable at high doses!
A similar but possibly somewhat 'milder' drug similar to haloperidol is perphenazine, which may suit pts who respond well to haloperidol. Here in the UK, pts who do well on old antipsychotics often go on a 2-4 weekly long-acting injection, but this is only recommended if the drug is well tolerated and tablet taking erratic, more commonly in schizophrenia than schizoaffective disorder.
I hope you find something that works well with minimal side effects. One good thing is the increasing number of choices which are available.
Chris_empowered mentioned using supplements. One supplement which may be useful in depressive and psychotic disorders is omega-3 fish oil capsules. It might be worth a visit to the health food store.
Take care
ed_uk
poster:ed_uk2010
thread:1055156
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20131115/msgs/1055219.html