Posted by SLS on January 26, 2014, at 8:22:24
In reply to Re: Dropping Trileptal, posted by Christ_empowered on January 26, 2014, at 7:40:41
> hey! OK, I guess I see Bipolar as being accurate. The problem, then, is getting a new mood stabilizer on board, because the Trileptal was definitely reducing the anti-crazy power of the Abilify :-(
Why did you start Trileptal in the first place? What benefits did it provide you?
> Lamictal? Like, 200-400mgs/day? I can get a starter pack in a couple weeks. Thanks for all your help.
I question the bipolar diagnosis. I don't think you have provided enough information to rule-out schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. During those periods of time when you discontinued Abilify, can you describe what you experienced? Any paranoia? Auditory hallucinations?
If you are schizoaffective, bipolar type, then that should reinforce the need for one or two antipsychotics. That you are bipolar type might call for a mood stabilizer, but an antipsychotic alone can provide anti-psychotic, anti-manic, and anti-depressant effects all at the same time. Can you provide a list of your symptoms that occur when you do not take any medication?
Lamictal is a poor antimanic and of questionably value as a true mood stabilizer, although it can provide relief from any bipolar depression that you might experience.
You might look at Saphris (asenapine) for schizoaffective disorder. I have seen it work wonders in combination with Navane (thiothixene) for schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. It can provide antipsychotic (including paranoia) and antidepressant effects. It is often energizing. It can also clear up one's thoughts and reduce brain-fog. I don't think Saphris has been approved as an antimanic drug, but many antipsychotics effectively treat mania. If I were you, and Abilify monotherapy is insufficient to control your illness, I would consider adding a second complementary antipsychotic temporarily and then reduce the Abilify gradually to see if you still need it. It may be that Saphris monotherapy will still allow for mania, but Abilify would probably serve to control that. I would not overlook Latuda (lurasidone), but I have not had the opportunity to observe its use personally.
- ScottSome see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.- George Bernard Shaw
poster:SLS
thread:1059403
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20140123/msgs/1059542.html