Posted by Christ_empowered on May 18, 2014, at 12:26:37
In reply to Re: lamictal or risperdal, posted by iowamoo on May 18, 2014, at 8:42:29
I ***have*** to take a full dose (30mgs right now) of Abilify for my brand of crazy. Not ideal. If I could avoid antipsychotics, I would.
I'm also starting--get ready for this--lamictal. Started at 50, going to 100 in a couple weeks, on top of trileptal (1200) and the Abilify (30), plus loads of supplements (Orthomolecular, quite possibly the best thing ever).
Anyway, as I see it, you're in a high risk group for tardive dyskinesia because you're female, a bit older, and have a mood problem. You've already experienced what sounds like akathisia. In some people, akathisia can become permanent--its called "tardive akathisia," and there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of good data on it. If it happens, it appears that just throw sedatives, maybe opiates if you're lucky, at you and hope for the best. Such is the nature of psychiatry in the 21st century.
Lamictal, over time, can have anti-anger and anti-agitation properties. You have to increase the dose slowly, but unless you get a rash, once you hit 100-200, it'll keep moods more level and help a lot with low moods, without causing flatness or agitation like many antidepressants do.
Lamictal is weight neutral (neither gain nor loss, as the phrase implies). Lamictal is generic now and super cheap. Lamictal doesn't cause TD or akathisia.
My personal opinion is to do this: low dose your Risperdal while you build up the dose of lamictal per your doc's instructions. Once you get on the dose your doc recommends--probably 100-200, maybe as high as 400--see about stopping the Risperdal, except when you need it. I'd keep Risperdal on board for as-needed use for when you're seriously freaking out (or about to).
This is my advice. I am NOT an MD, I have no training, etc....I'm just a "crazy" person in recovery.
Good luck! :-)
poster:Christ_empowered
thread:1065707
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20140512/msgs/1065760.html