Posted by Lao Tzu on August 31, 2008, at 16:25:32
In reply to Background Info., posted by Justin Fernandez on August 25, 2008, at 21:59:53
antipsychotics are used for dopamine imbalances as seen in bipolar and schizophrenia. I use risperdal. It can help with anxiety, but it depends on the dosage, meaning that bipolars and schizophrenics need higher dosages for it to make a dent in the anxiety factor. And also, it can take three months or more to see a lot of improvement. Usually, bipolars take higher dosages and people with just anxiety disorders take lower dosages. When I was increasing my dose of risperdal, I absolutely hated it. Many times, I wouldn't take my meds because of how I felt. The doctor put me on risperdal injections and that was a smoother transition than the pills. Are stimulants helping you with attention and focus? I've never tried them. Find out your diagnosis. Are you ADD or bipolar or what? Do you have mania and periods of high energy followed by periods of depression and low energy. Do you do weird things and have weird thoughts all the time? Do you go on shopping sprees? If you have a lot of anxiety, especially social anxiety, and serotonin antidepressants don't really do anything for you, then you might have problems with your dopamine. I would really get a diagnosis from your doctor and make sure he or she is treating you correctly. Otherwise, get as many opinions as you have to until they figure you out. Good luck.
poster:Lao Tzu
thread:847727
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20080612/msgs/849509.html