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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Chris A. on April 20, 2002, at 15:35:49
What was your experience? My consultant recomended it about a year-and-a-half prior to it's release. A mood stabilizer, AD and neuroleptic all wrapped into one without the risk of EPS or TD.
Who could ask for more? So I waited patiently. The first few days I thought "this is the first AP I've ever toloerated." Then the akathisia set in, something I had never experienced, and never wish to revisit. I had always looked at the definition of the word and thought it must be no big deal.
So, the Geodon trial lasted twelve days.Blessings,
Chris A.
Posted by medlib on April 23, 2002, at 14:31:17
In reply to Medlib - what was your Geodon miracle/disaster?, posted by Chris A. on April 20, 2002, at 15:35:49
Hi Chris--
It's great to see you back! Thanks for asking about my Geodon saga. I've had double depression since my early teens, and Geodon is the only med in all that time which produced "Normal" for me. I felt just like Rip van Winkle waking up; this wasn't just another version of "better," it was qualitatively different. I didn't feel happier, just finally in focus.
I should have remembered that "when things seem too good to be true, they usually are." On day 17 my jaw muscles began to tighten; by day 19, the only way I could open my mouth was manually. Since I had never gone beyond the lowest dose (20mg. 2x/day), I opened the capsules to begin titrating down. That first night I ended up in the ER (felt like I was suffocating) with what I now know was a panic attack, presenting as "false suffocation syndrome." I'd never had acute anxiety or panic attacks in my life. I *have* had anaphylactic reactions, and that's what these felt like--terrifying. From what I read, panic attacks typically are brief, a few minutes at most; these lasted 45 min.-an hour and occurred every 12 hours like clockwork for the next 10 days. Taking the smallest amount of Geodon aborted the P.A.s but returned the EPS.
I was devastated to see my window to the real world close so quickly; such a brief glimpse seemed like a cruel joke. I went into deep mourning; it felt like (and still does) I had died, leaving behind this useless, spiritless husk. Sorry to sound so melodramatic; I hadn't experienced emotions that intense in decades. My pdoc's reaction? "At least we know the wiring is still there." It was a reasonable response (a stroke many years ago wiped out a sizeable chunk of my right parietal lobe), but I thought it lacked a certain empathy.
Anyway, I'm back to the interminable musical meds, looking for a better "better." How about you? Where did you go post-Geodon and what are you on now? Anything "better" to report?---medlib
Posted by Shar on April 24, 2002, at 1:52:53
In reply to Re: Geodon miracle/disaster? » Chris A., posted by medlib on April 23, 2002, at 14:31:17
That is not melodramatic at all. It is amazing to feel alive after years of not feeling, or feeling down. I understand exactly what you are saying.
I did not have the severe reaction to the one med that made a difference to me (Zoloft). It just pooped out after some months. In a way I think having a bad (allergic maybe?) type reaction would almost be worse. With poop-out the med leaves you. In your case, you had to leave the med that worked. Sigh.
I hope you find something effective. Dang!
Shar
Posted by medlib on April 25, 2002, at 23:48:26
In reply to Re: Geodon miracle/disaster » medlib, posted by Shar on April 24, 2002, at 1:52:53
Posted by Chris A. on April 26, 2002, at 0:20:29
In reply to Re: Geodon miracle/disaster? » Chris A., posted by medlib on April 23, 2002, at 14:31:17
That sounds awful. It's so difficult to get one's hopes up and get them dashed. I'm not looking for the perfect medication anymore. Perhaps it's called giving up. The Lamictal, small doses of Klonopin, T-3 and T-4 combo are going to have to work for now. I am doing fairly well since having my ovaries excised three weeks ago and getting on steady ERT. I was in a horrible mood yesterday, but that was situational, since there have been some extremely difficult family situations of late. I'm still in shock.
Many blessings to you,
Chris A.
Posted by SLS on July 14, 2002, at 15:16:46
In reply to Re: Geodon miracle/disaster? » Chris A., posted by medlib on April 23, 2002, at 14:31:17
> I was devastated to see my window to the real world close so quickly; such a brief glimpse seemed like a cruel joke. I went into deep mourning; it felt like (and still does) I had died, leaving behind this useless, spiritless husk. Sorry to sound so melodramatic; I hadn't experienced emotions that intense in decades.
I have also experienced this cruel joke. I'm sure anyone else who has should find your description to be more understatement than hyperbole.
> My pdoc's reaction? "At least we know the wiring is still there." It was a reasonable response (a stroke many years ago wiped out a sizeable chunk of my right parietal lobe), but I thought it lacked a certain empathy.
I sometimes think that pdocs try very hard to act dispassionately. Maybe it is an attempt to create some sort of stability during the waiting process. I think it might help temper one's reaction to treatment failures. I don't know.
You are extraordinarily persevering.
While I've got your ear...How would you compare Ambien to Ativan in terms of efficacy and side effects?
- Scott
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