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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Alfred on April 1, 2000, at 0:13:10
Can anyone recommend something for agitation that won't make me feel too weird. I am on clozaril and ativan. I have tried most of the SSRI's and they aren't worth the trouble. I have also tried effexor, wellbutrin, trazadone etc. and tolerate them poorly. I don't want to increase my dose of ativan (4mg). I thought maybe depakote might help if the side effects aren't to bad. I also thought a beta blocker might help but they can cause your dingle to dangle. Any suggestions?
Posted by DC on April 1, 2000, at 3:12:20
In reply to Agitation, posted by Alfred on April 1, 2000, at 0:13:10
I don't know what you mean by agitated. If it's anxiety then benzos might work, but it depends what kind of anxiety it is. Social? Panic? GAD--different meds work in each case. On the other hand, the agitation might me a sign of mania or hypomania in which case maybe lithium or certain anticonvulsants might help. If it's ADHD then maybe a stimulant would help calm you down. So it all depends on what kind of agitation it is. But if it's a minor thing that doesn't greatly interfere with your life, then try something less drastic, e.g., meditation, exercise, or the herb Kava Kava.
Posted by Alfred on April 1, 2000, at 20:37:19
In reply to What do you mean by agitated?, posted by DC on April 1, 2000, at 3:12:20
Not much anxiety, I mean irritable, quick tempered, possibly destructive behavior. I have tried Lithium years ago, don't like it. What determines if you have ADHD? What about beta blockers? I also have mild untreated OCD.
Posted by DC on April 2, 2000, at 0:56:21
In reply to Re: What do you mean by agitated?, posted by Alfred on April 1, 2000, at 20:37:19
Alfred,
I am not an expert on this, but I know there are a lot of new drugs they are using for manic depression. One that seems quite popular is Neurontin which they are also using for various anxiety disorders. As far as ADD or ADHD goes--did you have any learning or behavioral problems as a child?> Not much anxiety, I mean irritable, quick tempered, possibly destructive behavior. I have tried Lithium years ago, don't like it. What determines if you have ADHD? What about beta blockers? I also have mild untreated OCD.
Posted by Alfred on April 4, 2000, at 0:12:32
In reply to Re: What do you mean by agitated?, posted by DC on April 2, 2000, at 0:56:21
I am diagnosed undiff. schizo.. I don't think I had the ADD symptoms you mentioned but someone suggested trying dexedrine for my OCD since I cannot tolerate SSRI's. Valproic acid is often used with clozapine to minimize the risk of seizures. Tegretol and Lithium, (I think), are not mixed with clozapine because of the possibility of dangerous interactions. I thought that beta blockers might do the trick but the side effects might be troublesome. I read years ago that excessive use of kava kava causes liver problems and I don't want to mix psychotropic herbs with prescription meds. I also want to avoid anything that makes me feel zoned out, spacey, or weird. I see the shrink tomorrow and I thought I might ask for something for the agitation but I don't know if they are likely to prescribe stimulants.
Posted by DC on April 5, 2000, at 4:20:40
In reply to Re: What do you mean by agitated?, posted by Alfred on April 4, 2000, at 0:12:32
I had some derealization episodes with Dexedrine. I have discovered I can only tolerate a small amount of it. I you have schizo tendencies then you would have to be very careful with a stimulant because these drugs act on the dopamine receptors. They might exacerbate your condition. If you do try a stim for god's sake don't take too much!
Posted by Alfred on April 5, 2000, at 22:59:31
In reply to Re: What do you mean by agitated?, posted by DC on April 5, 2000, at 4:20:40
The Doctor gave me a low dose of Inderal to try. I haven't got it filled yet. Its a beta blocker. I think it blocks the adrenaline "fight or flight" response, probably more or less whats going on when you are on the verge of blowing your cool. I think the side effects are mild with the minimum of weirdness. It is also useful for some of the side effects of the neuroleptics. People with asthma or severe allergies probably shouldn't use beta blockers. The Doctor said stimulants could induce psychosis.
This is the end of the thread.
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