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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Hattree on March 19, 2004, at 8:29:19
If you've taken Geodon, how long to kick in, how much, how sedating? My dx is sketchy, but some combo of ADD, BPII, dysthymia.
If you've taken Geo and Abilify I'm curious about how they actually compare (I've read how they theoretically do).
Posted by bipolarspectrum on March 19, 2004, at 14:05:42
In reply to Anyone on Geodon? Or can compare to Abilify?, posted by Hattree on March 19, 2004, at 8:29:19
Hiya!
I feel obliged to answer this post bkuz I dont think many people have tried both.. I've tried both, let me just remember which one is which.. I found that the one which acts also as a reuptake inhibitor (I believe Geodon) helped with my anxiety AND depression, whereas the other one only helped with my anxiety.. They were both sedating and for me, altered my consciousness! But, from what I read, they are the future of anti-psychotics and have great potential!
Posted by Hattree on March 19, 2004, at 17:03:18
In reply to Re: Anyone on Geodon? Or can compare to Abilify?, posted by bipolarspectrum on March 19, 2004, at 14:05:42
Thanks...what are you on now?
Posted by bipolarspectrum on March 19, 2004, at 21:35:15
In reply to Re: Anyone on Geodon? Or can compare to Abilify? » bipolarspectrum, posted by Hattree on March 19, 2004, at 17:03:18
Hattree,
I'm currently on neither.. all anti-psychotics cause mental clouding for me... But I've tried all the other new atypical anti-psychotics and geodon and abilify are definately the best, in my opinion... I also liked risperidone.. but as i said before, try geodon, it does many wonderful things in the human mind, its pharmacodynamically quite complex...
good luck
Posted by AzureBay on March 24, 2004, at 13:29:13
In reply to Anyone on Geodon? Or can compare to Abilify?, posted by Hattree on March 19, 2004, at 8:29:19
> If you've taken Geodon, how long to kick in, how much, how sedating? My dx is sketchy, but some combo of ADD, BPII, dysthymia.
>
> If you've taken Geo and Abilify I'm curious about how they actually compare (I've read how they theoretically do).
>Hi Hattree,
I have tried both and used them at various dosages. What I've found is that for me the Geodon is THE MAGIC BULLET! I used to rave about Abilify, but frankly it's a big disappointment comparatively, now that I'm back on Geodon.
I think that dosage is critical with Geodon and our types. Btw, My dx is also very similar to yours: ADD, Bipolar II, with some lingering depression and anxiety.
Anyway, I found that a LOWER dose of Geodon actually works as well if not better than a higher dose. It kicks in very quickly - I noticed it within just a few days. And because there is some action on serotonin and NE, I believe it is possibly one of the better atypicals for the depressive aspects.
As far as sedation goes, I find myself actually rather "okay" on Geodon. It seems to work well with the neurostims. It almost works so well that I find I need a lower dose of Ritalin.
So, are you on Geodon and what has been your experience thus far???
Azure
Posted by Hattree on March 24, 2004, at 16:52:33
In reply to Re: Anyone on Geodon? Or can compare to Abilify? » Hattree, posted by AzureBay on March 24, 2004, at 13:29:13
Thanks for responding. How much are you taking? How long have you been on?
I've been taking 20mg for about 5 days and 5-10 for a few days before that. So far, not much to report, maybe a little increased anxiety but that may be from taking too much speed (for me, they may not play well together),
Posted by AzureBay on March 24, 2004, at 17:32:58
In reply to Re: Anyone on Geodon? Or can compare to Abilify?, posted by Hattree on March 24, 2004, at 16:52:33
> Thanks for responding. How much are you taking? How long have you been on?
>
> I've been taking 20mg for about 5 days and 5-10 for a few days before that. So far, not much to report, maybe a little increased anxiety but that may be from taking too much speed (for me, they may not play well together),Interesting. I've been back on it for about 2 weeks is all, but I took it once before. Then my doc got this grand idea about Abilify, which I thought worked about as well as a sugar pill. No, seriously it wasn't that bad, but basically like no real mood effects for me.
I'm now actually splitting a 60mg capsule; so 30mg am and 30mg pm. I take it with Ritalin, and yes I notice a bit more of a speedy effect, but not anxious. Then again I also take a small dose of xanax prn, so that helps with that aspect.
I'd love to keep in touch with this and see what your experience is as well as that of others.
Azure
Posted by Hattree on March 24, 2004, at 18:48:35
In reply to Re: Anyone on Geodon? Or can compare to Abilify?, posted by AzureBay on March 24, 2004, at 17:32:58
Do you ever get a weird, creepy, depressed stripe of anxiety from stimulants? If so, does Xanax help it?
Posted by AzureBay on March 24, 2004, at 19:22:57
In reply to Re: Anyone on Geodon? Or can compare to Abilify? » AzureBay, posted by Hattree on March 24, 2004, at 18:48:35
> Do you ever get a weird, creepy, depressed stripe of anxiety from stimulants? If so, does Xanax help it?
Umm, I can say that I have experienced that from dexadrine, I believe it was. Ritalin is a bit better for me this way. Xanax DOES help with the anxiety aspect and somewhat even with the depressive aspect. From what I've read on SP (social phobia) sites, there are ADD people who do very well on Xanax where as other benzos don't seem to work quite as good. This is especially true in males according to socialfear.com (an excellent site).
What neurostim are you taking and do you find it helpful? Has anything else worked for the ADD/Bipolar II combo?
Pleasure talking with you!
Azure
Posted by Hattree on March 24, 2004, at 20:51:50
In reply to Re: Anyone on Geodon? Or can compare to Abilify? » Hattree, posted by AzureBay on March 24, 2004, at 19:22:57
Ritalin and its ilk don't have much of a motivation benefit for me, except Concerta at rather higher doses than I like for other reasons. Dex is best but I get too depressed when I crash, so Adderall is often the stim of choice. I skip around, though, and sometimes I take Concerta potentiated with a little Adderall. They all help with focus just fine, at least on the task at hand--my general out-to-lunchness isn't helped by much.
I also take Lamictal and Neurontin (Lamictal worked very well for a year or so...not sure it does much now. I take Neurontin for bedtime relaxation and sometimes prn for anxiety or even acute crappy moods.
A few other things have helped for awhile...Zoloft comes to mind. Most just make matters worse. You?
Posted by AzureBay on March 24, 2004, at 21:20:57
In reply to Re: Anyone on Geodon? Or can compare to Abilify? » AzureBay, posted by Hattree on March 24, 2004, at 20:51:50
Very interesting about the stims. Ya, if I had a choice I would probably choose Adderall, but unfortunately I don't have insurance at the moment. So, I'm stuck with generic ritalin instead of Adderall or Concerta.
I think dex generic would be a perfectly suitable alternative, and in fact I found it to be one of the best for me personally. Which reminds me lol - I need to get in and see that damn doctor of mine pretty soon.
Okay, I'm rambling which means I definitely need a hit of ritalin or something. ;)
Here's what I take currently:
Geodon 30mg bid
Xanax 1mg tid
Ritalin 20mg tid
Atenolol (helps with essential tremor from the stims)
Lexapro or Celexa in small doses (I kind of switch off, though Celexa is better and more stimulating)Okay, I'm off to take that ritalin... have a good evening!
Posted by Linda M. on March 26, 2004, at 19:39:21
In reply to Re: Anyone on Geodon? Or can compare to Abilify?, posted by AzureBay on March 24, 2004, at 17:32:58
I'm bipolar and was recently bumped from 40 mg of Geodon to 60 mg. and felt pretty good. The doctor put me on 80 mg. on Monday and I now feel depressed and melancholy. Has any one else noticed depression with too much Geodon? My ability to concentrate is bad. I'm on some Depakoe too. I can't get in to see the doc until April 12 - but I would really like this dose bumped down again ASAP. Any suggestions?
Thanks for listening - Linda in Cleveland, Ohio
Posted by AzureBay on March 26, 2004, at 20:40:18
In reply to Re: Anyone on Geodon? Or can compare to Abilify? » AzureBay, posted by Linda M. on March 26, 2004, at 19:39:21
Hi Linda,
Funny you should mention that. I have noticed much the same thing at anything above 80mg. Too much, and I'm a basket case. Take a few nights ago for example. I was supposed to take 40mg (twice a day), but had some old 60mg samples. So what did I up and do? Yep, popped the 60mg capsule, then took another 60mg in the morning. I've felt like crap since then... and it's been a couple of days.
I've read a number of anecdotal experiences here and at rxlist.com, remedyfind.com, etc... where too much of the med for bipolar makes it worse, particularly if you are bipolar II. My personal philosophy is to take the LEAST amount of the medication that controls symptoms, no more.
Hmm... guess I need to practice what I preach and lower my own dose again ;)
Azure
> I'm bipolar and was recently bumped from 40 mg of Geodon to 60 mg. and felt pretty good. The doctor put me on 80 mg. on Monday and I now feel depressed and melancholy. Has any one else noticed depression with too much Geodon? My ability to concentrate is bad. I'm on some Depakoe too. I can't get in to see the doc until April 12 - but I would really like this dose bumped down again ASAP. Any suggestions?
>
> Thanks for listening - Linda in Cleveland, Ohio
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