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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 gr8red on March 29, 2004, at 22:13:28
How can you tell if one drug is working if son is taking 2 others? Effexor was first, and before we could even see a benefit from it, he was put on the other two. I want to see if the Effexor will do what it needs to do (and he seems to be happier). Would depression cause the anxiety and mania that he is also experiencing? I am afraid that I am overmedicating (my mom used to to that to me, if I coughed, out came the cough medicine).
Posted by ryan312 on March 29, 2004, at 22:53:41
In reply to Effexor, Depakote Risperdal 12 yr old, posted by gr8red on March 29, 2004, at 22:13:28
I agree. Obviously I don't know the circumstances/history of your child. So it is hard to know the urgency with which the psychiatrist felt he/she had to start medication as an intervention. However, barring a relatively urgent situation, it is unfortunate multiple medications were dipensed without allowing time to see the impact of each one before adding yet another. I would talk it over with the doctor and if necesary get another opinion.
Posted by HappyGirl on March 29, 2004, at 23:41:14
In reply to Effexor, Depakote Risperdal 12 yr old, posted by gr8red on March 29, 2004, at 22:13:28
Hi:
>>> How can you tell if one drug is working if son is taking 2 others? Effexor was first, and before we could even see a benefit from it, he was put on the other two.<<<--- Effexor was a kind SSRI class of anti-depressant. In most cases, it brings up 'manic' episodes if ONLY on anti-depressant, particularly SSRI class of anti-dep. is notorious in regard to hypo-manic episodes. Then, your son's pdoc. was quite cautious to NOT get your son into 'manic' phrases, as assuming that your son's dx is Bipolar.
Depakote is commonly prescribed as a VERY first-lined mood-stabilizer. Risperdal is one of anti-psycho. med. that mostly helps 'aggression,' 'psychotic and delusional' parts of Bipolar along with 'booster' to other two meds. your son has been on. ---->>> I want to see if the Effexor will do what it needs to do (and he seems to be happier). Would depression cause the anxiety and mania that he is also experiencing? <<<
--- Depression and anxiety goes hand in hand, unfortunately. Probably, there is some basic similarities between depression and anxiety, due to the nature of both illnesses or anxiety might be underlined problem for depressive folks, ... but I am NOT sure on this subject, ... just in my guess along with the experience from my Bp. ---
It sounds to me like those three different meds. are all reputable meds. for Bipolar. However, if there is NO improvement on your son's symptoms, you may need to call to his pdoc. whether it is truly appropriate med. combo. for your son's condition.
H.G.
Posted by Sad Panda on March 30, 2004, at 22:49:53
In reply to Effexor, Depakote Risperdal 12 yr old, posted by gr8red on March 29, 2004, at 22:13:28
> How can you tell if one drug is working if son is taking 2 others? Effexor was first, and before we could even see a benefit from it, he was put on the other two. I want to see if the Effexor will do what it needs to do (and he seems to be happier). Would depression cause the anxiety and mania that he is also experiencing? I am afraid that I am overmedicating (my mom used to to that to me, if I coughed, out came the cough medicine).
>
>
>Hi, if your son has manias it would suggest to me he is bioplar. Did he have anxiety & manias before taking Effexor? Normally the meds you would start a bipolar person on are the 'mood stabilizers' Lithium and/or Lamictal and/or Depakote, normally atleast one and often a combination of two to stabilize moods & prevent manias. Later, an antidepressant like Effexor can be added for depression. I would not let a 12 year old boy take Risperdal as it increases prolactin & could interfere with puberty & I would defineately ask for a second opinion about it.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by gr8red on March 31, 2004, at 10:27:54
In reply to Re: Effexor, Depakote Risperdal 12 yr old » gr8red, posted by Sad Panda on March 30, 2004, at 22:49:53
Panda~ He did have anxiety and manias (I didn't realize that was what it was) before taking Effexor.
He was admitted last month to LLBMC and they put him on 37.5 of Effexor after the 3rd day.It was there that he was dx MDD with paranoid episodes.His pediatrician was the one that said MDD and BP were one and the same.I am under the impression that the combo he is on is for mood stabalizing and manic prevention.
The Effexor (i think) has really helped his moods, I have seen a huge difference with his social interraction, especially with the family.He wants to join us for dinner,games, etc, now.Then again, I don't know if that is the Effexor, because he was put on so many medications within a short period of time.
Let me just say that I have a new appreciation for what you all are going through, and you have no idea how much it means to me that I can come here and get support. Thank you so ver much.
Posted by Sad Panda on April 2, 2004, at 1:55:09
In reply to Re: Effexor, Depakote Risperdal 12 yr old, posted by gr8red on March 31, 2004, at 10:27:54
> Panda~ He did have anxiety and manias (I didn't realize that was what it was) before taking Effexor.
> He was admitted last month to LLBMC and they put him on 37.5 of Effexor after the 3rd day.It was there that he was dx MDD with paranoid episodes.His pediatrician was the one that said MDD and BP were one and the same.I am under the impression that the combo he is on is for mood stabalizing and manic prevention.
> The Effexor (i think) has really helped his moods, I have seen a huge difference with his social interraction, especially with the family.He wants to join us for dinner,games, etc, now.Then again, I don't know if that is the Effexor, because he was put on so many medications within a short period of time.
> Let me just say that I have a new appreciation for what you all are going through, and you have no idea how much it means to me that I can come here and get support. Thank you so ver much.
>
>Effexor does that for me, it makes me want to interact with people rather than shut myself away & be a hermit. MDD & BP aren't the same things.
BP is BiPolar, MDD is also known as Unipolar Depression. BiPolar people go thur cycles, but it can be years before between mania events.If the meds are working, then thats good, but I would still question your doc about having him on Risperdal. Risperdal increases the hormone prolactin. Prolactin cause lactation in women & can cause men to grow breasts & lactate too. Gawd only knows what it does to a boys body that is approaching or in the middle of puberty. I think Zyperxa or Seroquel would be better choices.
Cheers,
Panda.
This is the end of the thread.
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