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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by justscared on August 23, 2006, at 8:08:06
Well, first I want to thank everyone who has been so supportive and helpful since I first posted last week. You have truly been a source of comfort.
We saw my son's p.doc. yesterday and she did change his meds, thanks to alot of questions and info I obtained through my last post.
She has now put him on Ritalyn LA (40mg), Abilify (5mg) and kept him on the Depakote (250 mg) as well. I finally gave in and started the Depakote a few days ago. So far, no adverse effects.
Has anyone been on this "cocktail" of meds before? I don't know much about Abilify. Any info?
Posted by Phillipa on August 23, 2006, at 11:12:04
In reply to Bi-Polar Son Med Change - Questions??, posted by justscared on August 23, 2006, at 8:08:06
Well I do know that ambilify is a slightly elevating atypical psychotic. Love Phillipa
Posted by exquilter on August 23, 2006, at 14:27:49
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar Son Med Change - Questions?? » justscared, posted by Phillipa on August 23, 2006, at 11:12:04
I take all three of these meds plus others. The Abilify was the last one added to my cocktail and seems to be working well at 5mg. I have noticed less rumination and circular thinking, more focus and ability to get things done. Unfortunately I have also noticed some weight gain and a large increase in tremor and involuntary leg bouncing- it is very difficult to keep still.
I have taken Depakote for several years and it may be part of both problems so my dose is being reduced to 500mg, no improvement yet. My daughter took it for several years when she was about 10 due to abscence siezures. Her main side effect was curly hair. She is fine now. Just be sure to keep all the lab and Dr. appointments.
I'm in my fifties now so I'm sure your son is different physiologically, so take my complaints with a grain of salt and have hope that he will have only beneficial effects.
Exquilter
Posted by linkadge on August 23, 2006, at 16:22:39
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar Son Med Change - Questions??, posted by exquilter on August 23, 2006, at 14:27:49
Wow, thats a lot of changes at once. Might take a while to see whats withdrawl from other meds, and what is the new drug's effect.
Linkadge
Posted by SLS on August 24, 2006, at 7:19:32
In reply to Bi-Polar Son Med Change - Questions??, posted by justscared on August 23, 2006, at 8:08:06
In adults, Abilify can produce restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia early in treatment. This usually passes within a week or two. I don't know how these things would present in a child, though. Overall, Abilify is usually a clean drug.
I'm curious as to what the doctor had to say about lithium or combination treatment.
- Scott
Posted by justscared on August 24, 2006, at 8:06:50
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar Son Med Change - Questions?? » justscared, posted by SLS on August 24, 2006, at 7:19:32
> In adults, Abilify can produce restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia early in treatment. This usually passes within a week or two. I don't know how these things would present in a child, though. Overall, Abilify is usually a clean drug.
>He is having trouble going to sleep and is miserably constipated.
> I'm curious as to what the doctor had to say about lithium or combination treatment.
>His doc said that she did not want to prescribe the lithium this early in treatment. She stated that she wanted to try alternate meds first.
She said she was returning him to the Ritalyn LA due to his level of agitation and inability to stay focused. He is having a tough time staying focused at school. He is highly intelligent, and becomes bored easily. His school does not offer a program for gifted children, and they often view him as a problem child, rather than a gifted one.
I am hoping that this new mix of meds will help. He is very irritable. Do you know how long it should take for us to see a change with these meds?
Thanks again Scott, for all the info.
>
>
Posted by linkadge on August 24, 2006, at 15:36:38
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar Son Med Change - Questions?? » SLS, posted by justscared on August 24, 2006, at 8:06:50
Thats kind of a strange statment. Don't want to prescribe lithium too early in the treament, but we can use drugs with lesser proven efficacy and safety?
Linkadge
Posted by linkadge on August 24, 2006, at 15:37:16
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar Son Med Change - Questions?? » SLS, posted by justscared on August 24, 2006, at 8:06:50
Sorry, that wasn't a supportive statement.
Linkadge
Posted by justscared on August 25, 2006, at 7:11:16
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar Son Med Change - Questions??, posted by linkadge on August 24, 2006, at 15:37:16
> Sorry, that wasn't a supportive statement.
>
>
> LinkadgeIt's perfectly okay, I understand. When I was discussing the meds with his doc, I asked her about Litium as an option, as well as Wellbutrin. My father has had great success with Wellbutrin. She was reluctant with both meds, saying that she doesn't commonly prescribe them for children his age.
Not knowing any better, i just assumed this was normal. Apparently not.
I welcome any and all advice, so no need to apologize.
Posted by linkadge on August 25, 2006, at 17:02:25
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar Son Med Change - Questions?? » linkadge, posted by justscared on August 25, 2006, at 7:11:16
Some of these meds can cause real withdrawl symptoms. Withdrawl that can make any adult cringe in their tracks. Some adults say quitting SSRI's was harder than opiates.
I just find it very cruel that a doctor would rip him off zoloft and then put him on ritalin so quickly.
Theres not much long term literature when it comes to drug combinations, let alone in children.
This combination is really no mans land.
I'd like to speak with the doctor myself.
Oh well.
Do the best you can, and if theres ever an opportunity for a second medical oppinion.....take it!
Linkadge
This is the end of the thread.
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