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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 jms600 on February 1, 2008, at 16:29:39
Hi everyone,
I apologise in advance if this topic has been done to death, but I'd like your opinions on how safe antipsychotic medications are in low doses, on a long-term basis, for the treatment of chronic anxiety?
I'm currently on 100mg of Seroquel per day for severe anxiety and panic attacks. I'm also taking 10mg of Cipralex/Lexapro. I've taken Benzos in the past and they have bought relief to me when I've been at my worst; however, I'm sure you will agree that they aren't a long-term treatment that can be taken every day for years on end.
I am certain that the only way I am going to get through life coping with my anxiety is by taking low doses of antipsychotic medications.
Can they literally be taken for years, or even decades, safely if the dosage is below the standard amount for that particular antipsychotic?
Is Seorquel safe in the long term? If the Seroquel doesn't work my psychiatrist has said he will try a low dose of Zyprexa. Is that any safer?
I've tried most of the SSRIs and a couple of the SNRIs as well as anxiolytics such as Buspirone, however nothing has helped. The only time I have really felt good is when I was taking a combination of Seroxat and Stelazine (Trifluoperazine).
Is it really possible to safely take low-dose antipsychotic medications for life?
Any advice or opinions would be appreciated!
Thanks!
Posted by Phillipa on February 2, 2008, at 0:08:09
In reply to The long term use of antipsychotics...., posted by jms600 on February 1, 2008, at 16:29:39
I can only speak for myself but have been on benzos over 35years and nothing bad has happened and haven't escalated doses. Don't know about the antipsychotics for some atypical antipsychotics especially zyprexa a lawsuit in the making see thread above. Love Phillipa
Posted by jms600 on February 3, 2008, at 15:02:53
In reply to Re: The long term use of antipsychotics.... » jms600, posted by Phillipa on February 2, 2008, at 0:08:09
> I can only speak for myself but have been on benzos over 35years and nothing bad has happened and haven't escalated doses. Don't know about the antipsychotics for some atypical antipsychotics especially zyprexa a lawsuit in the making see thread above. Love Phillipa
Hi PhillipaHave you been taking Benzos on a 'everyday' basis for 35 years? Haven't you developed any kind of tolerance to them??
Posted by Phillipa on February 3, 2008, at 20:04:49
In reply to Re: The long term use of antipsychotics...., posted by jms600 on February 3, 2008, at 15:02:53
Just don't get that ahhh feeling. Phillipa
Posted by Zyprexa on February 8, 2008, at 15:33:35
In reply to The long term use of antipsychotics...., posted by jms600 on February 1, 2008, at 16:29:39
I don't know if zyprexa is any safer, but. I've taken zyprexa for exactly one decade now, and have not much problem. Just need to watch weight and blood sugar.
Posted by yxibow on February 17, 2008, at 23:08:20
In reply to Re: The long term use of antipsychotics.... » jms600, posted by Phillipa on February 3, 2008, at 20:04:49
Well I'm faced at the moment with literally taking Seroquel for life, or until something else (not Zyprexa, don't get me there, something akin to Tardive Dystonia) comes along, or until my anxiety shifts or unless I try Clozaril (which is one molecule different from Zyprexa....).
Its a multifaceted thing that I have to deal with because I still take high dose Valium for a reason, it actually addresses things even though I don't feel it any more, the dose has changed downward though but its very hard to reduce it and there are still benefits.
Also I can't take any Valium with Clozaril which is contraindicated (respiratory depression), and would theoretically open up more of the TDy pain and I would have to cross taper from Seroquel to remain functional.
This of course is a very unusual situation I've had for 6 years which has changed over time into something a bit different, but still is somatoform . I have yet to meet but one person with a brief comment on here with a somatoform disorder, and mine is visual.
Anyhow long story short, not being medication sensitive as I am to certain things, yes, you can take an atypical for life or for a long period of time. Zyprexa and Seroquel which are lower risk have been around for more than one decade and expire in 2011 (the patent rule in the US is usually for 14 years). It is always a risk benefit thing, though one can gain some knowledge into that from such authors as:
http://www.leeheymd.com/medmemo/fall04.html
As is said, your miles may vary and views differ tremendously on safety but sometimes the benefits outweigh the risks.
As for my doctor, to this day the only atypical that has a proven known record of TD is Risperdal, which is fairly powerful among the group. NMS is extremely rare.
This is the end of the thread.
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