![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sheilac on February 1, 2012, at 12:17:33
Is it just Geodon that has the risk of Atrial Fibrillation and heart arrhythmias or is it all atypical antipsychotics?
I stopped Geodon because I was afraid of the heart rhythms issues I was having. My doc told me to stop the Adderall and stay with the Geodon until I see her.
My regular MD suggested Lithium, but I suffer more from depression than mania. I have med or substance induced mania. Plus, I hate the constant salty taste of Lithium.
Is switching to another AAP an option? Would it be safer heart wise to switch to something else?
I have been stable on Geodon. I would like more of an antidepressant effect, but oh well.
I just don't want to damage my heart.
Posted by Christ_empowered on February 1, 2012, at 13:19:41
In reply to Is heart risk the same/AAPs???, posted by Sheilac on February 1, 2012, at 12:17:33
I think the atypicals can cause sudden death from cardiac events just as often as the old drugs. I don't know that there's any data on death rates w/ Geodon. There might be, I dunno.
Have you ever tried a low dose typical? The thing is, low dose, low-to-moderate potency typicals really aren't that bad. Perphenazine, low dose loxapine, I guess Thorazine (low doses really aren't that bad, from what I hear) might be able to keep you calm without causing as much weight gain. If you use a low-to-moderate potency drug, your EPS risk is still relatively low and the TD risk over the long haul is dose related, so just keep the dose low and you'll probably be OK. For the TD, probably a good idea to load up on antioxidants, especially C and E, no matter what neuroleptic you take. TD sucks.
Are you sure you need a neuroleptic? I mean, I take one because I have a tendency to go batsh!t. Have you considered other, less potentially dangerous drugs? Just a thought.
Posted by sheilac on February 1, 2012, at 13:36:46
In reply to Re: Is heart risk the same/AAPs???, posted by Christ_empowered on February 1, 2012, at 13:19:41
I just need a med that keeps my head above water. I have a tendency to fall into deep constant depression. Not mania. The only time I have mania is from steroids, stimulants, SSRIs, etc.
My doc chose Geodon a long time ago because I was afraid of weight gain.
I am more on the BPII side.
Just need some good sleep and to be able to function and not fall victim to depression.
Posted by Christ_empowered on February 1, 2012, at 13:51:44
In reply to Re: Is heart risk the same/AAPs???, posted by sheilac on February 1, 2012, at 13:36:46
I didn't mean to sound harsh. I think loxapine has mild AD action. Its typical, but low, low doses don't usually trigger EPS or anything. Abilify...but you said it made you gain weight, right?
There's a bunch of new ones on the market now. I don't know anything about them, but they might be worth trying. I'd personally low dose it, of course.
Posted by Phillipa on February 1, 2012, at 17:41:13
In reply to Re: Is heart risk the same/AAPs???, posted by Christ_empowered on February 1, 2012, at 13:51:44
Xanax has a mild antidepressant effect? No bad side effects either. Phillipa
Posted by bleauberry on February 2, 2012, at 5:04:15
In reply to Is heart risk the same/AAPs???, posted by Sheilac on February 1, 2012, at 12:17:33
Just posing a theoretical question for thought....
Two scenarios....
Jane takes an AP and feels greatly improved quality of life, but there is some heart risk and she dies at age 52.
Jane doesn't take an AP, torturous quality of life, but without any heart complications dies at age 70.
Which of those Jane's would you want to be?
A short good life or a long bad one?
In the end, we are all ordained to die and there is absolutely nothing to stop it. And we don't know the date. Might die in a car tomorrow making the whole heart risk thing a sad joke.
As everything else in life, it comes down to a decision based on these two things......benefit vs risk.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on February 2, 2012, at 17:00:14
In reply to Re: Is heart risk the same/AAPs???, posted by bleauberry on February 2, 2012, at 5:04:15
Try 1mg risperidone at night plus an antidepressant (Zoloft, Pamelor, Welbutrin)
Posted by papillon2 on February 2, 2012, at 20:47:23
In reply to Re: Is heart risk the same/AAPs???, posted by bleauberry on February 2, 2012, at 5:04:15
> Jane takes an AP and feels greatly improved quality of life, but there is some heart risk and she dies at age 52.
>
> Jane doesn't take an AP, torturous quality of life, but without any heart complications dies at age 70.Or Jane dies at age 45 from untreated mental illness.
Sheliac, what about an anti-convulsant/epilectic?
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.