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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by iowamoomoo on March 21, 2014, at 22:22:15
I'm just curious if one takes an antipsychotic med (Risperdal in this instance) and feels a ton better does that mean they "need" that med? That maybe something is missing from their brain chemistry? I took Risperdal for about a month but scared off it due to diabetes side effect risk because I am already prediabetic. I felt like someone I had never felt like before in my life though subtle and others noticed as well. I have been off it for a few months now but I crave it daily the way I felt so does that mean that maybe something is missing. I was taking it for bipolar 2, depression and anxiety and it was helping all the above. So am I lacking what it was giving or would anyone feel better on it? I was on .25
Posted by SLS on March 22, 2014, at 10:20:49
In reply to when one feels better on antipsychotic med?, posted by iowamoomoo on March 21, 2014, at 22:22:15
> I'm just curious if one takes an antipsychotic med (Risperdal in this instance) and feels a ton better does that mean they "need" that med?
I think it means that some type of biological intervention is warranted. If you respond well to Risperdal, it doesn't mean that your body is missing it like it would a nutrient. It could be that one or more "thermostats" in the brain must be reset. Risperdal works on several different receptor sites, some of which help with schizophrenia. Others help with depression.
0.25 mg/day is a minute dose of Risperdal. If it works, I would not be so quick to discontinue it again. If side effects become an issue, there are several other drugs that could be helpful.
- Scott
Posted by Christ_empowered on March 22, 2014, at 15:49:01
In reply to when one feels better on antipsychotic med?, posted by iowamoomoo on March 21, 2014, at 22:22:15
you might just need to be a little tranquilized now and then. no big deal. maybe low(ish) dose abilify as needed?
Posted by iowamoomoo on March 22, 2014, at 23:08:21
In reply to Re: when one feels better on antipsychotic med?, posted by Christ_empowered on March 22, 2014, at 15:49:01
I cannot take ability due to seizure disorder but my Dr felt the chance of seizure with risperdal was small, any thoughts on that?
Posted by phidippus on March 23, 2014, at 15:43:15
In reply to when one feels better on antipsychotic med?, posted by iowamoomoo on March 21, 2014, at 22:22:15
So am I lacking what it was giving or would anyone feel better on it?
In your case, your brain probably had a surplus of neurotransmitters. Risperdal works by antagonizing serotonin and dopamine receptors.
It calmed you.
A lot of people respond to Risperdal, but not just anyone.
Eric
Posted by Beckett on March 23, 2014, at 16:03:55
In reply to Re: when one feels better on antipsychotic med? » Christ_empowered, posted by iowamoomoo on March 22, 2014, at 23:08:21
It's wonderful that you have found a med you respond. .25 mg is a nice low dose that I think shouldn't affect your metabolism adversely. Atypical antipsychotics are considered major tranquilizers (I believe). Maybe it is just what you needed to take the edge off.
Posted by Iowamoomoo on March 23, 2014, at 16:28:07
In reply to Re: when one feels better on antipsychotic med? » iowamoomoo, posted by Beckett on March 23, 2014, at 16:03:55
I started out at half of the .25 and I never really felt any sedation from it but like right now I'm watching 4 grandkids and not dealing well with it but managing. I belong to a diabetes forum and they swear by avoiding carbs and eating low carbs will help to stabilize my moods better than meds but not sure.
Posted by Christ_empowered on March 24, 2014, at 9:15:36
In reply to Re: when one feels better on antipsychotic med?, posted by Iowamoomoo on March 23, 2014, at 16:28:07
hey again....
I just thought Abilify because its supposed to be nicer on weight than Risperdal. I didn't know about seizures. Oops.
Have you tried Lamictal? .25mgs/day risperidone is very little, so I was wondering if maybe 200mgs/day lamictal might do something similar and lift your mood a bit. Just a thought. I think its weight neutral, too, and there's not any risk of tardive dyskinesia, which would always be my concern with a somewhat older female with a mood disorder on any antipsychotic for a significant period of time.
I don't know about dieting and mood. I'm not diabetic, but low carb diets made me anxious and mean. We're all different, obviously. Do you take anything for your diabetes? I did read somewhere that metformin added to psych meds seems to even out moods better than crazy drugs alone for some people.
Posted by Iowamoomoo on March 24, 2014, at 11:57:53
In reply to Re: when one feels better on antipsychotic med?, posted by Christ_empowered on March 24, 2014, at 9:15:36
Low carb diets will make you moody and angry but it's an adjustment period and you come through it after a few days or so and soon the cravings will also disappear. The trick is to stick with it and fill up on fats and moderate protein. If you are interested look up ketogenic diet as for lamictal my psych Dr said I would take it twice a day and I'm not good with that. The other reason I fear taking anti seizure meds us because of rebound seizures if the med does not work. Though I fear seizures with taking Risperdal just as well I'm kind if in a catch 22 I guess.
Posted by Beckett on March 24, 2014, at 16:37:18
In reply to Re: when one feels better on antipsychotic med? » Christ_empowered, posted by Iowamoomoo on March 24, 2014, at 11:57:53
Interesting about the low carb diet.
I'm not sure lamictal is doing anything for me. Someone here said there is an extended release. It is the latest trend, but I am not necessarily convinced it's a panacea.
If there are results from diet that seems a sensible course.
Posted by Iowamoomoo on March 24, 2014, at 17:00:54
In reply to Re: when one feels better on antipsychotic med?, posted by Beckett on March 24, 2014, at 16:37:18
Have you tried Risperdal? I love it. My psych Dr. Says if it don't work out then on to lamictal too. I made a post about the diet and there is some good articles posted there about diet.
Posted by Phillipa on March 24, 2014, at 18:01:30
In reply to Re: when one feels better on antipsychotic med? » Beckett, posted by Iowamoomoo on March 24, 2014, at 17:00:54
Like the Atkins Diet was or still is? Phillipa
Posted by Iowamoomoo on March 24, 2014, at 18:35:25
In reply to Re: when one feels better on antipsychotic med? » Iowamoomoo, posted by Phillipa on March 24, 2014, at 18:01:30
Yep but I think ketogenic sounds cleaner but sane concept.
Posted by Phillipa on March 24, 2014, at 20:24:58
In reply to Re: when one feels better on antipsychotic med? » Phillipa, posted by Iowamoomoo on March 24, 2014, at 18:35:25
Be careful protein every 4 hours will stabilize bs can be a small cube of cheese Phillipa
Posted by ed_uk2010 on March 25, 2014, at 14:00:25
In reply to Re: when one feels better on antipsychotic med? » Beckett, posted by Iowamoomoo on March 24, 2014, at 17:00:54
Hi there,
As far as I know, Risperdal (at least at low doses) is a low risk antipsychotic with respect to seizures. I would not be too concerned because your dose was very low indeed.
With respect to the diabetes risk, did you gain weight on Risperdal? Some people do gain weight on Risperdal, which elevates your risk of diabetes, but not everyone is affected. Risperdal is lower risk than Zyprexa, which causes a lot of weight gain and metabolic changes including diabetes.
0.25mg Risperdal is not really an antipsychotic dose ie. it is very unlikely that such a dose would effectively treat a psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia. This dose is more of an anxiety-reducing and mildly mood stabilising dose for less serious mental health problems. Low doses such as this can also be a useful add-on to other psych meds. The major pharmacological effect at this dose is to block certain serotonin receptors in the brain.
Hope this helps.
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