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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by iowamoomoo on March 25, 2014, at 8:11:04
I had been taking Risperdal for about a month a few months ago but I got scared off it because it has a seizure side effect and I have a history of seizures. I was taking .25 mgs and I was feeling so great and I about cried when I made the decision to stop taking it because of the fear of the seizure side effect was too much for me to deal with. I've since reconsidered as every day I felt this Risperdal CALLING me to come back! whats up with that I even wondered if I was addicted to it for the urge to go back on it was so super strong literally.
I finally relented 2 nights ago knowing the risk I am taking with the seizures. so my Dr. said I could try Lamictal for the bipolar 2 and I would take about 150 mgs once a day. My problem with taking Lamictal is that I've read for seizure control it has to be taken 2 to 3 times a day. I was not intending to take it to control seizures but then I thought if I am going to take it at all then I may as well take that dose for seizures with I think was 300 mgs maybe it was more. I do not do well taking any medicine more then once a day.
So now my dilemma is which one to take. I was looking for some feedback from those that have tried BOTH meds and which one they preferred and why?
Posted by Phillipa on March 25, 2014, at 9:46:56
In reply to Risperdal Versus Lamical Thoughts Please. (long), posted by iowamoomoo on March 25, 2014, at 8:11:04
You feel the atypical antipsychotics can also be addictive? Phillipa
Posted by iowamoomoo on March 25, 2014, at 9:56:06
In reply to Re: Risperdal Versus Lamical Thoughts Please. (long) » iowamoomoo, posted by Phillipa on March 25, 2014, at 9:46:56
well I hadn't thought of them as being "addictive" do you? are they?
I thought maybe that feel good feeling was the addictive part and not so much the medication in its self. Is there something I should know about this? If they are addicive maybe I should of stayed off then and fought it?
Posted by ed_uk2010 on March 25, 2014, at 14:17:44
In reply to Risperdal Versus Lamical Thoughts Please. (long), posted by iowamoomoo on March 25, 2014, at 8:11:04
Atypical antipsychotics are not addictive as such, but like most psych meds there is a risk of withdrawal symptoms when they are stopped after long-term treatment, especially if they are stopped abruptly.
Are you diagnosed with epilepsy? What is this seizure history you mention?
Lamictal is normally taken once or twice a day. Twice daily dosing is perhaps more common.
Posted by Iowamoomoo on March 25, 2014, at 14:25:20
In reply to Re: Risperdal Versus Lamical Thoughts Please. (long), posted by ed_uk2010 on March 25, 2014, at 14:17:44
Well I have seizures from flickering lights, sun filtering through the trees, a ceiling fan with a light, things of that nature which I am able to avoid. It is called photo sensitive convulsive disorder. I have not been on meds since 1994 because I just avoid things that could trigger one. I just naturally worry about something that could lower that threshold even more so I worry about Risperdal for that reason alone.
Posted by Christ_empowered on March 25, 2014, at 14:39:06
In reply to Risperdal Versus Lamical Thoughts Please. (long), posted by iowamoomoo on March 25, 2014, at 8:11:04
I'd take the Lamictal. No TD, clean medication, might help...everything, really.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on March 25, 2014, at 16:38:15
In reply to Re: Risperdal Versus Lamical Thoughts Please. (long) » ed_uk2010, posted by Iowamoomoo on March 25, 2014, at 14:25:20
Hi,
I totally understand your concern. Fortunately, most epileptics do seem to tolerate Risperdal. The risk is minimised by keeping the dose low, and your dose was very low indeed. Did you have any seizures when you were on it before?
Lamictal, as well as being a broad spectrum anti-epileptic can improve bipolar depression. It's a bit of an unknown quantity though, since you don't know how you respond.
Posted by Iowamoomoo on March 25, 2014, at 22:05:58
In reply to Re: Risperdal Versus Lamical Thoughts Please. (long), posted by ed_uk2010 on March 25, 2014, at 16:38:15
I've not had a seizure since 1994 (knocking on wood) but only because I avoid any triggers or as much as possible. I was only on it before for about a month but that whole time I was terrified to leave my house and go anywhere, crazy stuff. I'm trying so hard not to be so paranoid this time around because I really enjoyed the way I felt when I was on it before and I hope I won't need to increase or less I'll probably freak out too much.
Posted by phidippus on March 26, 2014, at 12:30:53
In reply to Risperdal Versus Lamical Thoughts Please. (long), posted by iowamoomoo on March 25, 2014, at 8:11:04
There is an XR version of Lamictal you only need to take once a day.
Lamictal and Risperdal are completely different medications, but they both can be used as anti-manics, with Risperdal having the stronger anti-manic effect. Take the two together and they will work synergistically to treat your bipolar disorder (which I'm assuming you have).
Eric
This is the end of the thread.
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