Posted by jay on April 13, 2002, at 11:48:28
In reply to I need help..fast, effexor and zyprexa, posted by mom on April 12, 2002, at 21:10:13
Hi:I just kinda wanted to relate an (almost) similar situation of mine. My doctor has been using atypical antipsychotics (Zyprexa) as well as Effexor and other antidepressants on me. He has also been using "mood stabalizers" (Depakote, Neurontin, Lithium, etc.)
What I DON'T understand is, these meds seem to have no effect on one of my primary symtoms, which is anxiety. In fact, I am ready to say that anxiety is almost like a cousin of psychotic episodes. The one class of medications that can VERY well handle this is benzodiazepines. (Like Ativan.) I also suspect some of the psychotic reactions where drug-induced, maybe by the Effexor and others, and yes, Zyprexa DOES and can cause agitation. (It is in the PDR....many on here will be able to relate to that.)
If a person responds well to them, I think benzodiazepines should be a maintenance part of treatment, and I think your daughters antidepressants should be greatly lowered. Possibly, a high dose of a benzodiazepine with a low dose and a antidepressant.
You might be best to phone around and talk to as many doctors as possible, and explain your situation. I also think you should ask about benzodiazepines and routine use, as yes there are some good doctors who have no problem with their maintenance treatment.
I'd also lastly like to say benzodiazepines are SO much more safer than antipsychotics (unless there is a 'true' psychotic episode..involving delusion and hallucinations...as defined in the DSM), and still safer than the 'mood stabalizers'..because..well..they just stabalize the mood a heck of a lot better than these other meds.
I am really saddned by these stories, because it shows how incompetent many of our doctors are. Despite all of the garbage they spew out, one of the main reasons for presribing these 'newer' drugs is simply because some drug company rep, and a bunch of questionable studies, hype them as being some kind of panecea.
Anhow...just my .02 cents..best of luck...and please come back for support...
Thanks!
Jay
poster:jay
thread:102912
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020408/msgs/102955.html