Posted by seamus on October 16, 2004, at 16:57:56
In reply to Antipsychotics and exercise, posted by mmerrynick on October 15, 2004, at 11:52:08
I appreciate your concerns. I am an amateur cyclist/racer and I have bipolar disorder featuring frequent psychotic episodes. I spent a great deal of time trying to determine exactly how my use of antipsychotics, as well as lithium, would affect my ability to ride 200-300 miles a week.
Unfortunately, my research yielded few results. There simply seems to be a dearth of information regarding exercise and psychiatric medication. This really is not surprising, as mental illness and vigorous exercise are an uncommon pair, and most doctors are unenlightened regarding the full spectrum of side effects of the medications they prescribe.
So, all I have to offer is my own experience. I learned my limits by testing them.Yet I was not careful enough and after one 100 mile ride last year I ended up hospitalised with hyponatremia and hypokalemia(very unpleasant). Otherwise I have found that antipsychotics and intense exercise can co-exist. I simply have to stay well hydrated before, during , and after exercise, and temper my ambitions somewhat. I now take shorter but more frequent training rides, and only enter events less than 60 miles in length.
One additional word of caution, be very respectful of the heat and humidity. If I exercise too long on a very hot and humid day, I often feel poorly for the remainder of the day. I believe this results from overheating rather than dehydration.So stay as cool as possible.
I hope this was helpful. Let me know if I answered your question to your satisfaction.By the way, I currently take 1-2mg of Risperdal daily.
Sincerely, Seamus.
poster:seamus
thread:403359
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041012/msgs/403911.html