Posted by yxibow on May 7, 2005, at 2:10:56
In reply to For all those taking AP Meds........, posted by woolav on May 6, 2005, at 13:43:17
> I may have to start taking this type of med for my bp2 and need to know as much as i can about these drugs before I see my pdoc. Whoever reads this, can they tell me what they take and what type of side effects you have or had with them??
>
> Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!11
> SWell I've taken all 5 atypical AP/neuroleptics and experienced probably most all of what is known as EPS or ExtraPyramidal Sypmptoms (major side effects in laymans terms). If you're sensitive to them, you're likely to experience at least one of them, if you're not sensitive, you may never have to experience them or they may come and go down the line.
There is also the chance of TD (Tardive Dyskinesia) which ranges from completely or partially reversible (about 60%) to irreversible (about 30%). This though generally shows up later in treatment. Also, although there have been reports with the new atypicals, the chances of TD are much slimmer, extrapolating from one british study, I would estimate the low potency drugs such as Zyprexa and especially Seroquel to be in the range of 1/4% a year. But nobody can be completely sure, its something to think in informed consent.
As for the effects that I've experienced.. possible irreversible twitch with Risperdal on a finger; some form of pseudoparkinsonism (shakiness of hands, etc) with Zyprexa and much less so with Seroquel and akathisia (the feeling that you want to crawl out of your skin restlessly and run forever -- its hard to explain unless you've experienced it, its not anxiety, its different.) with Geodon and Abilify.
Most of these EPS effects can be treated while you're taking the medicine with either benzodiazepines or anticholinergics such as Akineton, Artane, or Cogentin or beta blockers such as propranolol.
Hope that helps ... remember, each person reacts differently to these medications and I would probably start with the weakest ones possible; they definately have their uses in off-label complex anxiety disorders and bipolar as well as schizophrenia.
Tidings
poster:yxibow
thread:494566
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050504/msgs/494793.html