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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sunny10 on June 15, 2005, at 15:04:28
Has anyone been on this combo before?
First I was told that my Major Depressive Disorder dx was being changed to Bipolar because of racing thoughts and agiation. Then when my meds were prescribed, I read that Risperdal is prescribed for schizophrenia. What the heck DO the doctors think I have?
Anyway, I've been on them both for two weeks. Until yesterday, I was told to take the Risperdal at night to control the racing thoughts (in order to allow me to get to sleep) and the Wellbutrin in the morning. But my sleep got worse instead of better. Until yesterday, I couldn't reach a deep sleep at all. Yesterday, the new doc told me to take half that night, half this morning, and go to one a day in the morning from now on.
Today I am unfocussed at work. I DID get to sleep last night, though. Will this fogginess go away? I cannot afford to be unfocussed at work. I shudder to think how I will be on a whole tab tomorrow...
And I am still thinking negatively. And am paranoid, I think.
Is two weeks not long enough to "adjust" to these medications? Should I not be worried that I am on the wrong combo yet?
Please help,
sunny10
Posted by TamaraJ on June 15, 2005, at 17:17:59
In reply to I've just been put on Wellbutrin and Risperdal, posted by sunny10 on June 15, 2005, at 15:04:28
Just to reassure you a bit with respect to the Risperdal prescription until you receive responses from more knowledgeable and experienced people, sometimes meds are prescribed for "off label" uses. So, although you are not schizoprenic, it can be used for racing thoughts. Also, it is my understanding that it can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks for the body to adjust to new meds. I remember when I was prescribed Paxil years ago, the first 3 or 4 weeks were a bit unpleasant because of the increased anxiety and stomach problems. But, that all settled down once I adjusted to the med. One thing I will say, based on my own experience, is that if you are troubled by the side effects you are experiencing, and particularly if the side effects are interfering significantly with your functioning, you should talk to your pdoc. Either the Wellbutrin or the Risperdal may not be the right med for you. But, at 2 weeks, it is difficult to say for sure.
Good luck, Sunny.
Posted by Phillipa on June 15, 2005, at 18:15:46
In reply to Re: I've just been put on Wellbutrin and Risperdal » sunny10, posted by TamaraJ on June 15, 2005, at 17:17:59
I agree with Tamarra. And Tamarra, I had the same thing with paxil only it lasted 3 months. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Maximus on June 15, 2005, at 20:37:55
In reply to I've just been put on Wellbutrin and Risperdal, posted by sunny10 on June 15, 2005, at 15:04:28
The risperidone is now also indicated for the treatment of bipolar mania. It is often used in the treatment resistant depression. As you can see, the atypical APs are very versatile.
If the risperidone is agitating you, you could try Seroquel instead. Keep in mind that Wellbutrin is also very stimulating. If you are prone to anxiety, Wellbutrin might worsen it.
Posted by sunny10 on June 16, 2005, at 7:54:42
In reply to Re: I've just been put on Wellbutrin and Risperdal » sunny10, posted by Maximus on June 15, 2005, at 20:37:55
Mostly I have racing thoughts BECAUSE of anxiety. Do you think I should ask my pdoc to put me on an anti-anxiety instead of the Risperdal? Especially since, as Maximus said, the Wellbutrin can sometimes exaserbate the anxiety?
It was very good to hear that two weeks may not be enough time to adjust.
Here's a new, weird thing... did anyone ever have tingling "almost asleep" arms and legs while on either of these drugs? Mine have been doing that for a few days now. Mostly on the left side, but my right leg has felt that way infrequently also during the past few days.
thanks,
sunny10
This is the end of the thread.
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