Posted by byron on November 20, 2003, at 23:49:28
In reply to Lorazepam or Riderdal??, posted by Bananafish on November 10, 2003, at 16:09:25
> I have Bipolar I. Almost exactly 2 years ago, I stopped taking my meds because I decided I didn't really have Bipolar. Guess what happened? Of course you all know the answer...I felt fine for 2 years and then suddenly developed a pretty severe case of mania. Anyway I started lithium again today. But here's the question. The doc gave me the choice between lorazepam 0.5mg t.i.d. OR Risderdal 0.5mg t.i.d. to calm me until the lithium kicks in. I am very familiar with lorazepam, but have never taken Risperdal. Could someone with Risperdal and lorazepam experience advise me which helped them more with manic excitement? Thanks for any responses.
Ativan (Lorazepam) and Risperidol are very different. Lorazepam is an anti-anxiety medication similar to Valium or Xanax. Risperidol is an atypical antipsychotic which, in addition to reducing hallucinations, can also can calm and sedate some - both can be used to buy a little stability while waiting for mood stabilizers to be titrated up to the needed blood levels.
Someone mentioned problems with Risperidol. There are many alternatives of the same class: Zyprexa, Geodon, Abilify to name a few.
Because many Bipolars like the feeling of euphoria that goes along with hypomania, or for reasons of denial of the disorder, they often stop medications after a period of stability. As a therapist, I generally advise Bipolars to let everyone around them know about the disorder, what to watch for (rapid speech, decreased sleep, pressured thinking,...) and give them permission to summon help. Few Bipolars can or even want to detect the hypomania coming on because it initially feels so good, especially if it follows a depressed period. So outside help from family, friends, coworkers is often the best prevention.
Hope this helps...
byron
poster:byron
thread:278289
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031116/msgs/281942.html