Posted by TomG on December 11, 2004, at 15:19:55
In reply to Re: IM AFFRAID TO TRY CLOZARIL!!!, posted by Jeroen on December 11, 2004, at 13:48:49
I have done pretty extensive research on sedation and antipsychotics, because I myself am looking into changing my AP due to sedation. Unfortunately, I hate to tell you that Clozaril is the second most sedating atypical AP next to Zyprexa. I read stories from some that they thought it turned them into zombies. Sedation from antipsychotics is thought to be caused by the affinity of the drug to the H1 histamine receptor. This sedation is sometimes desirable in schizophrenia patients who are agitated. The sedation with me is not needed however. It is interfering with my daily life and to some degree my mood and drive. Seroquel is actually the next to last in terms of the affinity for the H1 receptor, but it is a high dose low potency AP so much more of the drug is needed to get a response. Many people find Seroquel sedating because they have to take a large amount to get a response and much more of the drug is reaching the brain. Abilify was not covered in the research that I read, but I have heard from many that it can be non-sedating and even activating. Also the older Haldol and Orap have an extremely low affinity for the H1 receptor. They are also high potentcy low dose AP's, but it is not unheard of that they can indeed cause some sedation. I will be switching from Geodon to low dose Abilify on Monday. If you have any alternatives other that Clozaril I would definately explore them if you are worried about sedation. Clozaril is very effective for psychosis, but it is often reguarded by docs to be a last ditch AP.
poster:TomG
thread:427750
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041211/msgs/427797.html