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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 78. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SLS on May 9, 2018, at 22:38:04
I have been taking 15 mg/day of Abilify for quite a few years. I gained 50 pounds and my triglycerides are 450 mg/dL. I would like to reverse these conditions. I took my first 5 mg dose of Saphris tonight. My plan is to cross-titrate the two drugs. My hope is that Saphris will provide approximately the same antidepressant effect as Abilify, but without the weight gain and metabolic side effects.
We shall see.
- Scott
Posted by ed_uk2010 on May 12, 2018, at 16:15:13
In reply to Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by SLS on May 9, 2018, at 22:38:04
I do hope it helps. Do let us know.
Do you have to take meds for your triglycerides at the moment?
Posted by SLS on May 12, 2018, at 18:47:22
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » SLS, posted by ed_uk2010 on May 12, 2018, at 16:15:13
> I do hope it helps. Do let us know.
>
> Do you have to take meds for your triglycerides at the moment?The last time I saw my primary doctor, she prescribed Lovaza. My insurance wouldn't cover it, so I let it go. Had I known earlier that metformin reduced triglycerides, I would have asked for it. I don't want to start taking it now, though. I will wait to see how my trial of Saphris goes. With a bit of luck, I won't need metformin.
Thanks for asking.
- Scott
Posted by ed_uk2010 on May 13, 2018, at 16:00:08
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » ed_uk2010, posted by SLS on May 12, 2018, at 18:47:22
Hi Scott,
Lovaza is a convenient and concentrated, but expensive, way of taking fish oil.
Why not reduce your triglycerides by taking a more affordable fish oil supplement?
Metformin can reduce triglycerides slightly, but generally less than the usual treatments such as fish oil products or statins.
Posted by SLS on May 13, 2018, at 19:55:54
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » SLS, posted by ed_uk2010 on May 13, 2018, at 16:00:08
Hi Ed.
> Lovaza is a convenient and concentrated, but expensive, way of taking fish oil.
It is unconscionable what they charge for simple fish oil. Purified? How much could it possibly cost?
> Why not reduce your triglycerides by taking a more affordable fish oil supplement?
I'll consider that.
> Metformin can reduce triglycerides slightly, but generally less than the usual treatments such as fish oil products or statins.Hopefully, I will be able to discontinue Abilify in favor of Saphris. If my triglycerides remain high after stabilizing on Saphris, I think I'll have to look seriously into doing something about it. I'm not sure what to try first, though.
What are the long-term adverse effects of taking a statin?
Thanks.
Hope you are doing well.
- Scott
Posted by ed_uk2010 on May 14, 2018, at 15:09:03
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » ed_uk2010, posted by SLS on May 13, 2018, at 19:55:54
Hi Scott,
I'm doing OK thanks :)
>>Why not reduce your triglycerides by taking a more affordable fish oil supplement?
>
> I'll consider that.We have loads of supermarket brands, often costing about £0.05 per 1g capsule. Maybe worth a try? You'd need several capsules a day though, due to the lower amounts of EPA/DHA per capsule than Lovaza.
>I'm not sure what to try first, though.
>
> What are the long-term adverse effects of taking a statin?Some people have intolerance with muscle pain, but I wouldn't say that's a long-term adverse effect.
Effects on mental health are conflicting... usually none, I suspect, but both improved and worsened depression have been reported.
Posted by Christ_empowered on May 14, 2018, at 19:17:53
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » SLS, posted by ed_uk2010 on May 14, 2018, at 15:09:03
hi. the "alternative" health people say that if you take a statin, its a good idea to take a quality coenzyme q10 supplement, too. as always...check with a doctor, of course.
Posted by SLS on May 14, 2018, at 20:42:05
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Christ_empowered on May 14, 2018, at 19:17:53
> hi. the "alternative" health people say that if you take a statin, its a good idea to take a quality coenzyme q10 supplement, too. as always...check with a doctor, of course.
Thanks, C_E.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on May 14, 2018, at 20:54:38
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » Christ_empowered, posted by SLS on May 14, 2018, at 20:42:05
Abilify -> Saphris
Day 5. So far, so good.
I was taking Abilify for bipolar depression. My objective for switching medications was to find a replacement for Abilify that wouldn't produce weight-gain and high triglycerides. I would have been happy just to "break even" with respect to antidepressant effect. However, right now, I feel better on Saphris than I did on Abilify. In addition, my appetite has been reduced and I feel full more quickly during a meal.
- Scott
Posted by ed_uk2010 on May 16, 2018, at 14:05:26
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by SLS on May 14, 2018, at 20:54:38
That's good news. Have you stopped aripiprazole completely now? How much asenapine are you taking?
Posted by SLS on May 17, 2018, at 7:48:04
In reply to Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by SLS on May 9, 2018, at 22:38:04
> I have been taking 15 mg/day of Abilify for quite a few years. I gained 50 pounds and my triglycerides are 450 mg/dL. I would like to reverse these conditions. I took my first 5 mg dose of Saphris tonight. My plan is to cross-titrate the two drugs. My hope is that Saphris will provide approximately the same antidepressant effect as Abilify, but without the weight gain and metabolic side effects.
>
> We shall see.So far, so good. I have been on Saphris 10 mg/day for a week, and discontinued Abilify 3 days ago. I feel better now than I did before making the switch. Of course it could be temporary. Abilify leaves the body somewhat slowly. Its half-life is 3 days. However, I remain optimistic. I have more energy and accomplish a bit more during the day. My thought speed and memory have improved. I am more social. My affect is less flat and my thoughts and feelings are more positive. I still suffer from laziness and a lack of interest and motivation. I also remain in a brain fog and stare off into space a lot. These things, while being symptoms of depression, are made worse by Parnate. This is my reason for wanting to switch from Parnate to Trintellix. I will do this once I have been stabilized on Saphris for a few weeks. Trintellix was my doctor's idea. I originally wanted to go back to Effexor, a drug that I have had partial success with in the past. His idea is much better. I am excited to make the switch.
- Scott
Posted by ed_uk2010 on May 20, 2018, at 9:56:23
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by SLS on May 17, 2018, at 7:48:04
>Abilify leaves the body somewhat slowly.
>I still suffer from laziness...Perhaps that will improve as aripiprazole exits your system. I would imagine that having two antipsychotics on board will not be helpful in that respect.
Hope you continue to improve over the next week or two :)
Posted by Lamdage22 on May 25, 2018, at 12:13:10
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » SLS, posted by ed_uk2010 on May 20, 2018, at 9:56:23
are you lazy in a way normal people are?
Posted by SLS on May 25, 2018, at 12:54:40
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Lamdage22 on May 25, 2018, at 12:13:10
> are you lazy in a way normal people are?
That's a great question. I would say no. The "laziness" is actually a combination of anergia and amotivation along with a loss of interest in doing things. It feels like laziness, but is actually a cluster of well-recognized symptoms of depression. A person with depression can't find the resources to be active and goal-directed, no matter how hard they try.
- Scott
Posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 4:39:54
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris. » Lamdage22, posted by SLS on May 25, 2018, at 12:54:40
> > are you lazy in a way normal people are?
>
> That's a great question. I would say no. The "laziness" is actually a combination of anergia and amotivation along with a loss of interest in doing things. It feels like laziness, but is actually a cluster of well-recognized symptoms of depression. A person with depression can't find the resources to be active and goal-directed, no matter how hard they try.Well i think it depends on how severe it is. I have picked up running and wakeboarding. I dont know why i am able to do that now whereas before i was not. My bet is that it is because ofhealthy eating and supplements!
Posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 4:44:30
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 4:39:54
And some willpower, too. I dont know where it came from but it is there. I am proud to do exercise although my motivation was not exactly sky high.
Posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 5:03:35
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 4:39:54
All i am saying is that we should do whatever we can do. Is Saphris sedating at all? If Seroquel would be a 10 in terms of sedation, how does Saphris compare?
Posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 5:54:19
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 4:39:54
All i am saying is that we should do whatever we can do. Is Saphris sedating at all? If Seroquel would be a 10 in terms of sedation, how does Saphris compare?
Posted by SLS on May 28, 2018, at 12:32:18
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 5:54:19
> All i am saying is that we should do whatever we can do. Is Saphris sedating at all? If Seroquel would be a 10 in terms of sedation, how does Saphris compare?
I found Saphris to be mildly sedating during the first few days of treatment. After that, I hardly knew that I was taking it.
- Scott
Posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 15:47:54
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 5:54:19
and it gets the job of protecting you from mania and psychosis done?
Posted by SLS on May 29, 2018, at 23:53:02
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Lamdage22 on May 28, 2018, at 15:47:54
> and it gets the job of protecting you from mania and psychosis done?
That is very astute of you. That is my hope. I did not experience a single manic episode during the 13 years that I took Abilify for. I have had manic reactions to MAOIs in the past. With a little luck, Saphris will help with depression and prevent mania.
I performed an experiment with Saphris. I stopped taking it. I wanted to be sure that it was absolutely necessary before moving on to months of different drug trials. I was so excited that I felt better on Saphris, but I wanted to explore the possibility that my improvement was due to the discontinuance of Abilify. After a week without Saphris, my bipolar depression deteriorated rapidly. I restarted it this afternoon. I allowed several days to pass before I began to descend into the abyss. I pushed and pushed as my conditionn grew worses and worse. I guess I have my answer. Now comes allowing the neuroendocrine systems to settle down under its new conditions. Once I feel stable, I will taper and discontinue Parnate in preparation for taking Trintellix.
- Scott
Posted by Lamdage22 on May 30, 2018, at 2:55:41
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by SLS on May 29, 2018, at 23:53:02
It sounds like it is helping. Did you do alot of destructive stuff when you were manic/psychotic?
Posted by Lamdage22 on May 30, 2018, at 3:05:23
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Lamdage22 on May 30, 2018, at 2:55:41
Did your food cravings lessen? If not you can still try Metformin. It sounds like it could help you.
Are you still volunteering?
Posted by SLS on May 30, 2018, at 6:04:10
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by Lamdage22 on May 30, 2018, at 3:05:23
Hi Lamdage.
My manias were indeed severe and overtly psychotic. Religiosity was the major theme. Mania for me is generally dysphoric. Parnate more so than Nardil. Although I was energetic and industrious at the beginning of each mania, the mania became destructive as it grew more severe. I lost my job and my marriage.
My depression has eased this morning. I took a 10 mg dose yesterday. It was too much all at once. I thought I could take a loading dose. I was impatient. I was left dizzy and sedated. It wasn't pleasant. I'm okay now, and will remain at 10 mg/day taken in divided doses.
Thanks for reminding me about metformin. If I have the same weight-gain and triglycerides issues with Saphris that I had with Abilify, I will ask my doctor about it.
I'm not volunteering right now. I left my position last August when my mother had spinal surgery. Afterwards, I had my bout with septic shock. The commute was getting too expensive, anyway. My guess is that I will feel employable later this summer as I eventually discontinue the Parnate and move on to Trintellix and Effexor.
Do you have a plan in place to treat your condition(s)? Have you reduced your dosage of Seroquel?
I always appreciate your kind concern.
- Scott
Posted by Lamdage22 on May 30, 2018, at 9:42:12
In reply to Re: Switching from Abililfy to Saphris., posted by SLS on May 30, 2018, at 6:04:10
> Hi Lamdage.
>
> My manias were indeed severe and overtly psychotic. Religiosity was the major theme. Mania for me is generally dysphoric. Parnate more so than Nardil. Although I was energetic and industrious at the beginning of each mania, the mania became destructive as it grew more severe. I lost my job and my marriage.I am sorry to hear that. I was destructive, too, but everyone involved forgave me. Also religious. You werent angry that a psychmed sent you into that? I was for sure.
> I'm not volunteering right now. I left my position last August when my mother had spinal surgery. Afterwards, I had my bout with septic shock. The commute was getting too expensive, anyway. My guess is that I will feel employable later this summer as I eventually discontinue the Parnate and move on to Trintellix and Effexor.
I watched your experiment with Saphris with some concern but i changed my mind. I hope the other change pays works out for you as well. I am kind of conservative. I rather not try everything because of the risks involved. It could be better with a new med, but it could also be worse. Thats kind of my thinking here. I am pretty stable and i dont want to mess this up.
> Do you have a plan in place to treat your condition(s)? Have you reduced your dosage of Seroquel?
I have gone from 1000mg to 900mg. But i did not have the nasal congestion again. I have picked up frequent exercise again and besides that i am kind of waiting for stuff like Rapastinel to come onto the market.
>
> I always appreciate your kind concern.
>
>
> - ScottSure thing;)
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