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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by babs on May 29, 2003, at 9:55:31
Well, I've been thinking about getting off risperdal for awhile now because I've gained 60 pounds on it and it give me problems with concentration. But now I have no choice- my prolactin levels are so elevated my breats began producing milk! Imagine my surprise... although I shouldn't be surprised...I get every side-effect from every med. Anyway my pdoc told me to stop the risperdal cold turkey and assured me there would be no withdrawal. He told me to take as much Ativan as I needed until I see him tomorrow.
But I'm so scared. Although risperdal has caused problems with my weight and concentration it has also helped a lot with irritability, obsessions, anxiety and fear. Before risperdal I was afraid of everything. I am much more relaxed on it. I had problems with my back and neck for years and they totally resolved themselves on risperdal. So it's like losing an old friend. I won't miss the weight gain but I am so worried about the fears, anxiety and obsessions coming back full-force. I didn't realize how "normal" I could feel until the risperdal- I have been a happier person it.
I don't know what's next but I am scared. I tried to switch to geodon in Feb but that was a nightmare. It made me anxious to the point where I was having suicidal ideations. And the worst part about all this is that my mom just died and I'm grieving pretty heavily. What will happen to me off my friend risperdal?
Posted by McPac on May 29, 2003, at 20:53:39
In reply to have to go off risperdal- SCARED!, posted by babs on May 29, 2003, at 9:55:31
babs....what is your diagnosis and what other meds are you on?
Posted by babs on May 30, 2003, at 15:52:54
In reply to babs, Re: have to go off risperdal- SCARED!, posted by McPac on May 29, 2003, at 20:53:39
Hi McPac- I am unipolar with GAD, OCD, and ADD. Just got home from my pdoc. The plan is to up the celexa to 80 mg to see if it helps with the obsessions and we added klonopin to help with anxiety. I'll be stopping the adderall because I may not need it now that I'm off the risperdal and we think it was making my obsessions worse. If I need something for concentration down the line we'll try Straterra. It seems like a good plan. I hope it works!
Posted by McPac on May 30, 2003, at 20:11:56
In reply to Re: babs, Re: have to go off risperdal- SCARED! » McPac, posted by babs on May 30, 2003, at 15:52:54
Hi babs!
The GAD appears to involve an overactive serotonin 1-A receptor. This causes an imbalance with the OCD, which likely involves low serotonin. This high/low imbalance is likely causing you problems. SSRI medications (like Celexa) all increase all the serotonins, stimulating the already overactive 1-A receptor and worsening the anxiety. Xanax and Klonopin, like all Valium like benzodiazepines, reduce anxiety. Buspar also works very good at blocking the 5HT1-A receptor (some say the best of all), which should then allow you to take the ssri without getting the worsened anxiety. Buspar makes some people feel sick. IF that happened you could take Remeron to counter that effect. OR, you could try the Klonopin. That sounds like a very good idea. Many ocd'ers (including my Aunt) did VERY well using Klonopin w/ Luvox. Try the increased Celexa WITH the Klonopin Babs...I think it should work very well for you! Take care and try to keep your mind and body relaxed. Do as many things as possible to help your mind/body relax.
Posted by babs on June 1, 2003, at 14:48:20
In reply to Re: babs, Re: have to go off risperdal- SCARED!, posted by McPac on May 30, 2003, at 20:11:56
Thanks McPac- I'm pretty pleased with the plan. I hope it works but from what you siad there's a good chance it will. And maybe off the risperdal I can lose some of the 60 pounds I gained. Wouldn't that be nice? Thanks for your response.
This is the end of the thread.
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