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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Jelly on July 9, 2003, at 14:33:22
I recently learned that my mother has schizophrenia. She had been misdiagnosed for years with depression, and had been taking Desyrel. Her doctor wants her to remain on Desyrel, telling us it is effective for schizophrenia as well. I have tried to research this and can't find anything that recommends Desyrel as a treatment for schizophrenia. She has taken it for years, and it does help somewhat (better than totally unmedicated), but even with it she's not "well". Has anyone else had experience with Desyrel as a treatment for schizophrenia? Is there any reason why a doctor would choose this over an antipsychotic such as Zyprexa?
Posted by linkadge on July 9, 2003, at 18:57:33
In reply to Desyrel (trazodone) for Schizophrenia?, posted by Jelly on July 9, 2003, at 14:33:22
It has not been officially tested in schitsophrenia, but a few independant case
reports show that it can improve some symptoms.It has 5ht2a blockatde which will help with sleep and visual hallucinations. It also generally lowers dopamine which can help schitsophrenia.
However, if more symptoms than this need to be addressed, then you may want a antipsychotic.
Good Luck
Linkadge
Posted by jlo820 on July 9, 2003, at 19:38:43
In reply to Re: Desyrel (trazodone) for Schizophrenia?, posted by linkadge on July 9, 2003, at 18:57:33
Trazodone is a very sedating anti-depressant. I am not aware of any cases of its use as a first- or second-line treatment for schizophrenia, or being a treatment at all. However, the sedating properties of Trazodone maay, as Jelly noted, help with hallucinations and especially sleep.
Many antipsychotics are also very sedating, so I would think your mother would do better one one of these medications.
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