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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
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.
Posted by Bananafish on November 10, 2003, at 16:12:36
In reply to Lorazepam or Riderdal??, posted by Bananafish on November 10, 2003, at 16:09:25
Obviously, I mean Risperdal. I made a few typos before.
Posted by Elle2021 on November 11, 2003, at 5:11:20
In reply to Lorazepam or Riderdal??, posted by Bananafish on November 10, 2003, at 16:09:25
I took Risperidol just recently. I found out I was sort of allergic to it. I also currently take Lorazepam. I can tell you that the Risperidol calms one down way more than the Lorazepam. It made me really sleepy and did some scary things with my breathing. It was really hard for me to get air in and breath it back out. My pdoc took me off of it. I guess if you aren't allergic to it, then it's a pretty good drug. I hope you feel better soon, God bless you.
Elle
Posted by ace on November 11, 2003, at 20:25:32
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.
I would say go with the Risperidone- it can be a real good drug...BUT it has a lot more potent than Lorazepam and with long term use can cause a few probs...
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
This is the end of the thread.
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