![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by TrishP on December 8, 2006, at 6:59:45
Ok - I tried taking the Cogentin with the Abilify at night before bed. It actually worked out pretty well. I don't think I can really take the Cogentin during the day though.
Now - the only outstanding issue is the irritability the Abilify gives me. I have energy, I am not hypomanic and I feel pretty good, BUT, I am bitchy.
My doc suggested adding a small dose of Depokote. Yikes! I'm afraid of getting superfat! I've just heard stories of people gaining weight on all these drugs.
What about a small dose of Risperdal? Is that any better? Or are they about the same for weight gain?
Will they help with the Abilify-induced irritability? Will they contribute to the akathesia?
Posted by Dinah on December 8, 2006, at 8:13:08
In reply to Depokote or Risperdal?, posted by TrishP on December 8, 2006, at 6:59:45
I gained six pounds (at least) in a month on Risperdal. If there was any change in my eating habits, I didn't see it.
Mind you, I love Risperdal. It works great on my anxiety and agitation. But there's a price *for me* to use it.
But everyone's different. Your mileage may vary. And I'm diabetic, so there might be some interplay there.
Posted by lymom3 on December 8, 2006, at 10:20:25
In reply to Re: Depokote or Risperdal?, posted by Dinah on December 8, 2006, at 8:13:08
Depakote made me fat and my hair fall out and I was a zombie...just my experience also. Good luck.
Posted by Phillipa on December 8, 2006, at 11:01:38
In reply to Re: Depokote or Risperdal?, posted by Dinah on December 8, 2006, at 8:13:08
Dinah if you're diabetic how can you take it? I thought it caused it? Do they just monitor your blood sugar and adjust diabetes meds? Love Phillipa
Posted by slinky on December 8, 2006, at 11:47:11
In reply to Depokote or Risperdal?, posted by TrishP on December 8, 2006, at 6:59:45
Hi,
Depakote made me irritable and bitchy...Risperdal is a miricle drug for me on low dose 1mg at night- the only problem is some insomnia and having to watch what I eat. Depakote caused more weght gain.
Evryone is different...try Depakote first ? See what works for you.Good luck.
Posted by slinky on December 8, 2006, at 11:54:20
In reply to Re: Depokote or Risperdal?, posted by Dinah on December 8, 2006, at 8:13:08
Hi Dinah..
Bobby gave me your email, but thought it best not to write to you. Risperdal is helping with my psychotic life :-)
Ate chocolates yesterday..I got underweight so I could treat myself..but being careful not to indulge myself too much.
Hope you're life has some sparkle.
Lots of love.. Ali x
Posted by med_empowered on December 8, 2006, at 20:09:16
In reply to Depokote or Risperdal?, posted by TrishP on December 8, 2006, at 6:59:45
neither of these are meds to be taken lightly. A benzo, maybe only for a couple weeks, would probably be enough to do the trick..its not really necessary to drug you into a stupor.
Anyway...given the choice between these 2 (rough, side-effect filled) medications, I'd choose Depakote, because at least that way you won't get Tardive Dyskinesia or Neuroleptic Malignancy Syndrome. The risks of any antipsychotic-related problems go up considerably when you starting mixing neuroleptics (which, if ABSOLUTELY necessary should really only be done in chronic, unresponsive schizophrenics).
Depakote can cause weight gain and hair loss and flattening of mood. You'll need regular blood tests and it can mess with menstrual cycles and weight.
Risperdal can cause antipsychotic problems (TD, EPS, akathisia) plus weight gain, drug-induced mania, and metabolic problems.
Will your doc try anything else? B/c both the options you've been given are really, really hardcore...the depakote+atypical combo is pretty common in people with hardcore bipolar I and people with schizoaffective/schizophrenia, but its overkill for people with lesser problems.
Posted by Dinah on December 8, 2006, at 20:15:02
In reply to Re: Depokote or Risperdal?--Dinah, posted by slinky on December 8, 2006, at 11:54:20
Hi!
You lucky girl. I'm trying hard to lose weight. Chocolates sound wonderful.
If you ever do want to use that email address, I will *always* be delighted to hear from you. If you happen to forget it, it's in the FAQ.
I'm glad Risperdal's helping. It's one of my two favorite medications.
Dinah
Posted by Dinah on December 8, 2006, at 20:17:48
In reply to Re: Depokote or Risperdal? » Dinah, posted by Phillipa on December 8, 2006, at 11:01:38
It's not really a problem when I take it like I usually do. A little as needed. When my therapy is stable, that's all I need.
But I was on it regularly for a month not too long ago and my weight shot way up.
It's something that's best for me when I take it sparingly.
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.