[franz kafka]

I'm on a hefty dose of Zyprexa and it's seriously slowing me down. I'm a grad student. I need to read a lot. It takes me twice as long to read now as I could in the past. I feel like my meds are holding me back.

But maybe it's worth it, so I don't become psychotic again? I can't tell.

Are your med side effects worth it?

[Wild Coyote]

I guess we all must weigh the pros and cons to meds, side-effects being a major issue.

My med side-effects are worth it right now, mainly because my meds are making it more possible for me to function in everyday life.

I can understand feeling frustrated by feeling "slowed down" by Zyprexa.
What do you think would happen if your pdoc lowered your Zyprexa?
Would you be able to function well and stay in the program?

I hope you are having some fun times in Egypt!


WC

[still_crazy]

i think there's a point of diminishing returns, and there's also a point at which one can actually lose more than you're gaining from psych drugs that are dosed too high.

im down to 20mgs/abilify. more than a lot of people, but less than the 30mgs i was on for a long time. i like this dosage much more, and i function better.

low to moderate dose perphenazine was compared to zyprexa in the catie study, with people labeled "Schizophrenic." The perphenazine was almost as effective as the zyprexa, w/ fewer metabolic problems and I think less sedation, too. its a moderate potency older tranquilizer, phenothiazine.

loxapine works for some people, too. maybe ask about an increase in the modafanil, if that's an option? might be an easier quick fix.

Well, if you get psychotic again, how will that affect your status in the program? If (worst case) it causes you to drop out, then I think maybe the "twice as long to read" thing might not be a bad tradeoff,. You have to think worst possible case.

Maybe you can work with your pdoc to find some way to help you function better. If not that, can you ask about getting special accommodations? There are also lifestyle adaptations you can make to compensate. But my point is that you don't necessarily have to change meds in order to change how you function.

You could try the "no med changes" route if you haven't already. You've got a new pdoc who may have different ideas than your previous one.