Beth's Keeping Track Post

~Christina · Mar 07, 2020 at 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BethRags

I've decided to post a thread to keep track of meds, etc. I was posting a thread like this for a couple of months, then stopped. However, I find that I'm referring back to that thread for important information.

I know there are some people who are not in favor of these types of threads. It really is too bad that we don't have a specific board for personal threads. I suppose phones have apps or whatever that can do this sort of thing, but I don't use my phone much (I am not talented with technology). Until PC has a board for personal threads the easiest place for me to post is here, on the bipolar board.
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For 4 to 8 weeks I've been taking Latuda, between 60 and 100mg. To counteract the pretty much full-body tremor I've had to take Cogentin and Propanalol. Neither does jack. In fact, I don't think the Latuda is doing anything helpful, either...definitely not worth the major tremoring.

After thinking it all over I've decided to stop the Latuda. I didn't take it last night or this morning. I don't feel one bit different than I felt on it. Feels like I've been swallowing placebos.

Still some tremor in my hands and jaw. I do not feel like I have to jiggle my leg, though.

Surgery for achilles tendon 1 month from today. Started a fairly in-depth cleaning of apartment yesterday so it'll be nice and clean by April.

Therapist cancelled Thursday's appt. She cancels about 1 out of 10 sessions. She tells me that she sees progress, even though I don't feel it yet.

Lost 13lbs. during February.

I want to just give you a bit of info on how I weaned my self off Latuda .. I didnt have the tremor like you do .. but I tried to decease too quickly and I felt a big surge in an on going pretty high anxiety which I knew could certainly be a problem. .. so I slowed my taper.. and I did fine.. but you have to factor in half life and brain back to working sans that med.. I finally felt truly med free from it at about 7-8 weeks..

So its likely you wont have a problem for 5-7 days but eventually it will hit you...

So instead of just dropping it and deal with possible withdrawl right before a major surgery that is going to keep you limited in ability to get around which I can imagine is going to be very long stressful process..

Why not just tell your Pdoc that you truly have given this med a good try but the side effects are not tolerable so .... "we need a new plan" and work together..

Honestly most Pdocs if you approach them with the truth about a med thats not working they will work to try to find something better,,

Good luck in whatever you decide to do

*Beth* · Mar 08, 2020 at 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~Christina

I want to just give you a bit of info on how I weaned my self off Latuda .. I didnt have the tremor like you do .. but I tried to decease too quickly and I felt a big surge in an on going pretty high anxiety which I knew could certainly be a problem. .. so I slowed my taper.. and I did fine.. but you have to factor in half life and brain back to working sans that med.. I finally felt truly med free from it at about 7-8 weeks..

So its likely you wont have a problem for 5-7 days but eventually it will hit you...

So instead of just dropping it and deal with possible withdrawl right before a major surgery that is going to keep you limited in ability to get around which I can imagine is going to be very long stressful process..

Normally, I would never just stop a med. But I've been on Latuda for only 7 weeks. So far no withdrawal...but I will keep in mind your experience.

Why not just tell your Pdoc that you truly have given this med a good try but the side effects are not tolerable so .... "we need a new plan" and work together..

Honestly most Pdocs if you approach them with the truth about a med thats not working they will work to try to find something better,,

Funny thing is, my pdoc didn't like the idea of Latuda. I kept pushing for it. Maybe she has had poor outcomes with it.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do

Thank you!

*Beth* · Mar 09, 2020 at 05:41 AM

I'm feeling remarkably better off Latuda! What is that stuff, anyway...and does it really help anyone?

No Latuda means no Cogentin, no Propanalol. Left hand still tremoring slightly (annoying), but then I always have a degree of hand tremor left over from childhood scarlet fever.

I feel physically alive.

The remaining problem - and it's a major one - is the spinning anxiety. Obsessive to the point of crazy. No med has ever made a dent in it.

Had a dream that an elevator opened and Mama Cass stepped out and sang to me in her sweet, sweet voice. Highly amusing

*Beth* · Mar 09, 2020 at 06:26 PM

Exhausted and wish I could lie in bed and read and sleep until tomorrow. I would if I didn't have stuff to do. Anxiety is out of control...I think it has to do with facing surgery. Which is strange, because I've had surgery 4 times in my life and I wasn't terribly nervous.

I finally see my T and my pdoc tomorrow. Not that either one ever has any magical solutions, but at least I can talk with them.

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