[PlanningtoLive]

Cam, I have been wondering about this drug. My husband is now taking it and I thought it may be a help for me as well.

I've been diagnosed with BPD, but I also have some traits of being bi-polar as well. My pdoc can't seem to figure out what would work best, I usually bring med names up to him.

I have been having severe mood swings and depression. Extreme restlessness and sitting still plus I am constantly thinking that people are talking about me or that I am seeing spiders (bugs) walk across things. I blink and realize that nothing is there.

Anyone with any suggestions? I am also taking Xanax as needed, but usually don't bother with it. Neurontin I am on for my leg. I've tried almost every SRI there is and need something different. Effexor is the med right now, 50 mg. 3x a day.

Thanks.

Mary Alice

[bptoo]

Hi Mary Alice,

I hope you don't mind if I chime in a bit until Cam can get to you? Geodon is an atypical anti-psychotic. I haven't used it myself as I've had excellent results with Zyprexa, but I know a few people who have had good results with Geodon in Bipolar type symptoms like mania, ruminating thoughts, hearing voices. It's generally used as a last line defense, after a doctor has tried pretty much everything else from what I hear. And if you don't have good insurance, watch out, it's VERY expensive. On my own experience, I would recommend Zyprexa with one warning. Zyprexa causes weight gain, a lot of it. So you have to maintain a good diet and get lots of exercise right from the start. But the med is excellent and starts working almost immediately, at least it did for me.

I hope I've been of some help, and I'm sure Cam will have a lot more to add.

Big hugs and lots of love to you,
bp

"When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance."

[PlanningtoLive]

Why would I mind? {{{{{{{{{{{{{{Bp}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I don't need weight gain, trying to lose it as it is.......lol. I will check into it though. I need something different than Effexor, which just isn't doing it. Tired of seeing spiders crawling and being antsy so much.

You are always a help. xoxoxoxoxox

Thanks.
Mary Alice

[CamW]

PTE - I haven't had any clinical experience with Geodon™ (ziprasidone), but from what I've read it is one of those medications that either works for you or doesn't. I haven't seen much middle ground in what I have read on it so far.

Ihave heard that it can cause, or exacerbate existing, heart problems. It's that old Q-T prolongation thing seen with Mellaril™ (thioridazine) and Orap™ (pimozide), as well as a couple other of the "traditional" antipsychotics. I believe that Q-T prolongation is a form of irregular heartbeat.

I do believe that Geodon is good at treating agitation and that there is an intramuscular version that is fast-acting; although I do not know how well it works in a clinical setting.

Geodon needs to be started at low doses and increased gradually, as it can, especially when first taking it, cause a drop in blood pressure.This can cause problems with dizziness and fainting. Geodon can also cause problems with the body's ability to regulate heat.

I do know that there is (was?) a study done in Canada testing Geodon against Risperdal™ (risperdal) that showed both to be sorta equivalent. I know the pdoc who ran the study, so all I can say is that there may be some funding bias as to the conclusions found by that study. Professional courtesy (as well as "my" personal bias, and the possibility of a slander lawsuit) prevent me from saying any more.

I hope that this is of some help. - Cam