antipsychotics for depression and side effects (need your advice)

About a month ago I was started on low dose antipsychotics as adjunct to the antidepressants I've been taking for five years for my depression. The reason is I was feeling suicidal at the time though nothing serious (no plans), just feeling greatly overwhelmed. Problem is both my mom and dad have diabetes and I'm overweight. And most antipsychotics actually cause diabetes. My doc says it's not a big deal and that doses she prescribed for depression are lower. Yet I worry. So I keep skipping my dose. My diagnosis is mixed anxiety and depression (partly due to trauma and some abuse related issues). Major part of my anxiety is health anxiety. Hyperchondriasis. Actually not sure if that's the right name for it. Anyhow, so this fear of side effects has always been there and freaking me out. Like when I was started on my antidepressants it was so scary because they come with all sorts of side effects. But antipsychotics are much more serious. I'm so confused and afraid and I don't know what to do.

Anti psychotics can be mixed with anti depressants for their help in regards to anxiety. I am on a low dose on anti psychotic at night and my anti depressant in the morning. I wouldn't consider anti psychotic to be a more dangerous drug. It is just a differing type.

If you find you have side affects that are not manageable then check back in with your doctor so they can change the dosage.

I have had similar concerns because diabetes is part of my family's health history. I even stopped without consent of my doctor because I read about it and became too concerned. Luckily I haven't needed to be on much of anything until recently. I slipped into a seasonal depression so am starting a cocktail that does include a low dose of an anti-psychotic to boost the anti-depressant. I'll be honest. I decided to stop without telling my shrink who is away right now anyway. He just gave me samples to use for now. In my case, I know my depression is seasonal and will respond to the anti-depressant alone so I don't even see the need for the other med. I also have anxiety because my main diagnosis is PTSD so I do take benzos for that. I'd rather take them than take an anti-psychotic.

I am really resentful for being put on antipsychotics for non schizophrenic conditions. It was supposed to be a temporary thing to get me to a therapeutic dose on lamictal, but I have been on Abilify for almost 6 years. I have gained tons of weight and now have high blood sugars. Abilify is supposed to be "weight neutral" according to urban drug rep legend. It does not say that on the product website when I dig in deep. I wish doctors would just up the dose of antidepressants or change the antidepressant instead of putting a dangerous antipsychotic on the regimen. I am currently trying to get off Abilify little by little. It is not easy for me. If I go too fast I get crying spells. I feel like a prisoner on these meds.

There also is article right here on APs and brain shrinkage. Something to consider.

I swear by Latuda for my bipolar depression, it's an incredible AAP, and is weight neutral! Best of luck!!

Thanks vans. I texted my shrink about Latuda instead of Abilify and he said it doesn't augment anti-depressants the way Abilify does. I read about it because I was concerned and inspired by hearing about Latuda and it does augment mood stabilizers so is indicated for depression. My shrink said we could talk about it when he gets back, but I'm not so sure now. May I ask if you are taking other things in conjugation and so that is why it works so well for you. I'm just taking Lexapro. I was taking Lamictal but discontinued due to rashes.

Venus I could not find a link on your response.

I'm on both Risperidone as an adjunct to my anti-D and it works really well, and Seroquel for anxiety. I haven't gained weight on either, and I have my blood sugar checked every 3 months and it's normal. The only side effect that was annoying that I got from the Risperidone, was lactation, but that went away as my body adjusted.

I like both meds and feel like they're working really well.

splitimage

Loss of Brain Tissue in Schizophrenia Tied to Antipsychotics | Psych Central News

I was put on abilify to adjunct my lexapro, and it worked...well. For psychosis I didn't know I had, that is. I'm not sure how well it works for depression, to be honest. Personally, unless someone is psychotic or suicidal, I don't think it's worth it. It's NOT weight neutral, and can cause tremors and such. Diabetes also. I think it partially matters what dose you take though. I only get tremors on 15mg, but I did gain a LOT of weight on that dose as well as 10mg. But when I took it at a lower dose for depression, I didn't have those side effects.

Thanks for this post. I am stopping my Abilify even though my shrink is away. I just don't want to take the risk. I don't need more weight gain and also diabetes has actually killed people in my family. I think the Lexapro will be enough, I hope anyway.

New Fast-Acting Antidepressant, GLYX-13, Shows Promise in Clinical Trials
psychcentral.com › News › Stress News
The new drug reduces symptoms within hours, has a good safety profile, and produces positive effects that last for about seven days from a single dose.
Researchers say GLYX-13 targets the brain receptors that are involved in learning and memory — a distinctly different approach from existing antidepressants.
GLYX-13 is known to work better then Katamine
Experts believe this drug could be very helpful in treating neurological conditions, including depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety and Alzheimer’s disease.
Has anyone here tried this medicine? Please let me know!!

I too take Latuda in conjunction w/ Wellbutrin. I've had some luck w/ it & I but of a boost in my mood. No miracles or anything but I'll take what I can get.
It's supposed to be weight neutral & so far haven't had any trouble. I'm on it 1.5 months. Didn't read anything about it causing diabetes but Pdoc said they will monitor my blood levels....maybe that's why...but nothing was said.
IMHO you have to be your own self advocate esp for meds. If you've given a med a fair try, several wks w/o missing any & your not getting results, I'd ask. Now the Latuda I've had to increase slowly to get some results. I first complained bec it wasn't doing anything but Pdoc likes to take things slow to get to a therapeutic dose.
Good luck & keep searching!
P

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm on Latuda for most of this year. Its stopped my psychotic thoughts, for the most,and I take it with klonopin. The 2 together are perfect for me with 0 weight gain. My pdoc also goes slowly on new meds which is good because I've had reactions to many medications.

Sent from my VS920 4G using Tapatalk

I've heard about it, and hopefully it gets approved. I believe it's still in Phase II of the clinical trials! It's known as the cousin to "Special K," but without the side effects. I'm sure it will be awhile and have to be administered inpatient only.