Need some feedback

I am thinking of switching Lithium and Risperdal for something else but I don't know what to switch to. Can anyone suggest any mood stabilizers and antipsychotics?

(Not trying Abilify, already had bad experience with it)

Did you ask your pdoc?

I take Trileptal for a mood stabilizer. Not normally used as a 1st line agent, but my pdoc used it for me because I have TREMENDOUS amounts of anxiety when it comes to taking meds... it was my first med after yrs. of refusing to take anything. It is a very tolerable med, although I'm not too sure if it's working because I'm not always the picture of med compliance.

There's always Zyprexa... my old pdoc in NY put me on that... almost %#@&#! killed me. But I'm sure many people have had more favorable results, lol.

Depakote? I have never tried it.

Why do you want to switch? Not working? Side effects?

I agree with pinksoil about zyprexa . I put 40 lbs on me in 2 months! Not good ! I take carbamazepine (generic Tegretol)for my mood stabilizer now and I love it . No side effects or weght gain . Good luck to you . Everyone is different .
Take Care ,
Sher

Also Geodon & Topamax. I've had good results with Abilify & Lamictal. Everyone's different as Abilify had bad side effects for you.--Suzy

have you tried or heard of buspar, also neurontin can be used for mood stabilizer. i am on both and it works great for me along with abilify, which i know you have said no to. i have tried zyprexa and could not function. to tired to do any thing.-onyx

But neurontin is for Bipolar II, isn't it? I have Bipolar I.

I've decided to keep the Lithium and try another antipsychotic as Risperdal isn't managing my paranoia, which Geodon may do better.

Neurontin can be used for both bipolars as the same pathophysiology is occuring, however I have not had much success with it.

Just be careful to take the Geodon on a weekend when you have no commitments. I took it the night before a work day & was so dizzy I was lying on the kitchen floor while trying to make coffee. Then at work a wave of exhaustion hit me. People could see it & asked me if I was OK. I wasn't & had to go home, but I fell asleep at the wheel on my way home. Very dangerous for me. I woke up when I heard my wheel hitting the gravel on the shoulder. I was wiped out. On it only 4 days, but again, I've heard of people who have great results with no side effects. Just try it when you can have a couple days to figure out how it works for you.--Suzy

well, I'm already drowsy with Risperdal, plus having hand tremors and unresolved paranoia. I certainly have a few days to try. I won't get my hopes up too much.