[StaticRainbows]

I've been on anti-psychotics along with lithium multiple times in my life whenever my delusions and hallucinations get out of control, but this past year I've only been on lithium because my psychotic symptoms were manageable. I was starting to have mood and thought problems again a few months ago so my Pdoc added lamictal to my lithium. My question is, is it normal to only be prescribed mood medications without anything to quell my thought issues? Thank you

[Wayfarer25]

Originally Posted by StaticRainbows

I've been on anti-psychotics along with lithium multiple times in my life whenever my delusions and hallucinations get out of control, but this past year I've only been on lithium because my psychotic symptoms were manageable. I was starting to have mood and thought problems again a few months ago so my Pdoc added lamictal to my lithium. My question is, is it normal to only be prescribed mood medications without anything to quell my thought issues? Thank you

i'm afraid i don't have any answers. if i was the doc, i'd say "no" to the question if you asked me. but i'm not your doc and i don't know what he/she is thinking. honestly, the best answer i can think of is to ask your doc that question.

the doc has to weigh the benefits versus the side effects when prescribing any medication . . . well at least good doctors do. since antipsychotics (specifically 2nd generation and beyond) are the only ones that supposedly work on the negative symptoms, it's possible the doc didn't think it was worth the risk of side effects based on how you presented to him/her.

but again, this is all stuff better discussed with your doc. i think, though, if you stress to him/her how badly the thought issues are bothering you, there should at least be a conversation on what you could take to remedy that.

For the longest time I was prescribed just mood stabilizers because people would not listen to me about how powerful my voices where. Honestly, with thought disorders and voices, you need an anti psychotic to tame the issue, not just a mood stabilizer. I am on Risperdal and Lithium. Happy as ever.

[Rainbow123]

It is possible that either your illness or your medications are giving you the weird thought symptoms. If your medications are helping you keep taking them, if not then figure out what works for you. Lamictal makes my mind slower but it helps with my depression.

[patches4.0]

Originally Posted by StaticRainbows

I've been on anti-psychotics along with lithium multiple times in my life whenever my delusions and hallucinations get out of control, but this past year I've only been on lithium because my psychotic symptoms were manageable. I was starting to have mood and thought problems again a few months ago so my Pdoc added lamictal to my lithium. My question is, is it normal to only be prescribed mood medications without anything to quell my thought issues? Thank you

A mood stabalizer will help your thought process.

[DePressMe]

I take an antipsychotic (seroquel), 2 mood stabilizers (lamictal/depakote) and Adderdal (ADD). Its obvious why I take the antipscycotic. The mood stabilizers keep me from going too far down in depression. I don't have the manic schizo I have the depressive schizo. But, I can't tolerate the side effects of anti depressants. I think my med combo is pretty good. Right now I'm having a bad spell so my pdoc added a low dose of haldol to my med cocktail. I'll stay on it for awhile then come off it when I'm feeling better. Like everyone says--everybody is different and every pdoc has meds they think will work best for you based on your presenting symptoms.......good luck....D.

[krzyk101]

It is different with each different person and how they respond to different types of medications. I am the opposite as I am on Geodon 280mg/day, Effexor XR 300mg/day, Adderall XR 30mg/Day (ADHD) and Buspar 30mg 2xday with Valium 10mg 4xday, but am not on a mood stabilizer besides Geodon for my mixed episodes, since I do not ofter suffer from mania and have more mixed episodes and delusional thinking. I know that sometimes if Mania and lack of sleep can be controlled with mood stabilizers it can help you from getting sleep deprivation which causes psychosis in some or the psychosis associated with long term mania.

[eliralena]

I'm on 3 medications myself. Cetalopram (Depression), Divaloprax/Depakote (Mood stabilizer), and Resperidone/Risperdal (hallucinations).
I guess it's different for each person because I'm on an extra med to help keep me from being in the lows.

[Tamster]

i'm on 5 or 6 for my schizoaffective disorder they are kinda like yours but different
depakote
seroquel
viibryd
buspar
abilify
you are right it is different for each person and their problems, like if they have problems with psychosis, depression, etc

[philbee]

i would definitely speak to your psychiatrist about these issues. i take several different
meds for the schizoaffective including a mood stabilizer (tegretol). i also take zoloft, seroquel, and risperdal. psych meds are very powerful, and in my experience it is always best to speak with my doc if i have any concerns. in my opinion, the less i have to change my meds, the better, but everyone's case is different.

good luck!

[James_from_Idaho]

That is a good question StaticRainbows.. And I agree with what the others said.. Work with your doctor.. And tell him about how the meds are effecting you.. I myself take zyprexa, which we know is an antispychotic.. It works well for me.. I also take lorazepam for anxiety.. Which is not working that well.. It is just not strong enough for me.. I had been on a mood stabilizer a number of years ago.. "Depakote".. That stuff makes me miserable.. I can't take mood stabilizers.. There is also a difference spiritually for me.. I accept Christ, and that is a major transition.. Receiving the Holy Spirit.. That has helped me completely.. But I probably should not have mentioned that.. I just wanted to express, that being spiritually grounded is a great help.. Anyway, hope that helps you.. God bless