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Member
Member Since Dec 2013
Location: PA
Posts: 42
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#1
Is there anything better than clozapine? I tried loxapine and my life went to hell. I ended up inpatient. Yet it says it is an excellent alternative to clozapine. One of the reasons I want my clozapine switch was sedation. And I’m on other medicines too. I’m on Depakote ER, Lithium Carbonate, Strattera, Zoloft, and Wellbutrin. I’ve heard that clozapine is the best when nothing else works. I’m still questioning if there is anything out there. And I’d probably have to be hospitalized for them to change it again.
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SlumberKitty, WastingAsparagus
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Member Since Jul 2018
Location: CA
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#2
I don't know the answer because I have no experience with that medicine. I hope someone here can help you. You might also wish to try posting this under the medication forum. HUGS. Good luck! Kit
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Monster on the Hill
Member Since Sep 2020
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#3
None of the other medications you've listed are antipsychotics. Have you tried all of those? If clozapine is the only thing that works and it makes you too tired, maybe you could add something like Provigil to the mix to wake you up.
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Grand Poohbah
Member Since Feb 2012
Location: Eastern MD
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#4
You're taking lithium AND depakote together? Never heard of that, both are mood stabilizers. I took clozapine for 6 mths (not sure why) - didn't do anything to me. have you tried zyprexa?
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Wise Elder
Member Since Apr 2015
Location: US
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#5
Quote:
There's evidence that shows combining lithium and depakote increases the effectiveness of the 2 meds. I was in a related clinical trial __________________ Bipolar 1, PTSD, GAD, OCD. Clozapine 250 mg, Emsam 12 mg/day patch, topamax 25 mg, ,Gabapentin 1600 mg & 100-2 PRN,. 2 mg clonazepam., 75 mg Seroquel and 12.5 mg PRNx2 daily |
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MuddyBoots
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Member Since Mar 2014
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#6
I'm not a psychiatrist (obviously), but it seems like there are other meds to take before trying clozapine. Clozapine requires weekly blood tests for six months (I am pretty sure) unless they changed it. It is because the medication has the potential to lower the white blood cell count in the body. Anyway, there are less risky meds (in my non-professional opinion) that you could probably try before clozapine becomes necessary or desired. Have you discussed this with your prescriber?
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Insert Smiley Face
Member Since Mar 2015
Location: USA
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#7
I was on clozaril for five months and it caused massive weight gain, fluid retention and respiratory problems. Needless to say, I had to get off that stuff! Went on loxapine instead. Sucks it didn't work out for you I don't know anything better than clozaril unfortunately. Wish I could help! Hope you find something that works!
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