[dillpickle1983]

Hi everyone,

I'm Chandler and I was recently prescribed Thorazine by my PDoc. I asked about it in the Drugs forum, but to my surprise, they're are really really bad side effects that are long term with this drug. I was looking for newer drugs that are out there and any advise would be greatly appreciate. I'm trying to become knowledeable about my illness and drugs that go with it, so I don't sound like a babbling idiot when i see the doctor!

[costello]

All the antipsychotics have potential negative side effects, some of them very serious. The newer drugs cost a lot more because they're not available as generics. I think the key is to find the right med for you and take it at the lowest possible dose.

It's surprising to me that a US doctor would prescribe Thorazine as the first antipsychotic he's trying with you. The pharma companies are making big bucks off psych meds, and they've managed to convince everyone that the new meds are a huge improvement over the old ones. Well, they're certain good for the drug companies.

I wish my son's doctor would go for an older medication. There have been times when his insurance wouldn't go through for one reason or another, and I've offered to just pay cash for it, but I don't have $600 just lying around to buy Zyprexa.

One time my mom paid to fill a Resperdal prescription. It was only about $90 - although that may not have been for a full month's supply. I imagine Haldol and Thorazine are even cheaper than that.

[KUREHA]

I take Abilify - not that I want too though and I don't really get any side effects - maybe you could ask about that.

[dillpickle1983]

I've heard nasty things about Abilify, but it's worth a shot, I will ask my PDoc about it.

[KUREHA]

Ah right - I guess they affect everyone differently as well.

Maybe see if you can have a trial, then you can just stop if you're getting any bad side effects.

[bcuz]

Hi Chandler,

I agree with you. Why a pdoc would prescribe an old drug like Thorazine is beyond me. All antipsychotics have potential for adverse effects but the older antipsychotics are much worse (in my opinion).
I read your post earlier in the week and you stated you were prescribed Thorazine and I couldn't believe it! I'm glad you brought the subject up again.
The newer antipsychotics are called "atypicals" or second generation antipsychotics. Risperdal and Clozaril are generic (Clozaril is used as a last resort) and later this year others are scheduled to go generic. Your pdoc should have samples of the non-generics he can give you, at least a months supply to see if you like it or not.
The biggest concern I have with the older antipsychotics(Thorazine, Haldol, Mellaril etc.) is the side effect Tardive Dyskinisia, which many times is permanent even after discontinuing the drug. The atypicals also have this side effect but the incidence is much, much lower.
True, the newer drugs are more costly, but depending on your insurance, it might not be that bad.
This is a link describing the typical and atypical antipsychotics http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publi...dex.shtml#pub4 This is a good starting point in researching these drugs.
Myself, I would not take the older antipsychotic drugs.
Good luck.

-bcuz

[costello]

Unfortunately tardive dyskinesia is a side effect of the newer meds too. There's a belief that the newer meds are safer and more effective which doesn't pan out when the studies are looked at closely. I partially credit drug company marketing. There are two other factors that may play a role. First, neuroleptics used to be given at much higher doses than they are today. Second, TD develops over many years on the drug, and the newer atypicals haven't been around long enough to see what the real risk is.

I found this summary of a recent study on the NIMH website which suggests there's little difference between older and newer antipsychotics when it comes to risk of TD:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20156410

"CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of tardive dyskinesia with recent exposure to atypical antipsychotics alone was more similar to that for conventional antipsychotics than in most previous studies. Despite high penetration of atypical antipsychotics into clinical practice, the incidence and prevalence of tardive dyskinesia appeared relatively unchanged since the 1980s. Clinicians should continue to monitor for tardive dyskinesia, and researchers should continue to pursue efforts to treat or prevent it."

Antipsychotics are heavy-duty drugs. Each patient should weigh the relative risks and rewards for him- or herself.