[blackwhitered]

Ok so I just had this weird attack that freaked me out, and I think it might be a side effect of Geodon because that's the only drug I've taken recently... Not sure if this belongs in the medications forum, but I figure people here might know something about it.

It felt like I was having heart palpitations in my head? It was kind of like when you don't get enough sleep and you start dozing off and jerk back awake. Mostly the jerking sensation. Happening repeatedly. It lasted about an hour overall but got progressively worse as time passed. I'm on 60mg Geodon twice daily.

I really don't want to give up the Geodon because it doesn't make me gain weight like Seroquel, but I have been getting some pretty bad side effects (galactorrhea, tiredness, akathisia, dystonia). I was told that pairing the Geodon with Abilify would reverse the galactorrhea, but I had the other side effects on Abilify as well so I don't know if that would be helpful...

Does this head-throbbing feeling has a name? I don't want to contact my doctor unless it's dangerous.

Originally Posted by blackwhitered

Ok so I just had this weird attack that freaked me out, and I think it might be a side effect of Geodon because that's the only drug I've taken recently... Not sure if this belongs in the medications forum, but I figure people here might know something about it.

It felt like I was having heart palpitations in my head? It was kind of like when you don't get enough sleep and you start dozing off and jerk back awake. Mostly the jerking sensation. Happening repeatedly. It lasted about an hour overall but got progressively worse as time passed. I'm on 60mg Geodon twice daily.

I really don't want to give up the Geodon because it doesn't make me gain weight like Seroquel, but I have been getting some pretty bad side effects (galactorrhea, tiredness, akathisia, dystonia). I was told that pairing the Geodon with Abilify would reverse the galactorrhea, but I had the other side effects on Abilify as well so I don't know if that would be helpful...

Does this head-throbbing feeling has a name? I don't want to contact my doctor unless it's dangerous.

I've never heard of that on geodon. I was on omg, I can't remember the amount but it was high and the side effects I had were extreme nausea. And if I was late taking it even a little I would throw up.

I would research it on the web, and if u can't find out what ur looking for I think u should call ur doc.

I don't know if it is what is commonly referred to as 'brain zaps' or if it is a blood pressure problem. Were you late taking your medication, as that can commonly lead to brain zaps? I've never had that, even with venlafaxine which is notorious for it, but you either have to accept it if the geodon is overall more helpful or stop the medication.

My concern though is that the throbbing might be due to high blood pressure. You said that you also have akathisia and dystonia, but do you have a fever, sweating, or confusion with it? The worst case scenario is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, which can happen even with the atypicals. If you have a fever or any confusion, then I really wouldn't risk it and would go to the ER to have NMS ruled out (as it's Easter you probably won't get hold of your pdoc anyway).

I really hope that I'm concerned unnecessarily, but better safe than sorry. All the best

*Willow*

[worthit]

I had a total blackout while driving in reverse to park on geodon. I lost sight and hearing and my brain actually stopped thinking unit I hit the back wall with my car and the jolt brought me back. That scared me because that could happen any time.

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[ickydog2006]

I had really bad reactions to Geodon and Abilify but not in the head. They caused extreme muscle pain and tremors for me. I was literally writhing on the floor in pain for days while it got out of my system. One of the worst experiences of my life. I hate that being medicated is basically all guess and check.

How are you feeling today Blackwhitered?

*Willow*

[cybermember]

Geodon usually causes hypotension (low blood pressure). I've been on Geodon a long time and I never experienced head throbbing. But then again I only take one AP. My pdoc as well as the last hospital stay won't put me on two AP's at once.

Blackwitered, call your pdoc and tell them the side effects you are experiencing. They can tell you if you need to stop, switch, or continue with your current regimen and that the side effects will go away.

Hope you feel better.

[blackwhitered]

Originally Posted by WeepingWillow23

How are you feeling today Blackwhitered?

*Willow*

I'm feeling better. It hasn't happened again so far. I suspect it was a blood pressure problem because I get orthostatic hypotension on Geodon. I had a similar experience when I was first getting put on Geodon where I thought I was having a stroke (obviously I have no idea what strokes are actually like, it's just the first thing that occurred to me and I panicked). When I was first on Geodon the docs were still tapering me off of Seroquel and I just found out there could have been interactions between them...

Sadly I think I'm either going to have to go off the Geodon or have it lowered and paired with Abilify because the galactorrhea and sudden bouts of tiredness aren't going away. I heard that Abilify can actually reverse galactorrhea so I'm going to talk to my docs about it when I next see them.

I'm glad you're feeling better Blackwhitered. I don't know much about Geodon because it isn't available in the UK, and I never saw a case of NMS as a medstudent because it isn't that common thankfully. I hope I didn't worry you unnecessarily by mentioning it, but I was concerned because high blood pressure and akathisia are signs of NMS along with rigid muscles, which I wasn't sure if that was covered by your mention of dystonia. Anyway it just rang alarms bells and I wanted to make sure you were safe

*Willow*