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Bipolar, Tourettes, Schizophrenia, and other Psychological Conditions
Antipsychotic WARNING!
godoftruemercy wrote:
The only fatal side effects for a normal dose I can think of for antipsychotics, the ones I've been on anyway, are anaphylaxis and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, which is very rare.
(Bold added)
During the 22 months that I allowed myself to be treated with psychotropic medications, one of the medications I took was Lamictal, which is an anti-convulsant. The dose was increased gradually (titrated) from 25mg to 100mg over the course of 4 weeks. I took 100mg of Lamictal for 16 weeks after the titration period.
During this time I met with my psychiatrist once a month, and during one of my appointments he noticed that I had a slight rash on my neck and creeping up onto my face. I am prone to adult acne, so when he asked me about it, I said I thought it was just acne. He then proceeded to examine my back, and sure enough the rash was all over my back as well.
Turns out that Lamictal can cause a condition where the skin cells begin dying off faster than the can be replenished. The name of this condition is Stevens Johnson Syndrome. It causes severe scarring, often causes blindness and can be fatal. It begins with a rash on the upper torso that then spreads to the neck and face.
My psychiatrist discontinued the Lamictal that day.
I became an involuntary expert on psychotropic medications due to being prescribed them for meltdowns and depression from sensory overload.
Lamictal is the only psychotropic medication I am aware of that is known to cause Steven's Johnson Syndrome. Anti-psychotic medications, although notorious for other types of side effects, to my knowledge, do not cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
_________________
"Dogs have owners, Cats have staff"
Aspie Score: 137 out of 200
Neurotypical Score: 67 out of 200
Diagnosed "genuis, borderline autism" at the age of 24 months
Level 1 Autism DSM-V
Angel_ryan wrote:
What about dieting? has anyone tried dieting? I've read a lot of cool studies where people with Autism/schizophrenia and related disorders did slightly or a lot better with the right diet. So I'm going to give it a shot.... but for now I'm going to try this GAPS diet out http://gapsdiet.com/The_Diet.html (list of foods to eat/avoid)
![Image](http://hartkeisonline.com/wp-content/uploads/gaps.jpg)
I've also been self medicating for depression with 5HTP and taking a niacin supplement for my paranoia it's not a cure by far but it does help a little bit. hopefully this and dieting will help me beat my IBS too.
If my cognitive function improves at all on the diet I'll let people know.
![Image](http://hartkeisonline.com/wp-content/uploads/gaps.jpg)
I've also been self medicating for depression with 5HTP and taking a niacin supplement for my paranoia it's not a cure by far but it does help a little bit. hopefully this and dieting will help me beat my IBS too.
If my cognitive function improves at all on the diet I'll let people know.
I allowed myself to be treated with psychotropic medications for 22 months from 2004 - 2006. They did not help me, and in fact, made me substantially worse according to my medical records. I became an involuntary expert on psychotropic medications when my own research revealed that the medications were making me worse, and had terrible long term side effects. I realized that if I valued my physical health I had to get off the meds. I quit cold turkey (which I DO NOT recommend) and spent the next 2 years going through withdrawal. It was horrendous ! !! But I survived and knew I needed something to manage the mood swings and sensory sensitivities.
I now use the GAPS diet and several supplements ( Omega-3 fish oil is one), along with full spectrum lights and blue blocking glasses to regulate my sleep, and weighted blankets to reduce sensory overload. I keep careful records on each new supplement I add to my treatment regimen, and take my supplements like medicine, following a strict daily schedule.
I spent hours online researching and designing the treatment regimen I now follow. I figured I would put my Aspie hyperfocus to good use to come up with a food and supplement based treatment plan addressing the particular mood symptoms I have.
The GAPS diet is easy to follow. Probably the hardest things for me has been giving up sugar. There is good scientific evidence that sugar is truly addictive AND recent research has revealed that refined sugar in the diet does act on neurotransmitters producing a depressive effect. But what can I say ? I love sugar *sigh* ~ so I have to really work to avoid it.
The diet and supplements have worked for me.
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
I am not "cured" of being an Aspie, nor am I "cured" of becoming slightly depressed due to sensory overload. But now the sensory issues are much improved and the depressions are mild and resolve quickly.
I met with my former psychiatrist, a nice man from India, to update my medical records to show the improvement that had been attained from the GAPS diet and supplements. I asked if he had any patients who did not take psychotropic medications (I really liked him, and wanted to check in with him a few times a year to track my progress). He said no, none of his patients were using alternative means to treat their mood disorders, and he would not consider having a patient who wasn't on medications.
To me this says a lot about the psychiatric profession. Why is there this insistence on taking medications, when they clearly make some people substantially worse off? I was willing to pay him, to see me, as long as he recorded in my medical records the alternative methods I was using.
Oh this same psychiatrist said I did not have Asperger's Syndrome because I do look people in the eye. *sigh* Such utter ignorance about ASD.
_________________
"Dogs have owners, Cats have staff"
Aspie Score: 137 out of 200
Neurotypical Score: 67 out of 200
Diagnosed "genuis, borderline autism" at the age of 24 months
Level 1 Autism DSM-V
Last edited by catlady2323 on 06 Jan 2012, 6:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I also ended up with Stevens Johnson Syndrome from Lamictal. The rash didn't start on my torso though, it started on my upper thighs. It was quite painful, but was caught in enough time that discontinuing the Lamictal was enough to stop it.
_________________
Transgender. Call me 'he' please. I'm a guy.
Diagnosed Bipolar and Aspergers (questioning the ASD diagnosis).
Free speech means the right to shout 'theatre' in a crowded fire.
--Abbie Hoffman
B3astM4n wrote:
I take opiates (Clonazepam, Valium) to calm my anxiety when it's really bad....
(Bold added)
Clonazepam and Valium are not opiates but are in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Other medications in this class are Xanax, and Ativan. This is not the same as opiates. Well known opiates are Heroin, Opium, and Morphine.
Just thought I would mention this minor detail
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
_________________
"Dogs have owners, Cats have staff"
Aspie Score: 137 out of 200
Neurotypical Score: 67 out of 200
Diagnosed "genuis, borderline autism" at the age of 24 months
Level 1 Autism DSM-V
Dots wrote:
I also ended up with Stevens Johnson Syndrome from Lamictal. The rash didn't start on my torso though, it started on my upper thighs. It was quite painful, but was caught in enough time that discontinuing the Lamictal was enough to stop it.
I have read about it starting on the thighs. Scary stuff ~ So glad it was caught in time !
My rash also cleared up as soon as the Lamictal was discontinued.
I saw a very sad TV show where a baby was given an anti convulsant for seizures and then had a "mystery condition" develop. As I was watching this show I immediately knew what the baby was suffering from even before it was revealed. Turns out it was Steven's Johnson Syndrome. The doctors in the hospital did not figure it out in time to save this baby from severe scarring and loss of eyesight in one eye. Very sad. The only reason the baby survived at all was because the Mom was a nurse and finally figured it out from her own research.
As soon as the Mom convinced the doctors to stop giving the baby the anti convulsant, the baby began to recover. The show did not say what anti convulsant the baby was taking, but I suspect it was Lamictal. When asked why it took so long for the doctors to figure out what this baby was suffering from, all they could say was "this condition is very rare".
It always amazes me when medical problems develop that seldom are medications considered as a possible culprit . It seems physicians are loathe to consider (much less admit) that a medication has caused a serious problem.
Now whenever someone mentions a new physical problem they develop, my first question is "what medications are you taking?" Often the new problem is a side effect of one or more medications they are taking. *sigh*
_________________
"Dogs have owners, Cats have staff"
Aspie Score: 137 out of 200
Neurotypical Score: 67 out of 200
Diagnosed "genuis, borderline autism" at the age of 24 months
Level 1 Autism DSM-V
tallahatchie wrote:
My doctor says I suffer from psychotic episodes.
Can someone help explain to me what these are and how they might be manifesting in me. Because I think its just aspergers syndrome and hes making it up.
I have to take 2mg antipsychotic risperidone. is that a high dose
Can someone help explain to me what these are and how they might be manifesting in me. Because I think its just aspergers syndrome and hes making it up.
I have to take 2mg antipsychotic risperidone. is that a high dose
No, that's not a high dose. That's pretty low. Highest is between 6 and 8.
Has anyone taken Saphris (asenapine)? It really helps with my anxiety and paranoia, and has mood stabilizing effects. It's in the class of clozapine and olanzapine. I only wish it weren't sublingual...it tastes crummy.
LjosalfrBlot wrote:
These are probably the most dangerous and miserable drugs out there - more dangerous than heroine! Stay away at all costs, unless you like the idea of dying and/or having severe and permanent problems with your body. Most doctors don't know sh** about them either, which doesn't help.
Really? I've been on Haloperidol since last April and i haven't noticed any negative side effects yet. I'm a diagnosed schizophrenic so I'm curious as to what you would suggest to somebody like me who has no choice but to take them.
Venerab1e1 wrote:
LjosalfrBlot wrote:
These are probably the most dangerous and miserable drugs out there - more dangerous than heroine! Stay away at all costs, unless you like the idea of dying and/or having severe and permanent problems with your body. Most doctors don't know sh** about them either, which doesn't help.
Really? I've been on Haloperidol since last April and i haven't noticed any negative side effects yet. I'm a diagnosed schizophrenic so I'm curious as to what you would suggest to somebody like me who has no choice but to take them.
Is Haloperidol still being prescribed? I thought they had moved away from classical / typical neuroleptics and were only prescribing atypical ones nowadays, because diabetes is the new Parkinson's disease.
Daryl_Blonder wrote:
What gets me about these drugs, is that doctors often insist on pushing the more expensive ones that haven't gone off-patent, when the older and more affordable drugs will do the job just fine. A friend (who is an anticorporate liberal) once told me that doctors were making money off of prescribing more expensive drugs.
...
...
This article / research paper seems to confirm this: http://www.hedweb.com/bgcharlton/atypic ... ptics.html
It was written by a professor of theoretical medicine at the University of Buckingham btw, not by a conspiracy theorist.
According to the author, the use of neuroleptics was never necessary. The main incentives for their development were patents and profits. Antihistamines (sedatives) and benzodiazepines provide the same benefits for schizophrenic patients with much fewer side effects.
(This is also in response to Venerab1e1. Antihistamine or benzodiazepine medication might be an alternative to your current meds).
-Skeksis- wrote:
LjosalfrBlot wrote:
gramirez wrote:
How long have you been taking it? Deadly side effects sometimes don't come up until much later.
Where is your evidence? Have you died?
Kidding...
But I am curious about what these deadly side effects are, how long it takes them to develop, and at what dosages.
In case of olanzapin / Zyprexa, the deadly side effects are hyperglycemia, diabetes, ravenous appetite, and morbid obesity (even in patients who eat a reasonable diet, because the drug alters the carbohydrate metabolism). Many patients gain more than 30 kg / 60 lbs within one year, some up to 100 lbs / year. This kind of weight gain is deadly in the long run. The drug is also known for killing elderly patients.
The manufacturer has already paid billions in court settlements, but the drug is still profitable for them, which shows how insanely high the profit margins of the pharmaceutical industry are. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eli_Lilly_ ... es#Zyprexa ).
Why is this still being prescribed? Because "Despite weight gain, a ... study found that olanzapine was better at controlling symptoms because patients were more likely to remain on olanzapine than the other drugs." Why do patients remain on the drug? Because it's addictive as hell. They can't stop taking it without suffering from severe withdrawal and psychosis.
Forget Colombian drug cartels. This is how you make the big money.
Tambourine-Man wrote:
I absolutely DO NOT trust doctors or drug companies. Yet I'm a firm believer in psychotropic intervention. I, however, call the shots. I do all my own research, choose my own meds, and set my own doses. My doctors give suggestions and sign my scripts. If a doctor insists on making a decision about my brain and body without my approval, that doctor is fired!
This is the most sensible approach, imho. Chances are that it will greatly increase your life expectancy.
CrazyCatLord wrote:
Venerab1e1 wrote:
LjosalfrBlot wrote:
These are probably the most dangerous and miserable drugs out there - more dangerous than heroine! Stay away at all costs, unless you like the idea of dying and/or having severe and permanent problems with your body. Most doctors don't know sh** about them either, which doesn't help.
Really? I've been on Haloperidol since last April and i haven't noticed any negative side effects yet. I'm a diagnosed schizophrenic so I'm curious as to what you would suggest to somebody like me who has no choice but to take them.
Is Haloperidol still being prescribed? I thought they had moved away from classical / typical neuroleptics and were only prescribing atypical ones nowadays, because diabetes is the new Parkinson's disease.
Yeah, they first prescribed me abilify and Geodon but they both gave me side effects so they prescribed me Haldol.
My psychiatrist always asks me what medication/dosage I think is best for me. Probably because I'm a psychopharmacologist-in-training (I do pharmacology at university, with aim to specialise in psychopharmacology)....and I also read medical textbooks in my spare time.
_________________
I am a partially verbal classic autistic. I am a pharmacology student with full time support.
catlady2323 wrote:
Angel_ryan wrote:
What about dieting? has anyone tried dieting? I've read a lot of cool studies where people with Autism/schizophrenia and related disorders did slightly or a lot better with the right diet. So I'm going to give it a shot.... but for now I'm going to try this GAPS diet out http://gapsdiet.com/The_Diet.html (list of foods to eat/avoid)
![Image](http://hartkeisonline.com/wp-content/uploads/gaps.jpg)
I've also been self medicating for depression with 5HTP and taking a niacin supplement for my paranoia it's not a cure by far but it does help a little bit. hopefully this and dieting will help me beat my IBS too.
If my cognitive function improves at all on the diet I'll let people know.
![Image](http://hartkeisonline.com/wp-content/uploads/gaps.jpg)
I've also been self medicating for depression with 5HTP and taking a niacin supplement for my paranoia it's not a cure by far but it does help a little bit. hopefully this and dieting will help me beat my IBS too.
If my cognitive function improves at all on the diet I'll let people know.
I allowed myself to be treated with psychotropic medications for 22 months from 2004 - 2006. They did not help me, and in fact, made me substantially worse according to my medical records. I became an involuntary expert on psychotropic medications when my own research revealed that the medications were making me worse, and had terrible long term side effects. I realized that if I valued my physical health I had to get off the meds. I quit cold turkey (which I DO NOT recommend) and spent the next 2 years going through withdrawal. It was horrendous ! !! But I survived and knew I needed something to manage the mood swings and sensory sensitivities.
I now use the GAPS diet and several supplements ( Omega-3 fish oil is one), along with full spectrum lights and blue blocking glasses to regulate my sleep, and weighted blankets to reduce sensory overload. I keep careful records on each new supplement I add to my treatment regimen, and take my supplements like medicine, following a strict daily schedule.
I spent hours online researching and designing the treatment regimen I now follow. I figured I would put my Aspie hyperfocus to good use to come up with a food and supplement based treatment plan addressing the particular mood symptoms I have.
The GAPS diet is easy to follow. Probably the hardest things for me has been giving up sugar. There is good scientific evidence that sugar is truly addictive AND recent research has revealed that refined sugar in the diet does act on neurotransmitters producing a depressive effect. But what can I say ? I love sugar *sigh* ~ so I have to really work to avoid it.
The diet and supplements have worked for me.
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
I am not "cured" of being an Aspie, nor am I "cured" of becoming slightly depressed due to sensory overload. But now the sensory issues are much improved and the depressions are mild and resolve quickly.
I met with my former psychiatrist, a nice man from India, to update my medical records to show the improvement that had been attained from the GAPS diet and supplements. I asked if he had any patients who did not take psychotropic medications (I really liked him, and wanted to check in with him a few times a year to track my progress). He said no, none of his patients were using alternative means to treat their mood disorders, and he would not consider having a patient who wasn't on medications.
To me this says a lot about the psychiatric profession. Why is there this insistence on taking medications, when they clearly make some people substantially worse off? I was willing to pay him, to see me, as long as he recorded in my medical records the alternative methods I was using.
Oh this same psychiatrist said I did not have Asperger's Syndrome because I do look people in the eye. *sigh* Such utter ignorance about ASD.
Wow thanks so much for your reply I was looking on here for someone who knew about GAPS or has even been on it successfully. I'm extremely disappointed in the mental health system for the same reasons. I'm trying to find a person who can help me with the dieting and sensory stuff but there are very few to none trained on ASDs as far as mental health workers go in my city. I really feel like the situation I'm in is hopeless. I'm in a position where I'm finding it difficult to look after myself and I can't find someone who has the power to help me get to the point of being able to look after myself properly. I have really bad LDs and memory problems there's no one working with me in the areas that are hurting me the most. I still haven't been able to go to college or learn to drive a car and I'm 23. The mental health system and community services are a real joke. I really wish I could get help with the Dieting. I don't have the resources to stay off cheap fast food. If I had a car I could go to the grocery store more and get fresh veggies. Sigh
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_sad.gif)
_________________
Last edited means I caught yet another spelling mistake I missed while I was looking for them, Damn Dyslexia.
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