After searching for a medicine that would give me back myself, one with side effects with which I can live, at last I have found bliss and wisdom in the goodness of Geodon.
Geodon, an atypical antipsychotic, was approved by the FDA, on February 5, 2001. The FDA had rejected an earlier form of the Pfizer drug (then Zeldox), in 1998, on evidence it might lengthen the heartbeat's QT interval. The fatal heart arrhythmia is known as torsade de pointes. Safety data submitted to the government, in 2000, from trials with 4,000 consumers showed no evidence of irregular rhythms, and mortality resembled that of placebo and other antipsychotics. EKGs are recommended for prescription, but Geodon is counter indicated for patients with histories of heart disease, or heart rhythm problems. EKGs are not needed annually to follow-up. It is important for the doctor to make note of all herbal medicines, supplements, over the counter and prescription medicines.
My manic depression is type II (schizoaffective disorder). Lithium (1200mg) controls my depression most of the time. When I become manic, I turn psychotic, both paranoid and delusional. For mania, I take antipsychotics in small doses (40-60 mg of Geodon). I have tried both atypical antipsychotics and neuroleptics. None have been tolerable to me because of debilitating side effects, especially those which prevented critical reasoning and reading. These medications suppressed my mania, but in every other way hindered my progress towards wellness and normalcy.
I was trained as a researcher and writer. To be unable to read anything at all (I could still write curiously enough) for six of the past seven years that I have been in psychiatric treatment has been my worst anguish. Only for the one year period when I was on Risperdal (1mg) was I able to read print.
The delusional thinking, racing thoughts, paranoia, and suicidal tendencies that come with manic psychosis are worse than the side effects of the medication; that is why I was more than willing to patiently suffer for the cause of wellness. I just cannot afford another psychosis.
I must have done something right because someone went and invented a drug meant just for people like me who do critical thinking, read voraciously, do research and study exhaustively. After a lapse of seven years, I am able to do intellectual work at a high level again.
Another blessing of Geodon is the weight loss. I've been on Geodon for three months, and already have shed 20 of the 90 pounds, which other antipsychotics forced me to gain. Now I have little appetite, no craving for sweets, no desire to snack nor eat between meals. My senses are vivid. I notice textures, and an intensity of taste and smell which had all but been lost. Food is so much more satisfying, and one needs little of it. I firmly believe that Geodon will be the next great weight loss medication for the obese.
My energy level has doubled, and I no longer need to take a nap in the afternoon. I feel no depression for the first time in seven years.
The only downside to Geodon that I have found is that I tend to become somewhat manic, although not psychotic, on it. I get emotional, jittery, and strung out under stress, and I also notice dizziness, occasional nausea, muscle soreness, and headaches. When I am not under stress, I don't notice a thing. My psychiatrist increased my dosage from 40 mg to 60 mg per diem, because of mania which was also giving me trouble falling asleep. The tendency of Geodon to allow mania to encroach perhaps is unacceptable, even dangerous. But to have back my mind, my personality, and my work is worth that risk.