Schizophrenia and Antipsychotic Polypharmacy
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- čas přidán 12. 06. 2023
- Antipsychotic Polypharmacy in Managing Schizophrenia: A Personal Account
Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that can drastically change one's life. Affecting approximately 1% of the population globally, it's a serious mental disorder that can cause people to lose touch with reality, often leading to psychosis characterized by hallucinations and delusions. As a childhood-onset schizophrenia survivor, I have experienced and lived these realities first-hand.
Having been diagnosed with this condition at the tender age of 12, I am now 23 and have spent more than a decade surviving, thriving, and learning to manage my condition. A significant aspect of my successful management has been my medication regimen, and today, I'd like to open up about my experience with polypharmacy in treating schizophrenia.
"Treatment guidelines should not encourage use of monotherapy instead of antipsychotic polypharmacy without any existing evidence on the safety issues." The American Journal of Psychiatry, published March 22, 2023.
ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/...
Polypharmacy refers to using multiple medications by a patient, usually to manage a single disease or multiple conditions. This approach becomes necessary for some individuals dealing with mental health conditions, mainly when singular medication treatments don't provide the desired results or must be complemented by others for a holistic treatment approach.
I have been utilizing a combination of two antipsychotic medications - clozapine and Abilify - and one antidepressant, Lexapro, to manage my schizophrenia. This polypharmacy approach has enabled me to stabilize my condition and thrive in ways I previously couldn't.
Clozapine, a second-generation antipsychotic, has been integral in controlling my symptoms, especially the positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. As an atypical antipsychotic, clozapine works differently from traditional or first-generation antipsychotics by targeting dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain. This dual action is generally associated with a lower risk of extrapyramidal side effects, like involuntary muscle movement, commonly seen with first-generation antipsychotics.
Abilify (aripiprazole), another atypical antipsychotic, has been a game-changer in my medication regimen. While it helps manage my positive symptoms, much like clozapine, it also addresses 'negative symptoms,' such as social withdrawal and lack of motivation - aspects that are often tricky to treat.
Lastly, adding Lexapro (escitalopram), an antidepressant, has aided in managing any co-occurring depressive symptoms, which are pretty standard in people with schizophrenia. By increasing the availability of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, Lexapro has helped uplift my mood and enhance my overall well-being.
Despite the general caution associated with polypharmacy due to the risk of drug interactions and side effects, my journey with these medications has mainly been positive. I've not encountered any significant adverse effects from this combination, underscoring the importance of a personalized treatment plan.
However, it is crucial to remember that every individual's response to medication is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. My successful journey with polypharmacy should not be generalized, but rather, should underline the fact that there is hope, there are various treatment modalities, and it is possible to manage and survive schizophrenia successfully.
Polypharmacy requires regular consultations with your healthcare provider. It's essential to have these conversations, discuss your symptoms openly, and understand the risks and benefits before embarking on this journey. I have thrived despite my diagnosis through such open discussions and regular monitoring.
Schizophrenia is a lifelong journey, and I am living proof that it can be managed effectively with the right interventions. Through my CZcams channel, 'Surviving Schizophrenia with Stephen,' I hope to shed light on this condition, discuss the complexities involved, and show that a fulfilling and thriving life is possible despite its challenges.
But my journey isn't just about surviving; it's about advocating for mental health awareness and reducing the stigma around mental health conditions, including schizophrenia. I've found that sharing my experiences and educating others about the realities of living with schizophrenia fosters empathy, understanding, and compassion. It encourages more open discussions about mental health, a step towards normalizing these conversations.
As we continue this conversation about schizophrenia and its management, it's vital to keep an open mind, learn from each other's experiences, and support each other. Remember, there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to managing schizophrenia, but it is possible to survive and thrive with the right resources and support.
My boyfriend and I both have Schizoaffective disorder. He is currently in hospital. This is a hard time for me and your videos give me comfort.
I just found this channel about a week ago. As a nurse in a state facility for people with physical and mental disabilities, most of my residents are non verbal. It's good to hear from someone that can inform the public about mental illness. Most of us have some type of mental disorder. 👍 We understand that you're not able to respond to every comment.😊
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I am sorry that you hit a bump in the road regarding the clozapine; hopefully, it likely was just a one time snafu and not a trend. The power of thinking positive should never be underestimated. It is heartening to see your amazing improvement. Your enthusiasm and dedication to destigmatizing and demystifying schizophrenia is bound to help many people. Thanks!
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Psychiatry is more of an art than a science; the understanding of the brain and neuroscience are still in their infancy. There are hundreds of neurotransmitters and the purpose of many are poorly understood. Yet, at the same time, schizophrenia can be effectively treated, but it often is taxing to find the correct combination of medications to lift the psychosis. Stephen, it is great to see that your treatment is successful and that you continue to thrive!😊
Great job, Stephen, once again! Will miss your individual comments but you've come up with a brilliant solution! Keep thriving, Stephen! Keep shining your light! Its so bright and like a lighthouse, you are helping many people find their way!!!
Thank you very much, Lisa.
I can hundred percent understand how your parents feel about leaving you unprepared in extreme circumstances. As I am in the same situation as your parents. Take good care of yourself! Be strong! Stephen
Thank you Stephen for your information. I trust your advice. You are helping me learn more about your illness and how I can better care for my loved one for whom I am her legal guardian and her "voice". Not only are you "destigmatizing" schizophrenia, you are telling the world exactly what your illness is and how you are successfully managing your illness. You give me ideas, information, and advice that I can use to help my sister! Thank you Stephen and Steve!!
Stephen, you and your dad are so wonderful. It feels like I've known you all my life. Keep on with your great work with this channel.
Thanks for sharing this information. I have bipolar disorder and PTSD; I have taken several different antipsychotics. Most of them gave me negative side effects. I currently take Latuda and risperidone. I am also on lithium, Xanax, and prazosin. I get manic sometimes when I am under a lot of stress, which is usually when the psychosis kicks in. Lithium has been a real game-changer for me and for the most part, I am usually stable.
That’s a real scare. Glad none of the bad things happened! I totally get the stress your dad felt as a parent. Love your channel and all your videos!
❤awesome content! Very helpful!😊
You have helped us a lot, im so happy that you have been so brave❤ your doing this channel is such a blessing to so many suffering with psychosis and schizophrenia. Please don’t feel bad, you can’t keep up with all of us commenting. We love you and want the best for you and your family.
Another great video. You guys are awesome. I’m so glad that you are growing as a person and that your channel is growing as well. It’s just wonderful that you allowed us on this journey with you. Don’t worry at all about not responding to all the comments. That’s impossible at this point! Personally I’m here because I find all your videos intelligent and so interesting, each one in its own way. You and your dad add the human touch and I think that’s why we are all here. Also, you pass on good information which is a real public service. All the best and I’m looking forward to your next video.
thanks for the video Steven and Steve. Clozapine is no joke. But is the best antipsychotic at the moment in my experience. I expect we will make progress with the science of pharmacology sooner or later. I personally would like to see "plant medicines" such as marijuana and psylocibin to be combined with antipsychotics, in micro doses as a way to improve on the medicines (I don't even know if this is possible). I think there is potential to reduce sedation, numbness and anxiety while increasing alertness. The potential is there. Thanks again for the video, you're doing great!
It's extremely interesting stuff. It is too bad there is not more research in microdosing.I believe is more used with depression though.
Excellent and informative video. Thankyou
Congrats on your channel's phenomenal growth. I already feel that you have moved the needle in destigmaziting Schizophrenia. :) Way to go & continued significant successes and growth. Agree with your approach on comments & look forward to seeing your interesting & engaging content in the future.
HI Steven love your channel,❤❤❤God bless you!
Steve Senior reminds me of my parents. Very supportive and understanding. I love seeing that because i know having support from family is a godsend for handling mental illness.
My parents visited me in the psyche ward every day that i was there last February. And texted with me daily in the afternoons when the hospital let us use our phones. I also talked to my parents on the phone the afternoon i was admitted. i don’t remember that convo because i had just had two Thorazine shots, and hadn’t slept for three days straight during my psychosis. My brother came to see me also, and two of my cousins texted with me daily. My family got me through it and i thank God for them every day.
Take care guys! I will try to join your livestream if I can.
I am so happy I found your channel. Thank you so much for all you do.
Thank you for your channel. There are a few people on you tube sharing their stories, but they are not involving their parents. Your channel is talking about the whole family experience. Though I live in the UK the experience in general is similar. My daughter has not relapsed on her own doctors have always taken her off medication this has resulted in each relapse being more intense than the last one and takes longer for a recovery. The most distressing side effect of this illness in our loved ones case is that when they become ill, is the distancing and banning of doctors speaking to us. Yet we are the main supporter of our loved one fight to get her hospital treatment and when help is required my daughter turns to us. It is a very cruel disease and as I saw your father comment the time when you first became ill was like a big black hole and we can relate to that. As we have more experience of this illness, it affects every single member of the family who care about our loved one, that extends to friends uncles and aunts. We fear for their safety and more than once has caused my loved one to become utterly destitute, due to the psychosis and delusions that are very real to them at the time. In the UK hospitalisation takes a very long time to happen as taking away a persons liberty is very serious and they can talk their way out of being detained. This happens even if the person with this illness has had several relapses, it should be faster to delay damage. Yet it takes a long time even with a history and even though lack of insight is the main reason for not seeking help they cannot help themselves the health care system waits for the person with this illness to confirm their illness. It has been 7 years of sheer distress. I am sorry if this goes on so long I do realize you may not have time to read every comment. I have been trying to find the latest studies on treatment and causes but unfortunately the information I have been able to find on you tube seems to be five years ago or more. What families want to know is why? why our relative, why us? did we do something during pregnancy? just why? I also had an uncle who had this disease, a quiet clever man, whose whole life just stopped, he stayed at home slept and took medication, so to see you trying to regain your life and your amazing progress is uplifting and shows that life goes on, it may be slightly different but there is quality of life with schizophrenia, you are living proof of this and I wish you steven and your family health and happiness always. Carry on what you are doing and please continue sharing. xx
Just found your channel and I highly appreciate the eye study you guys shared now I understand why my eyes act up with this illness thanks I shared it with my family you’re doing a good thing Stephen.
Stephan you are a great teacher!
Hi Stephen and Steve, thanks for another great video :) Congratulations on your great channel growth, I'm so happy for you. I'm glad they are looking into polypharmacy, and that it's worked for you so well. I'm on zyprexa, lamotrigine (Lamictal, mood stabilizer) and venlafaxine (antidepressant, in US it's called Effexor) for 15 years now and it's worked for me when it comes to positive and negative symptoms but I've gained huge amount of weight and I sleep more than I'm awake. I'm not sure I would want to experiment with adding another anti-psychotic but if my psychiatrist suggests it I'll definitely consider it. When it comes to availability of meds, I had a similar scare here in Bosnia during the time of covid. For some logistical reason, there was a huge lack of Effexor, at first I couldn't get it in Sarajevo, where I live, then in whole country, and at one point my father and I travelled to neighboring Croatia to get it. Thankfully they resumed local production relatively soon after that and it's fine now. I don't know what else to add to this video, I'm really glad your social life has improved so much, and that being with many people hadn't stressed you out when you were out with your cousin. Thanks again Stephen and Steve, and best wishes to us all here :)
You’re a legend! An inspiration!!!
Thank you very much! I really appreciate it!
Thanks!
Thank you so very much Lisa! I really appreciate your support. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
awesome video. Thanks for sharing
Thank you very much!
Doing so good Stephen! So happy for you❤
Just found this channel. Great content and inspirational stuff. My brother was diagnosed w/ schizoaffeective disorder 15 years ago and has been through the ringer to say the least. Looking forward to seeing this channel continue to grow and all that you have in store for it.
God bless.
Thank you Stephen for sharing your experience. Do you plan on writing a book?
Thank you very much guys , you have no idea how much you’re helping people wonderful The information you were given will be changing peoples life
I wish you the best of luck steven
It is so brave of you to talk about your personal issues. I give you a lot of credit. Me, I only have depression but I had a close friend that had "Classic Schizophrenia." Always with his doctor's advice, he tried various doses of Mellaril over the years. He could never find the best dose of his medication, Mellaril. The dose he took would never work in the long run. God bless.
You are a huge help to me and my son. I can understand him more. Thank you for all you do. You are a blessing in our life.
What a powerful and moving dialogue between father and son. And yes, your channel, Stephen, contributes greatly to the destigmatizing of schizophrenia. I feel privileged to be able to watch you grow into ever greater health. It is inspiring. Thank you for being you.
You are so inspirational Stephen, I am so glad to have found your channel.
congrats on the growth of your channel.
I have Aspergers Syndrome. I take 18 pills every day . (I want to thank you taxpayers!) Libraries have lots of used book sales..... I go to many of these with a friend. Keep a log of your purchases. (I have 2800 books and have read most of them.) Take courses at your local community college. (Get a two year degree.) Your brain will grow dendrites and some neurons. It's all good!
Glad you had that resolved, nice video guys : )
my daughter is 22 diagnosed with bipolar 1 manic depression with sychotic features 3 yrs ago and 3 hospitalizations. she had a relapse last September and has not been able to recover since, im so scared for her she was in college very smart girl volunteering at church and now struggles with day to day living, I've quit my job to stay home and care for her but she rejects my help 😢 she's on lithium 900,zyprexa 30 and depakote 500 walks around like a zombie with no emotion in her face, im seriously going to bring up Clozapine to her sychiatrist this Friday we meet with him. please help with any suggestions 🙏 😭😭😭😭
Thank you mate from Australia. Your lived experience and insight has been invaluable to me as a support worker who works with several clients living with schizoaffective disorder symptoms. No response required : )
It is absolutely wonderful and outstanding to see your growth and adjustments, Stephen. This is just an awesome channel! I appreciate your work and your efforts so very much. Thank you for doing this work. I do hope it all continues to go very well!
This is a really great way to move forward & keep I. Touch while maintaining your quality of life 💕 I super support you Stephen! You are a truley impressive person and I’m so grateful to have found your channel!
Hi Stephen your videos are great. Understand you can't respond. We are in the UK. My son is 30 years old. He ha been on clozapine for 3 years and he had a red result 5 days ago which meant he has to stop with immediate effect. So far he's ok. We have started Latuda - hoping this will work well. And i feel your videos are helping to remove stigma. xx
Hey Stephen how are you mate,just want to say that I've been on clozapien for about 10 years also and life is good on this drug so don't feel alone or outcasted there are many of us out there in the same situation. So keep on living freand .peace out.
Hi Stephen thank you for the insight. I don’t know if you currently have a degree but this is certainly high level research and information.
Glad it all worked out! Know how it feels to be concerned about a next dose being prescribed. Not sure if your doing CBT Stephen (cognitive behavior therapy) or similar with a therapist (that is a good fit for you), since it helps with anxiety & gives you coping strategies when experiencing paranoia.
I have epilepsy, I take clonazepam (different drug, not clozaril) and Tegretol. A neurologist said "I really don't like "polypharmacy" " but then it IS what works. I think the safety issue IS an issue-- I agree makes it complex. If you get confused in your dosing or something-- I believe the more drugs the more complex. Not implying of a brilliant duo like you two couldn't figure it out. :) Steven, you're wonderful and love Steve too. You keep doing this you are benefitting so many!
I normally wouldn't comment but I had to correct for others. Duos, trios, quads... How able are you in your everyday life? A pill doesn't fix this.
Fantastic video today! Great information for anyone dealing with schizophrenia ❤️
Wow thank you for sharing so much, im sure its difficult! I do appreciate the help of your dad too! I had an Abilify 10mg/Lexapro 20mg combo but honestly i was not schizophrenic or experiencing anything like you do. I am wondering why they put me on such medicines without any psychotic symptoms on my end, simply CPTSD. Is this med combo common for those who are schizophrenic or suffer delusion? Or is it something that other people receive too?
Edit: also that medication scare was absolutely serious! I am glad you guys sorted that out because nobody deserves to go through shortages like that. Hopefully we can get some better logistics on things like that for the world.
This combo can be. Abilify is also used in pediatric ASD. Lexapro is used primarily for anxiety and mood which includes OCD and PTSD (check the myptsd thread). It's in the class of SSRIs.
There are also off-label uses. Here Abilify (aripiprazole) can be used for dementia, ADHD and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).
My son also suffers/ manages this illness. Medicines are so crazy.Question. .Did you have any vaccine or flu shots just prior to your onset at age 12?
I'm on 700mg of Invega Trinza and 2.5 mg of Zyprexa. Feeling pretty good, except for a few major side effects...
I’m a 24 year old male and I have schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. I take Geodon and Seroquel and together, they help stabilize my medical conditions. Antipsychotic polypharmacy has truly helped me live a more functional life. There is nothing wrong with being on two antipsychotics instead of just one.
You would make a fantastic peer support worker Stephen 😊
Good job!!!!!! 1
Thanks for your videos!! Are you curious/know about the keto diet for schizoophrenia?
Stephen, God bless you and your dad. Your father is absolutely right about good treatment. Unfortunately, FDA controls and make profits from these meds! U. S needs to spend more for research to cure this awful illness. At the moment, I am overseas. Healthcare is much better than the States! ❤
Have you ever looked into neurofeedback? I know you mentioned an abnormal eeg in one of your previous videos. Even if it isn’t abnormal.
One medication that targets sz ? That would be great !
So I was listening to a discussion about the diagnosis and pathology of schizophrenia, it followed on from a critical look at the DSM and the arbitrary way individual mental health conditions are defined and organised.
The reason that schizophrenia treatment can often require quite different drug regimes *could possibly* be because its a description of symptoms more than a single condition.
A bit like we used to say someone had ' melancholia ' or a 'fever' or 'hysteria' we saw them as diseases when they are indicators of a disease ; what we call schizophrenia (and other conditions?) is a collection of symptoms and as we know more about medicine with better tools (fmri etc) we could more clearly and scientifically define 'schizophrenia' , we might find it does respond to one drug ?
I take olanzapine for mine im going to try to get on a different pills or a higher dose
Goodmorning I love yall ❤
A lot of patience's will stop taking their Meds because of the side effects including me I wish somebody had an answer to this problem
Vitamin B3 (50-100 mg daily), zinc (RDA - 22 mg), magnesium threonate or orotate(500 mg), N-Acetyl cysteine(500 mg) and quercetin with/without (better with) bromelain(500 mg). Don't stop medications but trying tapering off slowly (to reduce side effects) while giving these supplements in the morning preferrably. Good luck. Look up the video of ex-Superman actress who played Lois Lane with Christopher Reeves (Margot Kidder) who also had schizophrenia, you'll see how it works. Make sure your other vitamin B levels are balanced but B3 is key, actually B3, B6, B9 and B12 - I know they're all multiples of 3 but amazingly those are the four most important for neuropsych diseases. Also add Vitamin C supplement if you're deficient - its a big help. Good luck, I'm pretty sure you'll do better. Oh, also stay off the processed food, they deplete ALL valuable vitamins you take, just makes it a lot more harder to benefit from supplements.
Maybe...it's not black or white, its a shade of gray! Respond to comments as you can, people understand 💙💯
Hello. I'm from Poland and it's very interesting to watch your videos. You and your father are amazing. Could I ask you if you have a job? Do you work and earn money? Do you think about bringing up a family...?
Hi! I do not have a job. Thank you for watching
My Beautiful niece has 1p36deletion syndrome. She is non verbal butcso actententdentt so physically verbal
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK HOMIE, I LOVE YOU HOMIE.. GOTTA LOVE THE HOMIES. OKAY PEACE OUT HOMIE.. 😀😀😀😀
If I had the choice, I would rather take 2 antipsychotics than one. Currently I'm prescribed abilify, I decided to stop taking it 5 days ago and so far I feel fine. I don't think I need antipsychotics, although I'm open to taking them if I get psychotic again.
I love sushi 🍣!!!
Just a heads up too. I've gotten 12 ads 18 min in. Not viewer friendly
❤
Thank you, Jean!
Do you believe that an individual has the right to refuse antipsychotics? Do you believe patients should also have rights? If antipsychotic drugs didn’t work for me do I still have the right to voice how I feel?
Of course, as the patient is the one being cared for, right? Just my opinion…
"For severe physical health problems"
Before medicating schizophrenics there was no link between schizophrenia and a diminishment of intelligence.
Where is your Mom? Stephen, asking you his Dad, if Stephen doesn't have a girl friend I Tamara don't mind it's up to you, and his mom, to decide whatever the years of age decided, now or later. I have a housing emergency. The building is falling down. So see you all sometime like this again soon. Miss Francis my last name, unmarried now, Tamara now 48 years old: April 1, 1975 is my birthday.
Abilify give men boobs. Gynoclastia or something. Funny that an antidepressant would have a side effect that could literally make you depressed the rest of your life. Imo it's all malpractice. Have you lost your empathy from these medications yet? That was the first thing to start to fade for me. So I decided not to manage my condition without medication. I'd like to compare how I am doing against someone on medication. The difference in our bad days and who ends up back in the hospital.
Gynaecomastia ("man boobs") is a possible side effect, as are other medications. I'm sorry if you have this but it is incorrect that these things are a usual side effect or even common. It is possible. It sounds like you are going thru many possible side effects. Sounds though like Steven is doing very well, I hope things go better for you.
@@515aleon 🤣 nothing is wrong with me. If I list side effects from pills doesn't mean I have them. In fact I don't take their pills.Keep cucking it up for big pharma. Safe and effective bro.
@@natas12rm In fact, nothing of the sort: I would want to heavily tax and regulate pharmaceutical companies (well of course all big corporations), have a reformed (no ridiculous "Medicare Advantage" or supplemental policies needed, medicare for all with medicare needing to negotiate with drug companies and other countries for the best prices. As well as other reforms. That all said there is a difference between a side effect and x causes y--that was the main point. Doesn't work that way. BTW, this clarification is for the sake of others. I wouldn't actually respond except for that and don't care to respond to anything else you might say.
🤮 lol
Thanks!
Thanks very much Laurel! Your support means so incredibly much to me! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!