Geodon, Anyone? Experiences Good, Bad, Foggy, Hallucinogenic?

[Jyar]

Ok so I'm new to the world of prescripts. I used to self medicate with pot. My psychiatrist prescribed Geodon for my nightmares, screaming and writhing while sleeping. And though I admit a WMD could go off next to me while a tornado carries it away on a freight train, the next morning is a whole different experience. Is it just a tolerance issue or my body and brain need to adjust to its effects or should I call my doctor and let him know last time I woke up this high I was 18 and smoking some quality buds?

 

[Deleted member 1860]

You're literally waking up high? That can't be good. Geodon affects dopamine so perhaps your dopamine is outta whack?

Geodon gave me awesome sleep, but I may have permanent muscle damage because of it. Only time will tell.

Maybe your dose is too high? I had to get the smallest dose and split it. Of course, being capsules, it was a guess. But, my body couldn't tolerate the drug that well.

 

[Jyar]

Yes, I am literally waking up high. I am on a low dosage of 60mg. I've slept like a rock, but waking up baked like a college freshman is just too much.

 

[Life_in_the_Mist]

Geodon made me agitated and suicidal after a while of taking it. I got a side affect called akathesia. Not a fan. Also: sometimes anti-psychotics can make you sort of, well, psychotic.

 

[Candleflames]

Hi Jyar,

It sounds like you are having some strong side effects that you need to talk to you doc about. The meds we take should help us with minimal side effect, not replace one problem with another. Call the doc when you next can. Maybe it's something simple like you're not hydrated enough or the dosage could be too strong. I am also taking Geodon and it has been a lifesaver for me.

I had that high feeling for about a week or two when I first started the Geodon and it subsided as I got used to the med. I didn't feel totally baked though, just a little high. Occasionally it comes bake if I don't drink enough water and get a little dehydrated. I'm also on the lowest dose possible of 20 mg with dinner. Then I take Prazosin at bed time. Together they work to dull the affects of the nightmares and it helps with the severe dissociation episodes I have during the day. The dissociation is the main reason I started the Geodon. I was having some pretty gruesome hallucination and a persistent sound of someone crying for help.

Good luck. I hope you get this sorted and feel better soon. Please update us when you do.

 

[Jyar]

Hi Candleflames,

Yeah I am supposed to see my doctor this upcoming week for a follow up to starting Geodon and to get the paperwork completed so my new therapist & my psychiatrist can openly discus my case amongst themselves without having to break any HIPAA laws or bill as a "consultation".

I can say that Geodon is helping me sleep, but waking up is a different story altogether. It is difficult to wake up because I feel "Woodstock" baked and it lasts through a good portion of the day and seems to laugh at my coffee.
I've actually decided that I will refrain from using it until I talk to my psychiatrist, because it is really just too much.
Aside from the fact that I have a child that I am raising and a heavily medicated dad is really not an example I want to set.

 

[cherryblossom]

I admit a WMD could go off next to me

HIPAA laws or bill as a "consultation".

I have no idea what WMD or HIPAA is? Please don't use abbreviations / acronyms that many people won't understand.

 

[Jyar]

Sorry CherryBlossom.
WMD = Weapons of Mass Destruction
The HIPAA law = The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It protects
all of your health information. It makes it so even doctors need permission to discuss your case with other doctors. You've probably signed hundreds without really even realizing it. They are standard practice, especially in new patient paperwork. I just choose not to sign it until necessary.

 

[Candleflames]

I feel "Woodstock" baked and it lasts through a good portion of the day and seems to laugh at my coffee

That's way too strong of a side effect. Your analogy made me giggle though. I envisioned a little pill with a face doing the maniacal laugh.

I'm glad you have an upcoming appointment so you can get some sleep soon. A well rested yet alert dad is pretty important to raising of the little ones. I have three and they are my motivation to, consistently take my meds, get up of my bum and and work the getting better. Good on you for not just accepting things as is and making responsible choices.

Best wishes for in the meantime.

 

[Jyar]

I have three and they are my motivation to, consistently take my meds, get up of my bum and and work the getting better.

I get up and do all these things for the same reason. I only have one, will only ever have one, and I want to be the dad that's there not the dad who is always out of it, or worse. I imagine thats why we are all here to better ourselves and connect with those that can understand in a world that would rather lock us away and shove pills down our throats just to calm their own consciences.

Hope you are having a great end to the weekend!!!

Jay

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I'm assuming you started on a low dose and ramped your way up, so how did you do on a low dose? (I only needed 10mg @ bedtime).

60mg isn't really a low dose, I believe.

If you didn't ramp up, shame on your doctor, major error on his part. (And time for a new doctor?)

 

[Jyar]

I'm assuming you started on a low dose and ramped your way up, so how did you do on a low dose?

Solara, I was started on what I was told was the lowest dose of 60mg. I don't get to pick and choose my doctors unfortunately. My insurance picks for me. To his credit however, he is dealing with a patient that has near night terrors accompanied by writhing, screaming, and yelling.

I know I'm not a special case by any means there are those who have gone through and seen so much more. Like our combat veterans returning from a decades long war. So I take what I can from what I can get.

Have a great evening.
Jay