Posted by SLS on October 29, 2005, at 15:34:08
In reply to Re: meds for psychotic depression » SLS, posted by theo on October 29, 2005, at 13:22:17
> The incidence of EPS side effects with this drug seems to be equivalent to that of the older neuroleptics.
> > Good luck.
> >
> > - Scott
>
> Being new to this class of meds, what are EPS side effects?EPS stands for extrapyramidal symptoms. These are the result of the effects that neuroleptic dopamine D2 antagonist antipsychotics have along brain tracts that are outside (extra) the pyramidal layers. Symptoms include abnormal involuntary muscle movements and muscle rigidity. These are known as dystonia and parkinsonism. Akathisia is also a EPS that presents as an extreme motor restlessness that many describe as wanting to crawl out of their skin. It includes anxiety and an inability to sit still. If not managed properly, a person on these drugs can develop, over time, an emergence of involuntary muscle movements around the face and neck known as tardive dyskinesia (TD). This is a more malignant condition that is usually irreversible. TD and EPS in general seem to occur much less frequently with the newer atypical neuroleptics. I don't happen to know what the statistical occurence of TD is with these newer drugs, but it might be characterized as being infrequent or even rare.
> By the way, I just took my first dose of Abilify and have that new med 1st time dose anxiety, not knowing what to expect!
Knowing what to expect puts you at an advantage over the great many people whom remain uninformed by their doctors regarding Abilify startup side effects. Too many people abort their trials prematurely, only to deny themselves the benefits of what is generally a very clean drug.
I hope all goes well with your Abilify trial. I am still taking 10mg. I could probably lower that to 5.0mg and retain the anxiolytic and motivational benefits.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:572602
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051024/msgs/573103.html