Health - Effect of antipsychotics on the brain?

[seeingred]

Do anti-psychotics have any long-term effects on the structure of your brain? Do they cause any possible damage? Drug Companies don't seem to list the risks. Swim wonders if long-term use of anti-psychotics might lead to brain-damage or dementia.

[OccularFantasm]

The administration of anti-pyschotic drugs can lead to many imbalences in the brain. As far as permanent damage goes, I am not sure. It may be possible from extensive long term use, but swim realy doesn't know. The antagonist effects at the dopamine receptor sites can have hazerdous effects however. For instance, dopamine is needed for numerous other functions that regulating human psychosis. Since the dopamine levels in the brain would be lessened, the production of both noradrenaline and adrenaline would be hampered. The bodies response to such an imbalence would be to create more dopamine. To do this the body synthesizes together phenylalanine and tyrosine. (The body doesn't understand there is constant administratin of dopamine anatagonists). From here the levels of tyrosine and phenylalanine start to become depleted. If levels get too low of adrenaline and noradrenaline, the body will adapt by going in and out of the fight or flight response. Excess of this type of abuse by the body can have phsyical symptoms similar to that of heavy amphetamine use, mainly a damaged central nervous system. Also, as far as the brain is concerned, antipsychotics will fuck with your perceptions and conciousness more than any other drug could ever do. The scary part, is the length of time for the symptoms to subside. There are more imbalences caused, but swim is too lazy to organize the rest and would have to look stuff up again.
Also, if you look at the printout sheet that comes with any antipsychotic, the list of adverse reactions and side effects is astoundingly long. If i recall, most are two full pages with TINY print. Basically the drug companies don't know what damage their product is going to cause, so they list everything in an effort to cover their ass.
Another side effect f such drugs would be indifference. It may not sound like much, but you will lose your ability to experiance pleasure. You will lose compassion for all humans and animals, everything. Probably not immediately, but it will fester its way to the surface. All the symptoms of HPPD are also possible from antipsychotic drugs. You also can get effects on your joints called cogwheeling. Often there is an adjunct medication given in such a scenaio,w hich carries its own list of harmful side effects. Also, with the fight or flight response, is a verry common impetus or anxiety attacks, especially where the individual is tired out from the medicine (after all they are tranquillizers), which makes it more difficult for the body to transcend into the fight stage. Also with the lack of ability to experiance pleasure, depression is fairly common. In fact, there is no study anywhere which proves anti-psychotics work any better than doing nothing. Odd, the pharmacuetical companies never advertise those things. All in all they are bad, and you should stay away from them. Oh, and dementia I have heard of, but not permanent, and not in all cases. Be prepared for psychosis however. Lots and lots of scary ass psychosis.

Oh yeah. Many of the antipsychotic medications, most actually, are neurotoxic. This means they do cause some sort of brain damage, however I am not the expert who can explain how the damage occurs or what site stuff happens at. I leave that to someone more organized and better versed on the topic

[seeingred]

Swim has been on seroquel for around seven months. The doctor didn't seem to understand that it was neither lessening the symptoms nor helping with depression. Instead it was causing depression. The doctor seemed to think it was a cure all thing and Swim discovered that the withdrawel from seroquel caused strange hallucinations such as words sliding around, painful skin prickling, and voices. Swim only was able to discontinue seroquel by starting abilify which got rid of the hallucinations seroquel initially had caused in the first place. The abilify helped correct some problems but swim realized after awhile that it was still causing sedation and lack of concentration. Swim took concerta for the concentration difficulties and then learned from someone else that it is not good for psychosis and can worsen it if you have what swim had been diagnosed as. Swim had been diagnosed as a schizophrenic.

The medications are necessary but swim has no idea if the schizophrenia is chronic/swim has always resisted meds because of being diagnosed at fifteen and forced onto psychiatric meds. In this case, swim knows there is a need for them but hates to take them, of course the psychiatrist never mentions any even possibility of an alternative. Swim has had a lot of the symptoms of being detached, but on abilify there's no psychosis at all...a lot of people have different views on mental illness. Schizophrenia is the most confusing diagnosis. When swim has ever wanted to stop taking them swim has been met with violence from all sides. Swim would have rather been crazy than been helped.

[Nagognog2]

Sounds like a case I'm handling in Boston, Massachusetts. The current highest dose of seroquel allowed WAS 750mg. But Dr. Frankenstein was upset his "patient" was still among the living. Off he went to Maclean Hospital (Harvard teaching facility - experimental hell-hole) and complained. Now the maximum dose has been raised to 1,250mg seroquel. My friend has refused Dr. Frankensteins' commands and refused ANY seroquel. The doctor has threatenend to lock up my friend for like in the Bridgewater State Hospital - where Massachusetts keeps it's versions of Hannibal Lector - natural or man-made.

My friend is moving to Vermont. Where Dr. Frankenstein can't legally lay a syringe on him. And Bongo would feel no remorse in emptying a magazine of .40's in the bastard.

Do you think Bongo should see a psychiatrist for this feeling?

[OccularFantasm]

Bongo should empty that magazine. Also, seeingred, are you sure you are schitzophrenic? Schizophrenia is the most common misdiagnosed mental health disorder in America. Have you had psychosis troubles, other than from withdrawl form the seroquel, in the last 6 months. Swim had been forced onto psych meds before when he was younger, and they actually made swim psychotic, which is what I fear may be happening here too. The doctors try to brainwash everyone that if you go off the medications that you will become pychotic forever and will spend the rest of your life in prisons and psych wards. I assume they've used that one against you already. Then if you try explaining this to the doctor, all he will say is "This is dereailed thinking, and reinforces my diagnosis." Also yeah why don't they telly ou straight up their diagnosis. Swim found out like 3 weeks later he was diagnosed with it. Swim has also ben diagnosed with almost every mental illness, yet has none, well other than mild adhd, ocd, and ptsd. Also there are 9 different types of schitzophrenia, but from how welly ou are able to explain yourself I sincerely doubt you have it. I would highly reccomend if possible scraping all medicine and see if any psychotic symptoms fade into the wind. Personally, swim didn't tell anyone and just didnt take anything one day, and peopel were amazed swim wasn't walking around liek a zombie, but was actually awake and could do things. They are going to tell you you can't smoke weed too I bet, which is another lie. Sometimes I wonder if phsychiatrists even beleive what comes out of their mouths.
I know what you mean about things moving around. Swim has had antipyschotics make boxes float across the sky and straight edged things roll and wave. This is common with antipsychotics, so don't worry; it's the drugs not your brain. Also, depression, amphetamines, and antipsychotics all cause felings of detachment. These feelings should be expected as an afterresult, and not considered when thinking if schitzophrenic is accurate. Especially since 15 is not the common age to have schitzophrenia to onset either. 18-21 is the magic age group the vast majority of cases fall into. It is not to say it isn't possible, but is something you should consider.

Also, real important. DO NOT DRINK WITH SEROQUEL. This makes bad scary trip. swim snorted two, took 1, and chewed one, and had two beers one time. I'll leave it at bad news bears.

[scumpunk91]

does anyone know how long the effects of seroquel are known to last?

[Nagognog2]

4-8 is the standard for seroquel, however it has been seen to suddenly come back out of nowhere up to 12 hours later. The is is all experimental, yet the damn stuff has been released to the public with as many off-label applications as prozac.

In the words of the Vermont State Troops: "Don't take that stuff!"

[scumpunk91]

ok thanks. SWIM has a friend who is perscribed adderall for highschool, and cant concentrate without it, but cant sleep at night because of it. hes tried lower doeses, but the same thing happens. he was put on just about every other medication for this, but the same disruption of his sleep pattern occurs.

his friends little sister has a terrible case of bipolar personality disorder, and is perscribed 100 mg seroquel. his friend took some of his sisters seroquel, and gave it to him, assuring it would help him sleep.

[seeingred]

Originally Posted by OccularFantasm

Bongo should empty that magazine. Also, seeingred, are you sure you are schitzophrenic? Schizophrenia is the most common misdiagnosed mental health disorder in America. Have you had psychosis troubles, other than from withdrawl form the seroquel, in the last 6 months. Swim had been forced onto psych meds before when he was younger, and they actually made swim psychotic, which is what I fear may be happening here too. The doctors try to brainwash everyone that if you go off the medications that you will become pychotic forever and will spend the rest of your life in prisons and psych wards. I assume they've used that one against you already. Then if you try explaining this to the doctor, all he will say is "This is dereailed thinking, and reinforces my diagnosis." Also yeah why don't they telly ou straight up their diagnosis. Swim found out like 3 weeks later he was diagnosed with it. Swim has also ben diagnosed with almost every mental illness, yet has none, well other than mild adhd, ocd, and ptsd. Also there are 9 different types of schitzophrenia, but from how welly ou are able to explain yourself I sincerely doubt you have it. I would highly reccomend if possible scraping all medicine and see if any psychotic symptoms fade into the wind. Personally, swim didn't tell anyone and just didnt take anything one day, and peopel were amazed swim wasn't walking around liek a zombie, but was actually awake and could do things. They are going to tell you you can't smoke weed too I bet, which is another lie. Sometimes I wonder if phsychiatrists even beleive what comes out of their mouths.
I know what you mean about things moving around. Swim has had antipyschotics make boxes float across the sky and straight edged things roll and wave. This is common with antipsychotics, so don't worry; it's the drugs not your brain. Also, depression, amphetamines, and antipsychotics all cause felings of detachment. These feelings should be expected as an afterresult, and not considered when thinking if schitzophrenic is accurate. Especially since 15 is not the common age to have schitzophrenia to onset either. 18-21 is the magic age group the vast majority of cases fall into. It is not to say it isn't possible, but is something you should consider.

Also, real important. DO NOT DRINK WITH SEROQUEL. This makes bad scary trip. swim snorted two, took 1, and chewed one, and had two beers one time. I'll leave it at bad news bears.

This is actually very strange. Swim recently has been finding different ways to counteract the side effects of the anti-psychotics which cause swim not to be able to read a magazine, socialize, and instead swim withdraws into a happy little universe where no one can affect swim's reality, because the pain of the truth is just so hard to stand.

Swim was diagnosed after a stressful breakdown. But they wanted swim to be a permanent schizophrenic.

Swim have come to the conclusion Swim has been brainwashed.
They actually told swim's parents when swim was put into the hospital that swim was being given sleeping pills, so they lied because it was risperdal.

The people really just drove swim into hysterics continuously and tried to call it paranoia.

Swim is afraid now, just afraid. Not paranoid.

[humdroid]

SWIMs only psychotic experiences was a few times when he abused speed in the past.
SWIM has also had psychotic episodes in primary school, but could only retrospectively recognize them as psychosis years later. The experience felt like "It isn't that they're out to get me, they already have and are here in the flesh".
SWIM is no longer a speeder, and the non chemical psychotic episodes were restricted to childhood and teenhood. SWIM found that taking vitamin B3 and B complex prevented further psychotic episodes.
SWIM thererefore wonders why people bother with anti-psychotics given the effectiveness of the B vitamin.

[seeingred]

Originally Posted by humdroid

SWIMs only psychotic experiences was a few times when he abused speed in the past.
SWIM has also had psychotic episodes in primary school, but could only retrospectively recognize them as psychosis years later. The experience felt like "It isn't that they're out to get me, they already have and are here in the flesh".
SWIM is no longer a speeder, and the non chemical psychotic episodes were restricted to childhood and teenhood. SWIM found that taking vitamin B3 and B complex prevented further psychotic episodes.
SWIM thererefore wonders why people bother with anti-psychotics given the effectiveness of the B vitamin.

how much B-vitamins do swiy take and how often? Swim has a B100 multi-vitamin but never took it regularly. Didn't seem to do much. But if it could. Wow!! That sure would beat dementia, tardive disconesia, nms, diabetes, and weight gain...not to mention side effects.

[JarvyJarvison]

Originally Posted by seeingred

Do anti-psychotics have any long-term effects on the structure of your brain? Do they cause any possible damage? Drug Companies don't seem to list the risks. Swim wonders if long-term use of anti-psychotics might lead to brain-damage or dementia.

My friend read this and told me the following. He'd like me to forward it to you.

This isn't very scientific but I can tell you from personal experience that the answer to both of these questions is an emphatic YES! I was a normal college student before it all happened. I got straight A's in school, had lots of friends, and lots of hobbies and interests. One day I decided to quit smoking pot and drinking coffe (both of which I did to a rediculous extent). This resulted in me not being able to sleep for over a week and a subsequent nervous breakdown complete with delusions and possibly hallucinations. I ended up trying to kill myself.

I was hospitalized under the Baker Act, a Florida law which allows the state to incarcerate you in a mental facility for up to three days if you constitute a risk to yourself and others. They were very quick to diagnose me with Bipolar Type II without even talking to me and very minimal observation.

They prescribed me Abilify (ariprizole) which I took religiously. This drug decreased the psychotic symptoms but gave me severe akathesia and made it impossible to sleep. After staying awake 24/7 for almost a month even the effects of the aripirizole couldn't keep me sane. I ended up being forced into the hospital by my parents where I signed a contract which allowed them to keep me until the doctor said I was fit for release. This was the biggest mistake I've made in my entire life.

The hospital took me of the Abilify and put me an injection of Geodon (ziprazidone) and gave me Seroquel (quetiapine) at night which did allow me to sleep. I awoke the next day groggy as Hell and barely able to move. This is the first time I remember feeling like a zombie. I barely read or compose a thought and someone had to help me order my breakfast and dinner for the next day.

For whatever reason they switched me from Geodon (unknown dosage) to Depakote (divalproex) 500mg, Risperdal (risperidon) 3mg, and cogentin (benztropine), twice daily. At night they added Restoril (temazepam) to the mix to knock me out. These medications were supplimented with various medications that were given to me at different times for seemingly no reason and also a few unkown injections.

I spent 23 days in the hospital on this toxic cocktail. It was a living Hell. I was barely able to function on even the most basic level. I couldn't talk, think, do anything. I shuffled around the hospital all day speaking in one word sentences. The simplest tasks such as taking a shower or putting on my clothes became overwhelming chores. I was a complete zombie. I spoke in monotone, had absolutely no emotions, and the cognition of a lesser species. I remember once trying to learn how to play Hearts with some guys in the activity room. This was an exercise in complete futility. Despite all of this, my delusions (which I'm still not comfortable enough to go into) persisted and actually worsened. I still have a piece of paper where I tried to write down a list of tasks to get me through the most basic task: waking up in the morning. It read something like this:

1. Wake up
2. Put on socks
3. Get out of bed
4. Put on shirt
5. Get in shower

My brother said once I when I came to visit I was shuffling around and my pants fell down and I didnt even notice.

The hospital was the most terrible experience of my life. Everything was dictated by threats. "Take this medicine or we're gonna shoot it up your ass." "Eat your food or we're gonna strap you down to a table and shove a tube down your throat." "Take your medicine or we're going to mark you as non-compliant and put you in an institution."

Anyway, I finally got out of the hospital. God knows what criteria upon which they based their decision. I was much worse off leaving than I was entering the hospital. They had taken a normal kid with a severe case of sleep deprivation and turned him into a fucking zombie.

I continued my regimen of anti-psychotics under the supervison of my psychiatrist and my zombie-like state and delusions persisted for months afterward. When it became apparent that I was not getting any better from my medications the psychiatrist switched took me off of the Depakote and put me on Zyprexa (olanzapine) which I took with the Respridal and cogentin. Eventually he took me off of everything and put me on the Zyprexa alone. I started to regain a little bit of my previous cognitive ability but for all intents and purposes I was still a zombie.

It wasn't until I unilaterally took myself off of everything that I started to feel better. I did this despite the fact that my mother threatened me with putting me back into the hospital if I stopped. Well after a while I began to regain my animation and become something that resembled a human again. And, whadayaknow, my delusions started to go away too.

I took myself off of my medication somewhere in August or September. My state has improved to the point that I now percieve reality in the same way I always did before the psychotic episode and I have regained a lot of my cognitive ability. That being said, I have not regained my emotions. I am emotionally less complex than my dog. I can no longer feel love, compassion, happiness, satisfaction, enjoyment, comfort, elation, warmth, empathy. sympathy, fear, anxiety, rage, emotional attachment, or anything like that. I have trouble even telling my own mother I love her because I just don't feel it anymore. I can laugh occassionally but its usually no more than a "heh" and most of the time its more of a conditioned response than anything else. I've lost my sense of humor. I don't go out, I don't talk to my friends anymore, I don't watch televison, and music has no appeal to me anymore whatsoever. I have lost my completely lost my sex drive. I don't feel like I'll ever be able to excel in school again as I seem to have experienced a significant dulling of the intellect. I have a constant headache and ringing in my ears every waking moment. I sleep 12+ hours a night (or day depending on my sleep pattern of the week) and I still wake up feeling like shit.

The only emotions I realy feel anmymore are bitterness, hatred, and sadness. I feel bitter when I see normal people being laughing, being happy, and socializing. I feel hatred towards the hospital staff psychiatrist that ruined my life, and I feel sadness when I am reminded of my previous life and everything that I've lost.

In conclusion these are horrible drugs which took a smart, funny, vibrant young man and completely ruined his life. God only knows how many people are pacing around mental hospitals as a result of this garbage. The people who push this shit should be thrown in jail for murder. They took something from me more valuable than anything else on earth: my soul. I might as well be dead.

[ilsa]

Originally Posted by JarvyJarvison

My friend read this and told me the following. He'd like me to forward it to you.

yeah no shit. swim was in and out of those type hospitals when she was 14/15 years old. she won't bother listing the multitude of anti's they had her on at some point or another. then swim's parents decided to send her to a fundamentalist religious school. it was quite understaffed: 200 girls and 30 or so boys with maybe 15-20 staff, so they doped us all with thorazine to maintain control. swim knows this sounds crazy and probably paranoid, but one of he boys actually did manage to run away to his lawyer's house, got piss-tested and came up positive for thorazine on the tox screen. he won a lawsuit against the school for it a couple of years ago. all those meds, but esp thorazine, permanently and severely alter neurochemistry and even the architecture of the brain. swim can definitely pinpoint that time as a turning point in her overall mental health, and the staff at that school should all have been prosecuted for child abuse (the school itself moved five times, bc they had to leave mississippi, louisiana, missouri, florida and finally tennessee). many of the other girls swim is still intouch with have all (swim included) been diagnosed with chronic depression or bipolar, ptsd, and anxiety disorders.

neurochemistry is exquisitely delicately balanced and administering heavy-duty drugs like those should be done only if absolutely necessary. swim would go on, but it would be a long, gory narrative about consequences, lol.

[seeingred]

Hey, Swim knows what you've been through. Swim was constantly threatened in the hospitals swim was in. Swim's last stay was the least confrontational...as in confronted by people...but they really drove swim nuts. They questioned swim's sanity non-stop. The drugs caused swim to feel hopeless. Swim's been in institions when swim was fifteen, and it was a horrible experience. Swim had been in a boarding school and had a nervous breakdown so they hospitalized swimn....I don't know... swim still take anti-psychotics but honestly its because swim feel siem has no other choice.

[ilsa]

Originally Posted by seeingred

Hey, Swim knows what you've been through. Swim was constantly threatened in the hospitals swim was in. Swim's last stay was the least confrontational...as in confronted by people...but they really drove swim nuts. They questioned swim's sanity non-stop. The drugs caused swim to feel hopeless. Swim's been in institio