Julie,
I have bipolar 1 + schizoeffective disorder. I am taking Resperidone 1 mg twice a day and Lamictal 50mg at night, which has somewhat worked to help stop my delusions about being a secret agent, cops spying on me bugging the house, but i almost to the point where the medicine isn’t going to keep on working at this dosage. I am already slowed down enough during my day because of the medicine. But I am still hearing things and smelling and seeing things that aren’t there. For instance the other night I swore I had seen a cat outside and I took a second look and there was no cat. I heard someone or thing banging on my window, but there was no one there. I am wondering if I should just get a higher dosage of Resperidone or go to something else.
Thanks,
Ranen
Hi Ranen,
Psychosis can definitely be hard to manage. I go through phases when it seems to follow me everywhere I go. I find that I am much more psychotic if I am stressed in life- so I know for sure that troublesome relationships cause more psychosis- as do loud noises or busy locations. I find that my psychosis goes in phases- and that meds can definitely work sometimes and not be as effective during other times. Different anti psychotics can definitely work differently- I have found that some work better with less side effects- and it is up to you to find out which ones work the best with your body. Also, a combination of medications can often work better than just using an anti psychotic alone. Also, you can talk with your doctor about the 50mg of Lamictal. That is a low dose and it may be that a higher dose will help. An average dose is 200. That doesn’t mean you go up on that dose on your own- you must talk with your doctor first- but it’s worth a try.
It’s all about experimentation.
I also find that dealing with the psychosis myself helps- just as you are doing. I talk myself out of the odd thoughts and behaviors so that I can get on with my life. It can take up so much of my time- that is frustrating. I haven’t been psychotic for awhile- that has to do with the stability in my life. So you have a few options- a higher dose of Risperdal- a different anti psychotic- or changes in your life that will help reduce the psychosis. A combination of these can work as well. I am so impressed that you are aware that you are psychotic- and you keep yourself from acting on it in ignorance and ruining your relationships. That’s very, very impressive.
Good luck with whatever changes you decide to make! Julie
