Re: raging/mood stabilizer

May 7, 2010

My son (11) takes a very small dose of Seroquel (another antipsychotic like

abilify or risperdal) and he takes Tenex. Tenex is usually used to treat

Tourette's or a tic disorder (my son has some symptoms of Tourette's, but many

of psych these symptoms overlap). These meds have helped my son some, but they

are not a magic bullet either.

I have found that regular and higher doses of antipsychotics (abilify,

risperdal, geodon, seroquel) make my son's behavior worse (rages, agitation,

akithisia, anxiety, panic). He generally takes half of the smallest dose of

Seroquel at bedtime. It helps him sleep and seems to take the edge off a little

during the day. It took quite some time to figure out the doses that were

required and it takes a while (a couple of weeks at least) to see how effective

his meds will be.

My best advice is to start at very small doses and increase them slowly and just

one drug at a time as well so that you can figure it out. My son has been

hospitalized twice and both times were said to be as a result of meds. Since

then (2 yrs now) we have done aggressive therapy and worked hard to get what he

needs at home and school. It has helped a lot. Though he still struggles now

and then, it's not nearly as bad as it used to be.

Good luck

Bonnie

>

> Hi Stormy,

>

> He gave me a few names of drugs to " look into " , Ambilify (2 mg), Risperdol

> (.125 mg), Tenex (1 mg twice a day) and Intuitive (didn't mention a dose).

> I think he said he was leaning toward Tenex because it was shorter-acting

> and " simpler " - whatever that means! Could I ask you how your dd's behavior

> was prior to the meds? Because my dd doesn't rage ALL the time. But when

> she does.......it is bad, for her and for the rest of our family. We are so

> desperate for relief, but scared at the same time. Thanks so much for

> getting back. Kath

>

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