Question:
Who defines the definition of "true" schizophrenia? From reading, I
notice there is both an American and a British definition. Which one is
the most "correct"? I'm on Abilify (10 mg, although I always break these in half because
they make me too tired) and Ativan (1 mg, taken whole). I still
experience "hallucinations" (sorry, only term to describe "I see
ghosts").
Answer:
true origins - not true definitions Neither one. What matters is the definition used by the person using
the term. More to the point, if you have been diagnosed what matters
is what you doctor means by the term. Neither of those are anti-psychotic AFAIK. Wikipedia usually has substantial entries for drugs; e.g. -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abilify
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ativan (The Wikipedia articles are informative, but not authoritative. I.e.,
consult a doctor rather than a Wikipedia article as the basis for
decisions about medications. Be aware that trolls often insert false
information in Wikipedia articles, and it may not get corrected before
you read it.) Aripiprazole is a piperazine antipsychotic agent marketed as Abilify
(Bristol Myers) it is used to treat both schizophrenia and bipolar
disorder. it is used for both acute and maintenance therapies. Lorazepam (Ativan) is a benzodiazepine, with sedative and hypnotic
properties. It an effective antianxiety and hypnotic agent for insomnia
and as premedication to surgical procedures. The drug is also indicated
parenterally for status epilepticus.
Try this instead:
http://www.abilify.com/abilify/home/index.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes I was wrong.
BTW, I think that Abilify is one of the great names. It is so close to
a real word and conveys an immediate message.
The differences of which I am aware are not 'national', but reflect
different theoretical and clinical orientations. I'm supposed to be on
holiday this week; but if you want to explain what you mean, I'll try and
comment helpfully. Perhaps to save us looking it up you could post the definitions. In my view you would do much better asking this question of your
Doctor. If he is inclined towards the 'dont worry about why just take
these tablets' school of medicine just sit there and insist on
explanations, or find another Doctor. You can also ask the Pharmacist
for details on the drugs you are taking. He should know alternatives
that might address any problems you have, you can then ask your Doctor
about a change.
Reducing dosages may not be a good idea. There may be an adjustment
period where you will feel tired until your body adjusts.
If you still experiance 'hallucinations' contact your Doctor as soon as
possible.
There may be people on this forum qualified to give you medical advice
but I can not imagine any of them doing so without a full workup. 10 mg is a wussy dose of Abilify. If you're only taking half due to
drowsiness, then you need a new medication that doesn't make you
drowsy. A little birdy told me that you should talk to your physician
about maybe switching to Geodon. Don't know WTH you're taking the Ativan for. I would imagine it's for
anxiety, but the same birdy told me that the effects only last for
about four hours, and you should probably be taking it 3 times per day
if that's the case.
