ccamel84 Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 Generally, are you not supposed to take two medications from the same class, specifically AAPs? I've been trying forever to get help with my depression and anger so I asked my pdoc if I could try Risperdal (mostly for my anger) and he said no because I'm already on Abilify. I couldn't go higher on Abilify before because of akathisia but since I recently started Tegretol I'm going to see about going up since I'm not getting as much Abilify now. I'm going to work with increasing my Abilify and Tegretol before doing anything else but for future reference, if the Tegretol doesn't work, I was just curious about using two AAPs. I saw in someone's signature that they use both Risperdal and Abilify. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dedoubt Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 As far as I know, it is OK to use two AAPs. There are a lot of people here that will know better than I, but I have known people that use 2 (or more, if memory serves). Stelazine (trifluoperazine) is magical for curbing anger. I heart my Stelazine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rowan77 Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 The only worry is that using more than one antipsychotics, especially at high doses can increase the risk of developing Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. However the benefits outweigh the risks and you should be monitored by your pdoc and report any strange symptoms. I was on Abilify 30mg along with Haldol 5mg for a few months last year and I was fine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malachite Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 I take both abilify and seroquel. They are both at very low doses, however. I think it's not unheard of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfranco92 Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 I take seroquel and navane. My pdoc has had no problem putting me on two APs at once. Usually Ive been on AAPs for cross tapering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cetkat Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 I've taken Saphris and Abilify at the same time without any ill effect. One thing to consider in mixing AAP's is whether or not they cause QT prolongation (which is a heart thing). Taking more than one med that can do that can be dangerous, but it's not unheard of. I've actually done that too, but my heart doesn't have any problems. As it stands, it seems like Abilify is one of the ones where that's not an issue as long as you're at a normal dose (30mg or less). Considering that you're at 10mg, I don't really see it contributing much to that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
konings Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 Two is fine. Im on risperidone and geodon, however since taking trihexyphenidyl only once a day the effectivenes of my risperidone is satisfactory therefore im thinking of cancelling the geodon. My pdoc did warn me though not to put myself on 3 or more antipsychotics I guess that would just be too much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alien Navel Cord Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 I am currently on Abilify and Seroquel, until the Abilify samples I have run out; the Dr. at that point is taking me off the Abilify but they are concurrent at least for another 3 weeks. I have only been taking the Seroquel for about a week though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
netsavy006 Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 In the past I've taken 2 AAPs together. I've noticed though that when combining AAPs, I had an increase in EPS related side effects (such as akathisia, muscle stiffness), so just be sure to watch that when taking 2 AAPs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Vapourware Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 I also think it is okay to take two APs at the same time. Although, I would imagine you would need to be closely monitored, because of the various risks [already mentioned] that taking two APs can entail. That may mean regular heart checks, regular blood tests and being alert to any physical changes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LexFlex Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 There are AAP's that only have minor drug interaction issues. So you could take two with little ill effect. But then there are those with major drug interaction effects. For instance Invega and Geodon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firelight Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 Depends on the drug(s) in question, severity of illness, personal tolerance, and so on. Keep in mind Seroquel at low doses doesn't really act as an antipsychotic; I've taken it at 25mg along with other AAPs before to fall asleep, and also have taken it alone at 800mg and couldn't have handled another AAP along with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccamel84 Posted March 29, 2012 Author Share Posted March 29, 2012 Thanks for all the replies, glad I realized to check back, I assumed I would be notified if there were replies. I guess when I asked the question I should have included is there also any benefit to taking two AAP? But it does seem like from the responses that there must be since some people are on two. I've never heard of Stelazine, it's not on my formulary but I've learned that doesn't mean it isn't covered. And unfortunately I can't trust my pdoc to keep a close eye on me. He never gives me any info about any of my new medications, never asks if I'm having any side effects and I've been on Tegretol for over a month and he hasn't given me any bloods test before or after starting the medication. I am looking for a new pdoc though, it's just easier said then done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cetkat Posted March 29, 2012 Share Posted March 29, 2012 Thanks for all the replies, glad I realized to check back, I assumed I would be notified if there were replies. Click on your name on the top right-hand corner of the site. You can find your notification options under Settings & set them to tell you when there are replies to your posts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dedoubt Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I've never heard of Stelazine, it's not on my formulary but I've learned that doesn't mean it isn't covered. It might not be on the formulary because it is really old, but I'll bet it's covered as it is super cheap. It is a typical AP, so has a higher rate of EPS, but it is the only antipsychotic that has worked for me. Sorry to hear your pdoc is worthless. Good luck finding a new one. In the meantime, can you ask your regular medical doc to do your blood tests? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccamel84 Posted April 4, 2012 Author Share Posted April 4, 2012 Thanks for all the replies, glad I realized to check back, I assumed I would be notified if there were replies. Click on your name on the top right-hand corner of the site. You can find your notification options under Settings & set them to tell you when there are replies to your posts. Thanks, I was thinking I'd have to quit this site if there were no way to be notified. I've never heard of Stelazine, it's not on my formulary but I've learned that doesn't mean it isn't covered. Sorry to hear your pdoc is worthless. Good luck finding a new one. In the meantime, can you ask your regular medical doc to do your blood tests? I'm going to see my pdoc next monday and ask him if he'll run the blood tests. If not then I'll have to go to my regular dr. My pdoc is pretty good about doing what I ask, that's the only reason I've stayed with him cause I could get my way... but as we all know, that's not always good seeing as I'm not getting anywhere with my mental health. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cetkat Posted April 4, 2012 Share Posted April 4, 2012 Thanks for all the replies, glad I realized to check back, I assumed I would be notified if there were replies. Click on your name on the top right-hand corner of the site. You can find your notification options under Settings & set them to tell you when there are replies to your posts. Thanks, I was thinking I'd have to quit this site if there were no way to be notified. No problem. If you need any more help with it, just ask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g8orgirl Posted April 5, 2012 Share Posted April 5, 2012 I take two AAP's, at one time I think I was on 4 of them. I haven't noticed any problems from the two I take (Seroquel and Risperdal) and I'm taking relatively high doses of both. For some reason when I take multiple AAPs I notice a significant reduction in my symptoms. I think it's pretty common, I knew of many people in the hospital who were on two at the same time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazyfroglady Posted April 5, 2012 Share Posted April 5, 2012 I take invega. Saphris. Fanapt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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