Geodon and body sores

[clyt77]

Geodon appears to give me sores on my asshole and on my scalp. They're gross.  When I discontinue, they go away.  Unfortunately, Geodon is one of the only drugs that I can otherwise tolerate. Has anyone else experienced this side effect? I can't recall the clinical term, but this side effect is listed on the PI sheet; however, I'm not sure how frequently it occurs.  Thanks for your insight! 

[Parapluie]

That sounds horrible. 

 

I would say, talk to your doctor immediately and get the hell off of Geodon. I know it's a good med for you otherwise, but clearly it is not agreeing with your body. Those sores could easily get infected, especially around your anus. 

 

What other meds have you tried? Geodon is an atypical antipsychotic, have you tried any of the typical antipsychotics? Like, perphenazine, Stelazine, pimozide, Thorazine, Haldol, Prolixin, Navane, loxapine etc. Those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head. 

 

I'm so sorry you're been suffering with these sores. Again, it sounds horrible. 

Edited May 27, 2013 by Parapluie

[clyt77]

Thanks for your reply.  I was on Geodon from June 2011 through August 2012 for bipolar I disorder and experienced the same problem, which resolved once I discontinued.  Unfortunately I relapsed in March 2013, went back on Geodon, and now the problem has returned.  

 

Also, I developed a heart murmur and [mild] anemia from Geodon; both of which resolved once I discontinued last fall.  

 

In addition to Geodon, I've tried three other atypical antipsychotics: Abilify, which temporarily blinded me; Risperidone, which controlled mania but increased depression; and Saphris, which flattened my mood.  As for mood stabilizers, both Depakote and Lamictal shrunk my flaccid and erect penis; thankfully that side effect vanished once I discontinued.  Oh, and all of the aforementioned drugs hampered my sex drive.  

 

I am not on disability and therefore have to be extra careful about what drugs I take, since most of the heavy duty psychotropics dull the mind.  Because I still have to work and attend school, I can't handle a super sedating, mind-numbing cocktail.  Regardless of what drugs I take to control bipolar disorder, I still rely on stimulants to counter the sedative side effects in addition to combatting ADHD.  

 

Also, I am paranoid about potential metabolic side effects from both typical and atypical antipsychotics.  It's one thing for a drug to increase your appetite and another for it to actually slow the metabolism; the latter being of most concern to me.

 

Finally, my insurance is through my state's Medicaid program, so I'm limited to off-patent (generic) drugs.  I was hoping to try Latuda but I don't think that's in the cards.  That said, I will ask my doctor about the typical antipsychotics you mentioned. 

Edited May 27, 2013 by clyt77

[Parapluie]

Best of luck to you! I'm so sorry you have the headache of your state's medicaid program to deal with too. 

 

Honestly, I am paranoid about the metabolic side effects of antipsychotics too. But we're kinda stuck. Damned if we do, damned if we don't, I guess. 

 

Thankfully, there are a few other mood stabilizers you can try. Some I can think of are lithium, carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine.

 

You will find the right drugs! It may take time, patience and perseverance, but it'll happen for you.  

[notfred]

Instead of being paranoid how about some regular testing to make sure there are not any metabolic problems ? I do mine every 3 months.

[clyt77]

Even when I had "good" insurance through an employer, versus that of a private HMO, it was like extracting teeth to obtain any sort of services, including blood testing.  Metabolic testing every quarter is a pipe dream.   

[AnneMarie]

I am tested every six months. All of my doctors and insurance consider it SOP.

[notfred]

I am tested every six months. All of my doctors and insurance consider it SOP.

 

 

I've been on many plans and have no problem getting coverage every 3 months. It is pretty standard. Fasting Glucose and A1C

[notfred]

I am tested every six months. All of my doctors and insurance consider it SOP.

 

Right. Twice a year is the standard of care for normal, healthy people.