Clozapine *medication question*
 

I've been trying Clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia while in hospital. I haven't reached a therapeutic dose yet. I've been having blood tests and the last one said that I have a dangerously low white blood cell count. My psych said that if the count goes any lower next week, she will have to discontinue the Clozapine because I could die from a common cold (not enough white blood cells for protection).

I've also lost 3kg in weight in 3 weeks.

I need to start looking at alternative treatments. None of the atypical (newer) antipsychotics worked for me. I am considering Haloperidol if I have to discontinue the Clozapine. I take PRN Haloperidol for the Voices and it works pretty well.

Newer Anti-psychotics
 

Have you tried or considered:

Olanzepine ?

Respiridol ?

Abilify ?

Olanzapine - YES
Risperidone - YES
Abilify - YES

I relapsed while on these.

Quetiapine ( seroquel ) ?

I'v never taken haloperidol on it's own, but if it does the Job - cool

Some of the stronger older tranquilisers are:

Promazine
Clopixol
Depixol
Modecate

Thanks Ferret. I haven't tried quetiapine but I refuse to try it because I've heard too many negative comments about it.

I will ask about Haloperidol, or the other older ones you mentioned.

You've probably tried Sulperide ?

I saw my psych today.

She said she would wait until tomorrow's blood test results.

If my white blood cell count gets too low or my heart rate is too fast she said she will consider Trifluoperazine, which is one of the older antipsychotics.

FIVE ANTIPSYCHOTICS I've tried.

Sigh.

It can take time to find the right medication. Hang in there, they will find one, hopefully very soon!

I know, I know...I'm just sick of being tested upon like a guinea pig.

Does anyone here take the old (typical) antipsychotics?