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Suggest Treatment For Side Effects Of Vraylar

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Posted on Thu, 16 Feb 2017
Question: I tried Vraylar 3 mg for a couple of months and was miserable with lethargy and depression. I wasn't getting anything done. Then I went back to Geodon 160mg at night, but was having EPS symptoms like a tight jaw and was sleeping 12 hours a night. But the NP wanted to put me on Latuda 60 mg. I tried it for a couple of nights and didn't sleep. And I have been much more irritable during the day. This is the 4th night of taking Latuda 60 mg. Last night I took 10 mg of Zyprexa to make sure I slept. I didn't feel too well today. Is the irritability and insomnia from getting off Geodon? I know I haven't been on Latuda enough to speak of it in any way. Do I take the Latuda at night or in the morning? The instructions say to take it once a day. That doesn't tell me a whole lot. Does Latuda cause insomnia and irritability? Or is it only at first when starting the Latuda? How long will I not sleep and be irritable?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (23 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Private Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thank you very much for your direct question.

I do suspect that your insomnia is related to coming off the Geodon, which is notably more sedating than Latuda. This lack of sleep is likely the cause of the irritability. You can take the Latuda at night or in the morning, depending on how sedated it makes you -- it sounds like it is not sedating for you, so taking it in the morning is probably best. Latuda itself does not cause insomnia nor irritability -- in fact, over time, it treats these problems. I suspect it will take a couple of weeks to fully come off the Geodon, for the insomnia and resultant irritability to resolve, and for Latuda to build up to a therapeutic level in your system and begin treating your symptoms.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (11 hours later)
I slept last night, finally. So do I wait a few days before thinking about taking Latuda in the morning? Also, I have been feeling real depressed since off the Geodon. Do I need an antidepressant along with the Latuda or do you think I will be okay with just the Latuda? The depression has been severe with crying and thoughts of not wanting to live. But no plans. Just severe depression. Also, if you do recommend an antidepressant, which one would work with Latuda the best?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Latuda has antidepressant properties, so I wouldn't recommend adding an antidepressant. I would continue taking Latuda, and in 4-6 weeks reassess to see if it is helping you. I would wait before taking Latuda in the morning because you finally slept last night.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (42 hours later)
How can I deal with the severe depression? I feel too tired to live. How long will it take for the Latuda which I start 80 mg tonight, to ease the depression? Is there anything I can take or do to ease the severe depression until the Latuda kicks in?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Latuda is an excellent medication for depression. This will help you, but it takes time, typically 4-6 weeks. Unfortunately, no medication works for depression any faster than this. But Latuda will help you.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (14 hours later)
There has to be something that can be done about the severe depression. I am miserable and not functioning. Do you have any ideas for the meantime? I am crying and wishing I wasn't living. Please have something I can do or take for the interim. 3 to 4 weeks is a long time to suffer.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
If you are not functioning, or having suicidal thoughts, you may need inpatient psychiatric care. I suggest at this time you call 911 for an emergent evaluation in an emergency room, and consider an inpatient stay where you can be observed for your safety.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Side Effects Of Vraylar

Brief Answer: Private Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thank you very much for your direct question. I do suspect that your insomnia is related to coming off the Geodon, which is notably more sedating than Latuda. This lack of sleep is likely the cause of the irritability. You can take the Latuda at night or in the morning, depending on how sedated it makes you -- it sounds like it is not sedating for you, so taking it in the morning is probably best. Latuda itself does not cause insomnia nor irritability -- in fact, over time, it treats these problems. I suspect it will take a couple of weeks to fully come off the Geodon, for the insomnia and resultant irritability to resolve, and for Latuda to build up to a therapeutic level in your system and begin treating your symptoms. Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied. In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers