There are many rewards (for me) from taking Saphris for psychosis and depression. But one drawback seems to be anxiety. I find myself taking more Klonopin to try to adjust to it. And there is this constant underlying tension. Like I am mentally and emotionally stretching and find that I am not very limber. Will this resolve on its own over time? I kind of doubt it since I have been on Saphris since mid-November.
What do you do about the med side-effect of anxiety besides just taking more meds? Of course, I also feel physical symptoms of anxiety right now: tension headaches, muscle pain, restlessness, and a need to keep moving. I don't feel comfortable in my own skin. I'm also irritable. And...I'm not used to any of this. I am used to social anxiety but not generalized anxiety.
Hi Donna
You read my mind...i was actually going to ask you to write about this experience of changing meds and especially about the side effects. Is it for sure that this is a side effect of your medication? Seems like it is very biological. Of course I am going to ask...what does your doctor say about this?
Is there a certain time of day when it is the worst? I would first of all...keep a log. That way you have an objective record of things. Is the Klonopin just not doing the trick? It is a tough call to make...you report so many good things about this med but...this doesn't sound fun to have all this anxiety. Does eating food help or hurt? I think I would think the same things you do...either add a medication for the anxiety or change the dosage or...change meds all together. What can you live with?
When my meds give me side effects...I take them before bed...so I sleep through them but this is certainly not an option for a lot of people depending on the medication prescribed.
Please let us know what your doctor says. I wish I had some solution for you.
Zyprexa was causing akathisia, so I was glad to switch to Saphris only to find it was worse. The other side effects are inability to taste salt (it numbs the tip of my tongue) and awakening too early (3am) and...still...more of an appetite than I used to have before "all this" started. But all in all, Saphris is a much better medication for me: now I have energy instead of feeling like a zombie, much of the social anxiety is gone, and I seem to have a better perspective on life. Does a better perspective mean less depression? No, surprisingly...but the depression is different. Instead of deadly numbness, the depression on Saphris is a kind of blank numbness. I find myself lying in bed or sitting in a chair feeling depressed but thinking of nothing in particular. Before, my thoughts would go around in circles almost obsessively. And I seem to be taking things more in stride. I feel more content with things as they are, still I am also more ready to take on a challenge. A time of flux, I guess. Trying to find my way.