Atypical antipsychotics and seizures

[TeaforJackie]

I began taking atypical antipsychotics just over a year ago, and stopped just over a month ago. I have been on Risperdal, Abilify, Seroquel, Zyprexa, and Geodon, in that order. Risperdal caused me to have a grand mal seizure. I was only on it for a month or so, and I was taking a fairly low dose (I don't remember precisely how much). Neither Abilify and Seroquel lasted long because of unpleasant side effects (nausea and twitching/akathesia). I took Zyprexa for several months before having to stop because it made my skin crawl. I went a few months without any medication, before receiving a prescription for Geodon. GEODON IS A TERRIBLE DRUG. I took 20 mg a day for four days, and during those four days (and for several days after) I experienced lightheadedness/feeling faint, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, akathesia, irregular/rapid heart beat, racing thoughts, EXTREME anxiety, insomnia, and flu like symtoms. All of these were so debilitating, it was difficult for me to even get up and walk around. Naturally, I stopped taking the medication. It has been about a month now since I took it, but I still experience some of these side effects. Also, I have found myself hallucinating from time to time (seeing, hearing, smelling, or feeling things that were not there). At this point, I am no longer experiencing very vivid hallucinations (I think), but I see spots in my vision at least a few times a day. Also, I was never photosensitive in the past, but in the month since Geodon, I have found myself beginning to twitch uncontrollably when exposed to bright flashing light (occurred on two occasions) Certain types of lights bother me, flourescents in particular.  I get headaches almost daily that last for hours on end. When I look at certain patterns I begin to see lines or spots or movement that is not there. These side effects did not appear until this year. They did not appear until I started antipsychotics--and then, of course, stopped them after realizing how incredibly dangerous they are.

I have been trying (and failing) to find information about the long term side effects of Geodon. That is, I'm not sure if I have a permanent seizure or movement disorder or migraines because I took antipsychotic drugs. I'm beginning to become anxious because I have been off psych meds for over a month, and I am still experiencing these quite bothersome mental disturbances.

Does ANYONE know anything about Geodon, it's possible long term side effects, connection with seizure disorder, or the connection between antipsychotics and seizure disorders?

[myke7202]

I had the exact same symptoms to geodon. Have you found anything else out.

[ILADVOCATE]

(Currently available) antipsychotics can cause permenant movement disorder such as tardive dyskinesia. However, they must wait a period of time for withdrawl dyskineis to pass. From my knowledge atypical antipsychotics can increase the seizure threshold but this effect is generally not permanent. It would be best to see a neurologist who is a movement disorders specialist and have them do full follow up including an EEG (the specific kind to try to set off seizures) and an MRI. Then they can make a diagnosis and see whether what is going on is temporary (more likely) or permanent. If you are diagnosed with tardive dyskinesia you can post more as they have identified very helpful treatments in me. I am under (standard official) clinical study for the criteria "tardive psychosis". That is not an established criteria and still unknown but Zofran was quite helpful on it and it is being researched on tardive dyskinesia and helpful on it as well and some of what I experience is seizure like (for anyone reading this the study on me is of course tentative but is at a well known movement disorders clinic that works within standard treatment methadology). Have known conditions ruled out first though. Good luck.