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antman1234
Member since 5-24-06
184 posts |
03-26-10, 12:14 PM (EST) |
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"Medication Management"
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It has been awhile since I have posted on JBRF. My son is now 12 years old and was diagnosed with Bipolar when he was 6 1/2 and prior to that he was diagnosed with ADHD. Medication management has been a big issue for many years. He has been hospitalized numerous times and has seen several psychiatrists who cannot seem to agree what medication works and does not work. Last summer there was a break through. After being on one kind of neuroleptic/atypical anti-psychotic, for over 5 years, Antonio really began to show symptoms of some kind of movement disorder. His PDOC decided to wean him off of Zyprexa. I was aware of the withdrawl effects he could experience, but there was something that really stood out, his level of aggression decreased significantly, however, he had major involuntary movements, almost looked like he had parkinsons. I began to research more in depth the side effects of neuroleptics and found that while they are often prescribed to curtail aggression, they can actually make it worse and this increased aggression can result from a condition called akathesia. Though most PDOC's will say it is a very rare side effect, never the less it exists. I would describe akathesia as a mental straight jacket because it presents its self first with internal sensations (restlessness and fear) and then manifests itself outwardly, (have the need to move constantly, irritability, aggression, involuntary movements, etc.) After being off Zyprexa for a month, my son became depressed and manifested psychotic symptoms, besides constant involuntary movements. He was then hospitalized and put back on Risperdal. Though the movements decreased, he began to develop facial tics again, however the aggression returned. It was not until two months ago, that I was finally able to sit down with a psychaitrist and havea meeting of the minds, as I like to call it. During the holidays my son had been hospitalized and a new diagnosis was added on Tourettes. Since I had moved during this time to a new county, we began services with a new Commmunity Health agency and a new PDOC. The new PDOC was very receptive with what I had to say. It is their policy to meet with the parent/s before the PDOC meets with the child. We decided to go back to a medication that was used years before as a mood stabilizer, Trileptal. The Risperdal was removed and the Clonidine stayed. The PDOC felt that his movements were withdrawl effects but would cease over time, six months or longer, but he did not see any sign of tardive dyskinesia. So far, this combination of medication has been helpful, especially since he has been out of detention. Antonio still has mood swings but not to the extent that he had before. His aggression once again has decreased and though he remains irritable, he is able to with help, redirect his aggression impulses elsewhere. I know that there will still be rough times ahead, especially as he approaches puberty, but I am confident, that for now, as long as he is not put back on any kind of neuroleptic, he has a fighting chance. So much attention in the past has been put on his behavior, even by mental health professionals. I was quite impressed when his new therapist, asked if she could borrow my copy of the Bipolar Child to read. My son goes to therapeutic respite care each week. He is currently out of school. He was expelled from his last school in January. The county we live in is responsible for his special education needs. It was decided that he should have homebound services, however, I was informed earlier this week, that the special education administrator is having a hard time finding a person who will be willing to teach my son. He has been out of a school type setting, since March 1st, when he got out of detention. The first question the administrator asked was, "Is he still at home", giving me the impression that she thought he would violate his probation and would end up back in detention. Our new therapist gave me the phone number of a mental health advocate who can assist with his educational needs. At this point, I feel like we are finally on the right path and getting the appropriate help my son needs. Never give up hope, our kids need us as their rock. Ant's Mom |
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Daunna
Member since 11-20-02
363 posts |
03-28-10, 03:24 PM (EST) |
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1. "RE: Medication Management"
In response to message #0
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For all the recent troubles and bad news you've faced, the amazing thing is that you've weather the storms and your son is doing so much better. Why? Because you are such a fierce fighter! It's hard to get a new and unwanted diagnosis, but it's so encouraging to hear that you've found a therapist who seems so promising. It's good to hear Ant is feeling a little better now too. I'm not happy with the school's slow response to finding a teacher, but an advocate offers some hope. For every piece of bad news, there's an accompanying piece of good news.Your story over the last few years has been very painful, but you are an inspiration to all of us who are at wit's end, facing unimaginable challenges, and wondering if we can manage any longer. Keep the faith! Daunna Minnich
Moderator, JBRF Education Forum |
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