Schizophrenia - General Discussion

Harold Anderson3 said:Just thought I’d bump this thread back up to the top.
I’ve been stuck in this sort of heavy lethargy lately—feeling pretty depressed, too—and honestly, it feels like even my 50 mg dose of Seroquel at night is just way too much for me right now. I think I’m going to drop down to 25 mg for a few days just to see if I can find a little spark of life again. I'm not dealing with any psychotic symptoms, but then again, there isn't much "life" left to speak of either. I’m sleeping about 12 hours a day, and even during those other 12 hours, I just feel completely exhausted. It's like being a dead man walking. I really don't think being a zombie is the point of treating schizophrenia with antipsychotics.

Is there any way for those of us living with schizophrenia to access experimental alternative therapies based on dietary supplements through some kind of advocacy group or non-profit?

I am specifically thinking about B-complex vitamins, Vitamin C, EPA/DHA fatty acids, and zinc (to facilitate successful methylation, which allows for the effective integration of B-complex vitamins into other substances).

For instance, imagine using a B-complex where each capsule contains 200mg of the primary vitamins. If one were to take eight such capsules, they would receive 1600mg each of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6, combined with 1500mg of riboflavin and 3000mg of sodium ascorbate powder (a non-acidic form of Vitamin C chemically bonded with sodium).

Now... one can't help but shudder when looking at the cost of such a regimen, but then again, certain antipsychotics can run you three thousand dollars. Wouldn't it be more logical to attempt the aforementioned nutritional therapy first, and then, working closely with psychiatrists, gradually taper off the antipsychotic dosage?

Perhaps even psychiatrists might be open to this if they could see that patients are consistently receiving the necessary levels of these nutrients and adhering to the regimen regularly.

Such high doses of B vitamins naturally boost energy levels; imagine how much more vitality we would have—and how much less we would need to sleep—if we could reduce our antipsychotic doses by even a third or a quarter.

Nicole Barrett76 said:Is there any way for those of us living with schizophrenia to access experimental alternative therapies based on dietary supplements through some kind of advocacy group or non-profit?

I am specifically thinking about B-complex vitamins, Vitamin C, EPA/DHA fatty acids, and zinc (to facilitate successful methylation, which allows for the effective integration of B-complex vitamins into other substances).

For instance, imagine using a B-complex where each capsule contains 200mg of the primary vitamins. If one were to take eight such capsules, they would receive 1600mg each of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6, combined with 1500mg of riboflavin and 3000mg of sodium ascorbate powder (a non-acidic form of Vitamin C chemically bonded with sodium).

Now... one can't help but shudder when looking at the cost of such a regimen, but then again, certain antipsychotics can run you three thousand dollars. Wouldn't it be more logical to attempt the aforementioned nutritional therapy first, and then, working closely with psychiatrists, gradually taper off the antipsychotic dosage?

Perhaps even psychiatrists might be open to this if they could see that patients are consistently receiving the necessary levels of these nutrients and adhering to the regimen regularly.

Such high doses of B vitamins naturally boost energy levels; imagine how much more vitality we would have—and how much less we would need to sleep—if we could reduce our antipsychotic doses by even a third or a quarter.

No psychiatrist in their right mind would agree to this, nor would they ever swap out an antipsychotic for vitamins, minerals, and Omega.

Sent from my PRA-LX1 using Reddit

mellowskipper said:No psychiatrist in their right mind would agree to this, nor would they ever swap out an antipsychotic for vitamins, minerals, and Omega.

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But isn't the point actually to supplement the treatment rather than replace it entirely? The goal here is to see if incorporating these specific nutrients might allow for a slight reduction in the necessary dosage of antipsychotics.

It just occurred to me that such a regimen calls for a staggering 25 grams of pure EPA/DHA, which would undoubtedly be prohibitively expensive for most people. Still, shouldn't one at least attempt the other nutritional adjustments I mentioned?

I read the data regarding this quite some time ago in the book life in the Omega RX zone, so I don't have a direct link to provide. However, would any of you happen to have access to Scribd and perhaps be able to download it for me?

Vitamins—especially when you're taking higher doses of B-complex—really can't hurt; if anything, they support healthy nerve function in the brain for everyone, whether you're feeling well or struggling. Personally, I take a multivitamin that’s pretty heavy on the B vitamins, though I don't take it strictly every single day, even though I know I could without any issues.
That said, it’s really just meant to supplement the "main" antipsychotic treatment plan.
Even though those heavier medications come with their fair share of side effects and can be tough on organs like the liver (not unlike how alcohol affects us), the benefits they provide are easily worth it.
As I mentioned before, I actually dropped my dose from 50mg down to 25mg over the last three days, and honestly, I've been feeling much more energetic and alert. Now, I'm planning to go back to my full 50mg dose in the evening.
On top of all that, something wonderful happened recently—I actually managed to land a job! 🙂

Harold Anderson3 said:Vitamins—especially when you're taking higher doses of B-complex—really can't hurt; if anything, they support healthy nerve function in the brain for everyone, whether you're feeling well or struggling. Personally, I take a multivitamin that’s pretty heavy on the B vitamins, though I don't take it strictly every single day, even though I know I could without any issues.
That said, it’s really just meant to supplement the "main" antipsychotic treatment plan.
Even though those heavier medications come with their fair share of side effects and can be tough on organs like the liver (not unlike how alcohol affects us), the benefits they provide are easily worth it.
As I mentioned before, I actually dropped my dose from 50mg down to 25mg over the last three days, and honestly, I've been feeling much more energetic and alert. Now, I'm planning to go back to my full 50mg dose in the evening.
On top of all that, something wonderful happened recently—I actually managed to land a job! 🙂

congratulate Diego! 🙂
So, you're done at the lumber mill?

cosmicdriver42 said:congratulate Diego! 🙂
So, you're done at the lumber mill?

thanks 🙂 I actually left the mill about two months ago since the company unfortunately ended up filing for bankruptcy. I've been spending my time at the unemployment office for the last couple of months, but I'm finally starting a production role in the metallurgy industry. Tomorrow is my first day, so we'll see how things go. I was lucky enough to land the opportunity, and since I already have the drive and some solid experience under my belt for this kind of work, I'm hoping for a smooth transition.

Well @Diego, I have to say, I also want to congratulate you on the new job 👍.

Harold Anderson3 said:thanks 🙂 I actually left the mill about two months ago since the company unfortunately ended up filing for bankruptcy. I've been spending my time at the unemployment office for the last couple of months, but I'm finally starting a production role in the metallurgy industry. Tomorrow is my first day, so we'll see how things go. I was lucky enough to land the opportunity, and since I already have the drive and some solid experience under my belt for this kind of work, I'm hoping for a smooth transition.

I want to congratulate Diego—really, I do. It’s good to see.
Wait, didn't you finish that grueling math exam—or was it some intense physics thing? Something like that keeps ringing in my head... I think.

Thanks, everyone 🙂 😉

I haven't actually finished my degree yet; I still have one year left to wrap up at the polytechnic university.

In celebration of Harold Anderson3's new job, I am sharing this upbeat song—actually a traditional folk dance—even though it happens to be in Georgian. Isn't the choreography just breathtaking, with such a rapid tempo that makes it quite a challenge for even the most seasoned singers?

Rachuli (The Dance from Rača)

Francika, if you are planning to work in the States, you should know that you have every right to withhold information regarding your medical history, provided that your condition doesn't interfere with the specific duties of your role. For instance, if you were operating heavy machinery or driving vehicles (though I sincerely hope that isn't the case), disclosure might be different. As I understand it, you are heading to Austria, which is certainly a well-organized country.

If you find that you cannot secure the assistance you need through this forum, perhaps you could reach out to those you encountered during your time at the psychiatric clinic. Is it possible that one of them is currently taking Ziprasidone and might be able to help you source an extra box of medication?

Harold Anderson3 said:thanks 🙂 I actually left the mill about two months ago since the company unfortunately ended up filing for bankruptcy. I've been spending my time at the unemployment office for the last couple of months, but I'm finally starting a production role in the metallurgy industry. Tomorrow is my first day, so we'll see how things go. I was lucky enough to land the opportunity, and since I already have the drive and some solid experience under my belt for this kind of work, I'm hoping for a smooth transition.

Did they make the job conditional on having a COVID vaccination?

mistyjackal842 said:Did they make the job conditional on having a COVID vaccination?

They didn't.

Honestly, getting an extra shot or two isn't really my biggest concern, but this particular role doesn't fall into one of those high-priority groups when it comes to the COVID vaccination requirements.

Harold Anderson3 said:They didn't.

Honestly, getting an extra shot or two isn't really my biggest concern, but this particular role doesn't fall into one of those high-priority groups when it comes to the COVID vaccination requirements.

Diego, I don't get it. You speak with such clarity—your words flow so smoothly into perfectly logical sentences—so I have to wonder: how does your "schizophrenia" actually manifest? Are we talking about hallucinations, or what was the actual issue?
What I mean is, I would never have guessed you were unwell.
I've even seen you on YouTube, and you come across exactly the same way you write...
Sorry if that's too personal...

cosmicdriver42 said:Diego, I don't get it. You speak with such clarity—your words flow so smoothly into perfectly logical sentences—so I have to wonder: how does your "schizophrenia" actually manifest? Are we talking about hallucinations, or what was the actual issue?
What I mean is, I would never have guessed you were unwell.
I've even seen you on YouTube, and you come across exactly the same way you write...
Sorry if that's too personal...

I’m doing alright now; I’m holding down a job, though I didn't finish college, and I'm not married, nor do I have any plans to be.
Back in 2009, during the period when Bill Clinton was stepping down, I went through a really harrowing psychotic episode where I felt convinced that I was somehow personally involved in all the political fallout. It took me an entire year of intense, heavy-duty therapy just to recover from that. Since then, I haven't even entertained the thought of stopping my medication, let alone actually trying to do it.
Last year was also pretty chaotic for me because of the pandemic and those major earthquakes we had, which led me to spiral into some irrational thoughts that weren't exactly grounded in reality.
But looking back over these twelve years of treatment, I've actually dealt much more with depression and frequent mood swings than with actual psychotic symptoms like hallucinations or delusions. Those things did happen, sure, but they were far less frequent than the bouts of depression.

Thanks for the reply, things are starting to make a bit more sense now... 👍

Hey there, my fellow Unknowns, I’ve got a question for you all, but please, take a second to really sit with it and give me an honest answer: Do any of the antipsychotics you're taking have any kind of impact on how you experience your religious or spiritual thoughts?

bluejackal2 said:Hey there, my fellow Unknowns, I’ve got a question for you all, but please, take a second to really sit with it and give me an honest answer: Do any of the antipsychotics you're taking have any kind of impact on how you experience your religious or spiritual thoughts?

Doesn't affect me, since I'm an atheist...

bluejackal2 said:Hey there, my fellow Unknowns, I’ve got a question for you all, but please, take a second to really sit with it and give me an honest answer: Do any of the antipsychotics you're taking have any kind of impact on how you experience your religious or spiritual thoughts?

To be honest, they actually do. Personally, I’m an atheist, but whenever my condition takes a turn for the worse and I start trying to escape reality, I feel this connection to a higher power and find myself believing in God. I even had one moment where I was genuinely convinced I was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. On top of that, I've had a few milder psychotic episodes that were centered around religious themes as well.

On a broader note, if someone finds strength in believing in God and it truly helps them navigate life, then they should absolutely hold onto that. We just need to respect everyone's individual spiritual path. It’s been observed that sincere believers who are mentally healthy often have slightly elevated dopamine levels in the brain, which is the neurotransmitter responsible for that sense of happiness and fulfillment. So, it seems those believers end up feeling more content. Since antipsychotics work by lowering dopamine levels, there’s clearly a significant link between the medication, psychotic symptoms, and religious experiences.

Hi everyone. I'm 32 years old and just wanted to share my experience here.
My psychosis symptoms started back in 2014. It was terrifying. We caught it early, but the doctors never actually sat me down to explain what I was dealing with personally. They just kept calling me in to take more meds. I've cycled through so many different prescriptions—Abilify, Seroquel... now I'm on Aripiprazole and Haldol.
Because of all this, I went from 112 lbs to 170 lbs. You can imagine how much that changes a person. I feel helpless—unfulfilled, honestly. I don't have a life, a career, or most of the things a young person should have. I mean, I try to live a normal life, but I feel like a bit of a failure.
It’s the same with my nighttime pills—I wake up feeling completely stiff. My circulation is terrible. It's like I can't feel my muscles or even my organs. Then there's the "mask" my face takes on because of the medication.

My psychiatrist tells me I'm doing fine. That I don't need to change anything. I don't see it that way. I don't feel happy enough. I think the psychosis and hallucinations are gone, but now I'm just left with the weight gain. Imagine being handed Haldol—it's such an old-school drug. I don't know what to do. It's been nine years since I first started putting antipsychotics into my body. I don't even know if I'll ever be ready to have children, or if I even can...

On top of everything, I have this persistent cough. Even before COVID, even before I ever picked up a cigarette. I've done countless allergy tests, and every swab comes back negative for illness.

Help!

Your use of gendered pronouns keeps shifting back and forth. However, I find myself truly perplexed by this specific section you quoted below:

driftingpuma28 said:Hi everyone. I'm 32 years old and just wanted to share my experience here.
My psychosis symptoms started back in 2014. It was terrifying. We caught it early, but the doctors never actually sat me down to explain what I was dealing with personally. They just kept calling me in to take more meds. I've cycled through so many different prescriptions—Abilify, Seroquel... now I'm on Aripiprazole and Haldol.
Because of all this, I went from 112 lbs to 170 lbs. You can imagine how much that changes a person. I feel helpless—unfulfilled, honestly. I don't have a life, a career, or most of the things a young person should have. I mean, I try to live a normal life, but I feel like a bit of a failure.
It’s the same with my nighttime pills—I wake up feeling completely stiff. My circulation is terrible. It's like I can't feel my muscles or even my organs. Then there's the "mask" my face takes on because of the medication.

My psychiatrist tells me I'm doing fine. That I don't need to change anything. I don't see it that way. I don't feel happy enough. I think the psychosis and hallucinations are gone, but now I'm just left with the weight gain. Imagine being handed Haldol—it's such an old-school drug. I don't know what to do. It's been nine years since I first started putting antipsychotics into my body. I don't even know if I'll ever be ready to have children, or if I even can...

On top of everything, I have this persistent cough. Even before COVID, even before I ever picked up a cigarette. I've done countless allergy tests, and every swab comes back negative for illness.

Help!

What exactly are you trying to convey with that particular sentence?

How can a psychiatrist possibly claim you are doing fine when you are still experiencing those nighttime symptoms you described in your post?

And I have a broader question for those living with schizophrenia... don't you think it is high time we phased out Haldol, given how outdated it has become? If I recall correctly, it was developed way back in the sixties. It worked for about two-thirds of patients, which allowed them to finally leave psychiatric hospitals behind.

Since then, there has been a continuous effort to develop newer antipsychotics so that as many patients as possible can lead normal lives without being stuck in permanent institutional care.