Schizophrenia - General Discussion

I was actually just discussing this exact point with my doctor. They mentioned how everyone’s biology is different—some people respond much better to lower doses, while others really need a moderate dose to feel any relief. Looking back at my own experience, when I went through my worst psychotic episode back in 2009, even the maximum dose of Risperdal wasn't enough to stabilize me, so they ended up adding 100 mg of Lexapro to the mix. As I started feeling more like myself, we gradually tapered both the Risperdal and the Lexapro down, though about three years ago, the Lexapro was eventually swapped out for Zyprexa. So, that's pretty much the whole saga 🙂 It is definitely possible to take two antipsychotics, but usually, the individual doses are kept lower so that when you add them together, it effectively equals one stronger dose.

Larry Lewis said:The last few days have been okay, but for about a month straight, even 300mg of standard Seroquel
wasn't enough to knock me out—and honestly, 300mg, damn it, 🙂

A 300mg dose of Seroquel is basically the same as taking 1mg of Risperdal.

Nicole Barrett76 said:But those Omegas can actually suppress the immune system. Just Google "Saami immunity immune."

Furthermore, one requires a massive amount of EPA/DHA to see any actual effect—ranging from 5 grams of those acids up to 25 grams if you are dealing with severe schizophrenia or depression.

I apologize if I am bringing unwelcome or discouraging news to a thread where you should be feeling encouraged.

And besides, it is as expensive as Saint Peter Kajgana! Can anyone even afford to set aside at least $333/month just for Omega?

I have tried everything under the sun. When I look at the ratio of what I invested versus what I gained, I found that antioxidants and vitamin-mineral supplements—specifically high doses of B vitamins (2 x 100 mg of B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, along with 2 x 100mcg of B7, B9, B12)—were what helped me most.

As for Omega-3, my answer is simply NO. For a long time, I was never in a financial position to consistently provide myself with at least 2.5 grams of EPA/DHA.

I believe Omega-3 might help you all a bit more than it helped me. I wasn't taking it for depression or schizophrenia because, thank God, I don't suffer from those. I took it to stop my vision from declining. But again, I must say... do not expect miracles unless you are capable of consuming large quantities every single day over a long period of time.

That’s not really how it works. It’s more that certain indigenous groups have lower immunity because they rely on Omega without getting the other foods that actually boost the immune system. But nature kind of balanced things out—they live in places where bacteria just can't thrive, so the result speaks for itself: they survive. Having spent about a year living up in the high Arctic regions of Russia, where it averages around -20 degrees, I know firsthand what life looks like when you aren't constantly fighting off colds or minor bugs.

+ you need massive amounts of EPA/DHA to see any real impact. We're talking anywhere from 5 grams to 25 grams of those fatty acids if you're dealing with severe schizophrenia or depression.

Sorry if I'm dropping some unwelcome reality on a thread that's supposed to be encouraging.

And man, it's expensive as hell, like buying gold from Saint Peter Kajgana. Can anyone even afford to set aside $333/month just for Omega?

I've tried pretty much everything under the sun. Looking at the ROI (what I put in versus what I get back), the biggest help for me was definitely antioxidants, vitamin-mineral complexes, and higher doses of B vitamins. (Specifically 2 x 100 mg of B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 — and 2 x 100mcg of B7, B9, B12).

As for Omega-3, my honest answer is "forget it." For a long time, I just couldn't swing the budget to consistently get at least 2.5 grams of EPA/DHA.

I suspect Omega-3 might help you guys a bit more than it helped me. I wasn't taking it to fight off depression or schizophrenia since, thank God, I don't deal with those. I was using it to try and stop my vision from declining. But again... don't go expecting miracles unless you can afford to take large doses every single day over the long haul.

I remember reading a study from 2014 involving people at risk for psychotic episodes. The research suggested that those using Omega-3 had a higher chance of avoiding an episode entirely, which leads to the conclusion that Omega-3 can assist in managing psychosis or schizophrenia. So, it helps, but that doesn't mean it's going to cure it. Honestly, it's probably better to spend $50 a month on neuro-focused Omega-3 rather than blowing it on nights out, coffee, booze, or cigarettes. In fact, lately, we've seen schizophrenia linked quite closely to smoking and alcohol. People seem surprised when they or those around them develop schizophrenia or similar symptoms, yet almost everyone is using alcohol or nicotine, both of which are proven to mess with brain function.

Laura Castillo6 said:That’s not really how it works. It’s more that certain indigenous groups have lower immunity because they rely on Omega without getting the other foods that actually boost the immune system. But nature kind of balanced things out—they live in places where bacteria just can't thrive, so the result speaks for itself: they survive. Having spent about a year living up in the high Arctic regions of Russia, where it averages around -20 degrees, I know firsthand what life looks like when you aren't constantly fighting off colds or minor bugs.

+ you need massive amounts of EPA/DHA to see any real impact. We're talking anywhere from 5 grams to 25 grams of those fatty acids if you're dealing with severe schizophrenia or depression.

Sorry if I'm dropping some unwelcome reality on a thread that's supposed to be encouraging.

And man, it's expensive as hell, like buying gold from Saint Peter Kajgana. Can anyone even afford to set aside $333/month just for Omega?

I've tried pretty much everything under the sun. Looking at the ROI (what I put in versus what I get back), the biggest help for me was definitely antioxidants, vitamin-mineral complexes, and higher doses of B vitamins. (Specifically 2 x 100 mg of B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 — and 2 x 100mcg of B7, B9, B12).

As for Omega-3, my honest answer is "forget it." For a long time, I just couldn't swing the budget to consistently get at least 2.5 grams of EPA/DHA.

I suspect Omega-3 might help you guys a bit more than it helped me. I wasn't taking it to fight off depression or schizophrenia since, thank God, I don't deal with those. I was using it to try and stop my vision from declining. But again... don't go expecting miracles unless you can afford to take large doses every single day over the long haul.

I remember reading a study from 2014 involving people at risk for psychotic episodes. The research suggested that those using Omega-3 had a higher chance of avoiding an episode entirely, which leads to the conclusion that Omega-3 can assist in managing psychosis or schizophrenia. So, it helps, but that doesn't mean it's going to cure it. Honestly, it's probably better to spend $50 a month on neuro-focused Omega-3 rather than blowing it on nights out, coffee, booze, or cigarettes. In fact, lately, we've seen schizophrenia linked quite closely to smoking and alcohol. People seem surprised when they or those around them develop schizophrenia or similar symptoms, yet almost everyone is using alcohol or nicotine, both of which are proven to mess with brain function.

I appreciate you taking the time to address my comment. On a different note... have you shared any of your experiences from up there anywhere online?

Nicole Barrett76 said:I appreciate you taking the time to address my comment. On a different note... have you shared any of your experiences from up there anywhere online?

Nah. Honestly, I’d take living in a psychosis over being stuck in a deep recession in Russia any day of the week.🕺

Robin Lopez2 said:Dr. Harold Anderson3, I don't quite get why you're on two different antipsychotics. Wouldn't it make more sense to talk to your psychiatrist about scaling back to the lowest effective dose—just one medication at an optimal level?

Honestly, taking multiple antipsychotics is pretty standard practice—especially with those doctors over at the state mental hospitals in rural areas.

I'm also on the Azolar and Lexapro regimen for my antipsychotic meds.

David Vaughn75 said:Honestly, taking multiple antipsychotics is pretty standard practice—especially with those doctors over at the state mental hospitals in rural areas.

Kada I was last hospitalized eight years ago, after being discharged, I stopped going back to the state facility and started seeing a private psychiatrist instead. When I showed him my discharge papers, he looked at me like I was crazy and asked who on earth had put me on that specific cocktail of meds. Now, I'm just on 1mg of Risperdal and I feel great. That's why I'm asking—what's the point of doubling up on antipsychotics? It's not like we're treating a bacterial infection where you need two different antibiotics to kill off the H. pylori.

Laura Castillo6 said:A 300mg dose of Seroquel is basically the same as taking 1mg of Risperdal.

Sure—but personally, 300mg of Seroquel hits me so hard that I can actually feel
it rattling around in my brain—which isn't exactly a pleasant sensation—but
once that initial "peak" passes, it’s fine. Usually, I just take 200mg for sleep
Kada I'm having no trouble drifting off.

I was also on Risperdal recently, and when I take, say,
1 mg, it barely sedates me at all—that's about it.

Those are just my experiences with those two specific drugs.

It isn't strange at all when a "patient" is prescribed two antipsychotics at once.

Robin Lopez2, regarding what you wrote about your social
doctor—it sounds like he was just messing with his doctor, nothing more, but hey, he guessed
your regimen correctly.

My own cocktail: Klonopin: 1,1,2 of 0.5 mg
Effexor: 1,0,0, of 75mg and 37.5 mg as needed
Seroquel: 0,0,1 of 200mg
Seroquel XR: 0,0,1 of 300 mg

Again, this is MY regimen—it's not necessarily ideal—but I'm doing okay with it.

Seroquel is ranked 6th on the list of most harmful medications in existence.

Here is some advice we all probably know, but I'll say it anyway: stay active, push yourself physically until
you sweat and strengthen your system, because these drugs drastically reduce a person's lifespan
and they do it fast.
Surround yourselves with people you truly trust, or at least
people who offer some semblance of understanding.

And aim for less lucid dreaming—basically, try to stay more "awake" internally.

Personally, I enjoy a little indulgence with marijuana now and then, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Eat as healthy as your bank account allows, and stick
to plain water when you're thirsty.

There—just my two cents. 🙂

Larry Lewis said:Sure—but personally, 300mg of Seroquel hits me so hard that I can actually feel
it rattling around in my brain—which isn't exactly a pleasant sensation—but
once that initial "peak" passes, it’s fine. Usually, I just take 200mg for sleep
Kada I'm having no trouble drifting off.

I was also on Risperdal recently, and when I take, say,
1 mg, it barely sedates me at all—that's about it.

Those are just my experiences with those two specific drugs.

It isn't strange at all when a "patient" is prescribed two antipsychotics at once.

Robin Lopez2, regarding what you wrote about your social
doctor—it sounds like he was just messing with his doctor, nothing more, but hey, he guessed
your regimen correctly.

My own cocktail: Klonopin: 1,1,2 of 0.5 mg
Effexor: 1,0,0, of 75mg and 37.5 mg as needed
Seroquel: 0,0,1 of 200mg
Seroquel XR: 0,0,1 of 300 mg

Again, this is MY regimen—it's not necessarily ideal—but I'm doing okay with it.

Seroquel is ranked 6th on the list of most harmful medications in existence.

Here is some advice we all probably know, but I'll say it anyway: stay active, push yourself physically until
you sweat and strengthen your system, because these drugs drastically reduce a person's lifespan
and they do it fast.
Surround yourselves with people you truly trust, or at least
people who offer some semblance of understanding.

And aim for less lucid dreaming—basically, try to stay more "awake" internally.

Personally, I enjoy a little indulgence with marijuana now and then, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Eat as healthy as your bank account allows, and stick
to plain water when you're thirsty.

There—just my two cents. 🙂

For me, 1mg of Risperdal acts exactly like Seroquel does for you. It doesn't just knock me out; it causes these really unpleasant feelings while you're still awake. Just... blah. When I brought up that 1mg dose to my doctor, he actually told me it was impossible to feel anything on such a negligible amount (I'm talking 1mg here).

Then again, if you look at the actual Risperdal prescribing info, it mentions that an effective dosage can be as low as 0.25 mg 😁, so there goes the doctor—who apparently has no clue how his own prescribed meds actually affect people.

As for being prescribed multiple antipsychotics, that’s pretty standard under the American system. It feels like our doctors have been stuck in the same mindset since the 1950s, where the goal is basically to move a patient through the system as fast as possible. So, if one drug doesn't "effectively" work, logically, they just throw a cocktail of others at you. 🤣

That’s just my take on why they prescribe so many psych meds. I don't think the general public realizes that this approach doesn't just hurt the individual taking them; it affects all of us, since we're dealing with these heavy synthetic drugs.

@Laura Castillo6

Not really related to the topic at hand, but I was just wondering about your username—who exactly is that referring to?

I'm surprised you didn't go with John von Neumann instead; he was one of those once-in-a-generation geniuses. Honestly, I'd probably argue he was even more brilliant than Tesla, though he doesn't get nearly as much hype around here as Tesla does.

singer

How much hate are you all catching—even from those other folks hanging out with the F-boys?

As for me, I’m doing alright... I’ve eaten, I’ve hydrated, and I’m not feeling quite as unhinged as usual.

I’ve got an appointment with my psychiatrist this Monday—though, strangely enough, I actually feel some motivation to go this time—mostly because I need to
iron out some details regarding my medication.

I realize that when you're living with schizophrenia, there isn't always a lot of common ground to cover with "normal" people—either we're spiraling in psychosis or we're perfectly fine,
but the public just doesn't get it; they assume our heads are constantly filled with chaotic nonsense, but honestly, whatever.😉

So, how is everyone holding up? What are you all up to? Let's hope this thread doesn't just fade into obscurity.

Larry Lewis said:How much hate are you all catching—even from those other folks hanging out with the F-boys?

As for me, I’m doing alright... I’ve eaten, I’ve hydrated, and I’m not feeling quite as unhinged as usual.

I’ve got an appointment with my psychiatrist this Monday—though, strangely enough, I actually feel some motivation to go this time—mostly because I need to
iron out some details regarding my medication.

I realize that when you're living with schizophrenia, there isn't always a lot of common ground to cover with "normal" people—either we're spiraling in psychosis or we're perfectly fine,
but the public just doesn't get it; they assume our heads are constantly filled with chaotic nonsense, but honestly, whatever.😉

So, how is everyone holding up? What are you all up to? Let's hope this thread doesn't just fade into obscurity.

I truly believe that people with BPD face an even deeper level of resentment.

Nicole Barrett76 said:I truly believe that people with BPD face an even deeper level of resentment.

Where on earth have you been, Nicole Barrett76? Honestly, you're driving me to an early grave. 🙂

But then again, we’re all a bit unhinged here—madmen among madmen, really. 🎉

Anyway, how’s the physical health holding up?

Larry Lewis said:Where on earth have you been, Nicole Barrett76? Honestly, you're driving me to an early grave. 🙂

But then again, we’re all a bit unhinged here—madmen among madmen, really. 🎉

Anyway, how’s the physical health holding up?

Oh, it is quite alright.

You actually reminded me of a woman I happened to wish a happy birthday to just a few weeks ago; she sent me a text that simply read, "Hey Nicole Barrett76, hope you're still kicking." 🤣 🤣 🤣

Nicole Barrett76 said:Oh, it is quite alright.

You actually reminded me of a woman I happened to wish a happy birthday to just a few weeks ago; she sent me a text that simply read, "Hey Nicole Barrett76, hope you're still kicking." 🤣 🤣 🤣

Glad things are looking up!

You know what really gets to me... when I start loading up on Omega-3s and flaxseed oil—
and then throw hemp oil into the mix, my digestion absolutely goes to hell; I end up hitting the
bathroom at least six times a day.

I was taking Neurobion for about two months—that’s one of those nerve supplements loaded with B-vitamins,
you know, the essential ones for brain function—it isn't too pricey, maybe around $43 a hundred bucks for a
pack.

Do you drink whey protein? I haven't been into it lately, but I really ought to get back on the wagon.

Larry Lewis said:Glad things are looking up!

You know what really gets to me... when I start loading up on Omega-3s and flaxseed oil—
and then throw hemp oil into the mix, my digestion absolutely goes to hell; I end up hitting the
bathroom at least six times a day.

I was taking Neurobion for about two months—that’s one of those nerve supplements loaded with B-vitamins,
you know, the essential ones for brain function—it isn't too pricey, maybe around $43 a hundred bucks for a
pack.

Do you drink whey protein? I haven't been into it lately, but I really ought to get back on the wagon.

As an individual facing the heavy burden of chronic unemployment with nothing more than my own perseverance to rely upon, I cannot help but wonder: how does one maintain their dignity when the doors of opportunity seem perpetually bolted shut? $417 I find myself positioned quite low on the food chain. Is it not possible that one might feel the need to frequent the restroom due to fish oil consumption? One must consider the presence of PCBs and other contaminants within those oils; even if we are merely discussing trace residues, such substances remain potent toxins. Unless, of course, one is consuming massive quantities—say, ten, twenty, or thirty grams—then surely the PCBs cannot be held responsible.

Is there any greater question than why one must embrace the ritual of consuming whey protein? Does the body not demand this essential nourishment to truly flourish?

Nicole Barrett76 said:As an individual facing the heavy burden of chronic unemployment with nothing more than my own perseverance to rely upon, I cannot help but wonder: how does one maintain their dignity when the doors of opportunity seem perpetually bolted shut? $417 I find myself positioned quite low on the food chain. Is it not possible that one might feel the need to frequent the restroom due to fish oil consumption? One must consider the presence of PCBs and other contaminants within those oils; even if we are merely discussing trace residues, such substances remain potent toxins. Unless, of course, one is consuming massive quantities—say, ten, twenty, or thirty grams—then surely the PCBs cannot be held responsible.

Is there any greater question than why one must embrace the ritual of consuming whey protein? Does the body not demand this essential nourishment to truly flourish?

I'd honestly suggest you try some whey yourself; you can pick up a liter for about a buck at the local grocery store, and it restores your
liver better than any pharmaceutical drug out there!

Larry Lewis said:I'd honestly suggest you try some whey yourself; you can pick up a liter for about a buck at the local grocery store, and it restores your
liver better than any pharmaceutical drug out there!

Whereabouts do you pick yours up? I live in a tiny rural town where the selection is quite limited.