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Q: The
Antipsychotics Leave Me with Little to No Motivation I am in a catch 22.
I take the antipsychotics, and they make me so unmotivated I can t even take a
shower, cook, or clean my house. I heard this is due to dopamine blockage --a
motivator chemical).I have bipolar, and without them I am always depressed, and
occasionally get mania & psychosis. I tried the antidepressant-mood stabilizer
combo for a number of years, and did not find anything that worked. I am going
to visit my bf in Oregon soon, and I am sure I will be embarrassed because I
have a hard time even taking a shower. I cant stand this. One doctor added
Wellbutrin as some people get more energy with it, but it's not working. I'm so
tempted to quit them, but I know I will land right back in the hospital.
Also, please don't tell me its depression causing this extreme laziness. I was
way more motivated when I was depressed. These antipsychotics do the trick in
relieving my bipolar symptoms, but I cant get a thing done. ps: I also tried all
the other atypicals, Zyprexa, Respiradal, Seroquil, and they all totally
unmotivate me.
Cathy,
It does sound as though you are in a bind. You listed Zyprexa, Risperdal,
and Seroquel, but I am wondering if you have tried either Abilify or
Geodon. They may have a less negative effect on your energy levels.
Another possibility is trying a mood stabilizer with a smaller dose of
your current antipsychotic to see if that will improve your motivation
issues. Have you been on a stimulant such as Adderall or Provigil?
Sometimes that will help with drive/motivation. Also the older
antipsychotics such as Haldol, Prolixin, or Trilafon could be useful but
they do have higher risks of muscular side effects. And lastly a round of
ECT may be a worthwhile consideration.
Dr Plyler
Published in May, 1011
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