This is a follow-up to a question from Jackie re: Geodon and her "manic"? mother. 

I am that mother and would like to give you an update. When I was taking 80mg I DID become hypomanic.  The reduction in dose resolved the symptoms of excessive socializing, decreased sleep and appetite.

I did lose 11 lbs in the first 2 wks of treatment.  With the decrease in dose I haven't lost any or gained any weight.

This is the best medication I've ever been on.  I used Tegretol for 13 years with no hospitalizations but MUCH sedation.  I watched my first movie without falling asleep for the first time in 13 years.

Consider trying Geodon for your atypical bipolar patients.  My psychiatrist has 300 of his patients on it with very positive responses.   I've been taking it for 5 weeks and have never felt better. Side effects are minimal to non-existant.  ~W.

Dear Ms. W' -- 
Thanks for writing.  One of my colleagues who works in a different setting was telling me about his experiences with it so far last week.  Not as positive as your psychiatrist, and he did (spontaneously, not in the context of this story) talk about precipitating agitation with it.  However, your description makes it clear that from your point of view, it's been a good thing.  It's always good to check and see if others who know you well think it's a good thing too.  In any case, I hope your experience with it continues to be positive. 

Dr. Phelps