Seeking Risperdal Information from Experienced Parents

I sold Risperdal for 7 years and would be happy to talk on the phone if you want, my number is ###-###-####...

Dear M.,

I am an R. and my daughter was on risperdal for 2 weeks, we suspected bipolar disorder at the time. The prescribing physician should always make the side effects of any medication know to you before you give it to your child. Pharmacists are also an excellent source of information. Risperdal is a very strong drug with some severe side effects like tardive dyskinesia. After getting a second opinion we weaned our daughter off the med. You have to withdraw it slowly, not just quit the medicine! Hope this helps.

My oldest son had Autism, and he was on risperdal for a few months. While it worked VERY well, it also made him gain almost 20 pounds! I did not like seeing the weight gain, so I searched for ANY way to get him off the meds, and was finally able to. For my son, it was just taking away dairy, but the situation was different from yours.
I really hope the zoloft works for you, because weight gain is VERY common with risperdal. =(

Being someone who works in the mental health field, I would strongly suggest you have your pediatrician or other professional you trust recommend a psychiatrist specializing in children. Psychotropics, such as Risperdal and Zoloft, can be beneficial, but there are many options and a through evaluation by a pediatric psychiatrist can explore specific symptoms, the suitability of medication to treat as well as other non-medication therapeutic interventions that might address the underlying issues, not just symptoms. I always insist the parents I work with be completely educated in all aspects of every therapy their children are asked to engage in, especially psychotropics. The developing brain of children need special attention and a healthy dose of caution when introducing medications that alter it's chemistry. All the best.

My nephew(8) also has a perscription for resperidol, however he hates the zoned out feeling while on the medication. His mother is sympathetic to his feelings and it does become a tool used as a last resort. His outbursts are usually triggered by something and if you find that something, it can be talked out and settled more pleasantly. They also attend family as well as individual counseling, which has proven to be the most beneficial. Sometimes it takes that third party to appreciate what you have and that's family!

I agree with the previous persons post. A major side of effect is weight gain. In fact, my son has ADHD and is on it for his anger related issues as well as to help him gain weight. It does work very well with my son's anger though.
K.

I would suggest taking a serious look at diet and nutrition as ways to help manage things. There are many changes that can be made, as well as safe and natural supplements that can be used that will not cause negative side effects.
C. (Registered Nurse, wellness coach)

M. - seems odd to me that the doc is going from an antidepressant to a drug usually used for Autism and/or Bipolar. Has the diagnosis changed? If Bipolar is suspected there are other, better drugs out there to initially try with less side effects!

Hi M.,

After months of my daughter being in therepy, she was finally prescribed Risperdal for her mood disorder (tentatively bi-polar). She was put on the lowest dose unfortunately that had to be upped three tiems as it wasn't working. Now, she's on 1mg/day and coupled with having her (and now the entire family) on the Feingold diet, we are finally seeing the benefits.

I actually learned about the Feingold program on this site and I'm so thankful I did. (Thanks to whoever out there mentioned and an piqued my curiosity!)

Anyway, my daughter has only been on Risperdal at the current does for a little over a month. I've noticed a little weight gain from her but nothing alarming. She's always been on the small side. My greatest fear in the increased risk of diabetes. It runs on her father's side. I'm planning on speaking with her pediatrician about it and other options soon, as well as getting a second opinion on meds (especially now that we're following the Feingold program) from another child psychiatrist.

I wish I had more specific info on Risperdal for you. All I know is that it's used to treat a wide range of psychological problems, based on the dose used. If you're concerned about the pros and cons, definitely speak to you child's pediatrician as well as a chid psychiatrist.

Good luck.
Jen

My grandson (whom I'm raising) has Autism and is on Risperdal. He's gained some weight but the benefit to his behavior has been far greater. It's an antipsychotic normally prescribed for Bi-Polar, Schizophrenia and Autism. Personally, I think it is best monitored by a psychiatrist. They have a better handle on those types of drugs.

My son was on it for his autism, and gained a HUGE amount of weight. They took him off of it. While on it, we didn't really notice anything significant with his behavior. I was glad to get him off of it. Little to no benefit, bad weight gain, and high risk for diabetes. Not a good match for us.

However, some people find the drug to be well suited to them. I've heard good reports on it. It just wasn't for us.

If you do try it, just keep a wary eye out for any side effects (like weight). If you don't see actual benefit from the drug, ask about going off of it. (Always ask before discontinuing a medication. Some need to be tapered off slowly.)

Next time your doc suggests a drug, go ahead and ask him what the side effects are, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

My son was on risperdal for a while and it helped his anxiety a little but he gained a ton of weight. He also tried zoloft and that didn't work well either. He's very pron to side effects. What ended up working was Tenex which is normally used to treat high blood pressure but it's one of those meds that they're finding out has a duel purpose. What I like about it is that it's not a stimulant and he has had no side effects. It's working very well. I would also consider a psychiatrist. That have a better handle on these types of situations. Good luck.