Risperdal symptoms and conditions

Abilify was recently added to my medication of Depakote 250 x3 (i have been on this for 10 yrs), Zoloft 40 mgs (8 years), and Buspar 40 mgs (8 years). I started taking Abilify last Tuesday the 17th of March. The first night I took it I had trouble sleeping..(but i also had some caffeine that night)...for the next few nights I still had trouble sleeping...I also noticed an increase in my pulse, rapid heartbeat...and my blood pressure! This past Saturday, my blood pressure was 141/91 which was my left arm, then my right arm was 138/90. My resting pulse was 90+ with my heart pounding. I went into work today (i work in a doctors office) and had a nurse take my BP and it was 153/95...now my BP is normally 120/60...the lowest its ever been is 90/70. So to have my BP this high is very strange. I called my doctor and she advised me to stop it ASAP and to call her if i have any more problems. I already have a scheduled appointment on 04/01/09.

I have been on Lamictal now for almost 3 months for bipolar. I'm still not sure if it is helping or not. My husband says I seem better, but I feel almost the same as before if not worse. Has anyone noticed any major changes in their menstrual cycle? I'm on the pill and it would usually last 4-5 days with moderate bleeding. Now I get more annoying cramps than before but my period only lasted 2 days and it was more like spotting than a period. This makes me nervous, but my doctor said that it is more likely the risperdal that I had taken for a month when I also started taking the lamictal, but I don't agree. I recently went up to 200mg (1 morning, 1night). The morning one knocks me out but the night one has been keeping up!? I also feel less coordinated (hard to balance, knocking stuff down, klutzy). Also, it has been hard to put words together and recall correct information. Now I have to say" I think I heard or I think I remember". If I really need to remember something I have repeat it or really concentrate on the information. I used to not have to do that. Another thing I've noticed lately is hand and knee pain. Makes it difficult exercise to lose the 20 lbs I've gained. I don't know, personally I think I will give it one more month and if I still feel the same, I'm going off of it and looking into natural alternatives.

I have been on Remeron for 3months, and have went from 125 lbs. to 144 lbs. I want to eat all the time, especially at night. I always feel hungry. I also feel like my legs are swollen, and they ache when I walk on the treadmill, trying to exercise and quit gaining. The depression is better, and I sleep very well, but I am going to really get depressed about my sudden weight gain. Never was this big, except at 9 months pregnant. I am stopping this drug. I also have numbness in my right hand. I don't know what that is from. Last of all, I am more forgetful, and a little OCD now about things.

I only took Zyprexa once every week b/c of severe insomnia and sometimes 2x's a months w/ 3 days intervals to catch up on sleep. I was doing fine just eating ridiculously healthy and exercising but the hunger came and I could no longer sleep because it was so severe I would wake up in the night ravished and couldn't sleep until I ate so I stopped the zyprexa, which I wasn't even taking much in the first place!! I've been off for a week and I would like to know from those who went off of it, how long does it take for the hunger to back to normal? They want to try seroquel but I'm scared that will keep it going, so would like to get it back to normal before trying something else. Need sleep! last semester of school, need to pass. Thank you. BTW, works great for sleep, did save my life in that aspect.

My son is suffering from psychosis because of prednisone. He had severe poison ivy and was given 10 day course of pills that tapered and a shot. Since then he has been in the psych ward for a week , released given respirdal and lithium. After 3 weeks we tried to wean him from the respidal but the psychosis came right back. ;He is 17 and never had any symptoms of psychosis or mania before. He has every symptom now. BTW his psychosis did not appear until he was finished with the prednisone for several days. Will he ever recover?????

My 81 year old mother, who has Diabetes and Blood Pressure (and who is on eleven medications) was given a prescription for 750(!!!) mgs of this drug, by the doctor's physician assistant for a mild upper respiratory infection. Four days later, she ends up in the hospital delirious and confused, with pain in her back and legs. She recognized no one. After a few days, and constant intravenous fluids, she came back to herself. She's always been sharp as a tack, and in pretty good shape for her age. When she was brought to the hospital, they thought she was stroking, and of course, she couldn't tell them that she was just prescribed this medication. All her battery of tests came back negative for stroke. Her useless doctor never even showed up at the hospital. If she had, she could have told them about the prescribed Levaquin. When she was released from the hospital, I called the pharmacist and asked what medication that she was taking could of caused this - and he said without a doubt, the Levaquin. This stuff is absolute poison and should not be on the market. How it got approved, I don't know - maybe kickbacks to them - for sure kickbacks to the doctors who prescribe it and claim side affects are very rear with this medication. If you are every given a prescription for this - ask your doctor for something else.

Hi all. My DH has been taking Geodon for 5 months for "delusion - other". The docs don't feel he's bi-polar or schizophrenic. He started up on 20mg and was taken all the way up to 160mg at night until he got ridiculously drowsy on this drug from that dose. He was having issues getting up in the morning (even after 9 1/2+ hours of sleep the night before) and was getting scared of driving to work as out of it as he'd be. The doc took him down to 120mg and it was still bad. So, then they dropped him down to 80mg and he started experiencing severe anxiety. He said he felt like his chest was closing in on him. So, now he's on 100mg and still tired, but not as bad.

Don't get me wrong.. if this was the only issue, I'd be fine with it. The Geodon was a godsend, at first. It really made his delusion dissipate (he wanted to run off and preach the word of God on street corners) and he was able to go back to working 8-hour days after a few months.

But now that he's gotten past that (he's had this once before, 6 years ago, and they had him on risperdal and depakote until the delusion was gone and then took him off of everything completely) he is BEYOND depressed. He has no history whatsoever of depression and has never felt this way before.Our family has never seen him like this. It's increasingly interfering with our relationship, as he just stares at me blankly if I happen to get upset about anything. He's just completely dead inside and feeling worthless. He can't even have an emotional conversation with me anymore and he used to be the most attentive, wonderful husband and friend he could ever be before he got on Geodon.

He also has zero interest in sex. I mean, he can go through it just fine, but he just doesn't want it on his own. And that's depressing for me!!

All in all, I want him off this drug as it seems that, once it did its job, it's eating away at his cognitive and emotional sides. He has a hard time reasoning and, of course, then ends up getting depressed because he feels worthless at his job. I just don't get it.

My question is: if he should happen to be bi-polar ( I mean, if the docs have all gotten it wrong) and he's going through a depressive phase, shouldn't the Geodon be helping? He just seems to get more and more depressed as gets further and further away from being delusional.

We're going to the doc on Thursday and I'm going to tell him that I want DH off this med.. no matter what he thinks. We just can't keep going through this crud anymore. I'd appreciate any feedback/advice/empathy you all can give.

I just miss my husband and I feel like this drug is running him into the ground and wrecking our marriage. :(

I have been on Lamictal for one week and feel terrible!! I'm using the meds to treat bipolar. My chest feels tight...I am exhausted all day...feel as if I am in a daze...headaches...muscle aches. I don't know if this is just side effects seen in the beginning and will subside with time?? I really feel bad.

My daughter has been off Singulair since March 29th. In my previous posting I explained that she had taken it for 2 years and last December started to experience stomach pain, and she became very anxious, agitated, and obsessive compulsive. We had every test possible and her anxiety only grew worse as the weeks went on. In February she was admitted for panic attacks and was given Paxil and Risperdal. When we stopped Singulair we noticed definite changes with her mood swings, personality, and affection. We saw a side of her that over time we forgot existed. She is so much better, but still on the medicines from her hospitalization. We have an appointment to discuss reducing these meds. But has SINGULAIR been out of her system long enough? She endured so much emotional stress that I know just stopping the Singulair will not be the cure all. Any input from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

My 8 year old son was started on Concerta a few months ago, has severe ADHD & Bipolar Disorder Type 2. He has become more agitated, very short fuse with 7 year old brother, hallucinations - visual of a movie thats coming out - kinda like a harry potter but more creepy, but I'm not sure if it is the concerta or the combo w/ his celexa and risperdal. I increased his risperdal from .75 mg to 1 mg, and it seems to help. He has alot of personal things going on also that could be contributing, any ideas if this could be the concerta or the combo? His Dr is having us get an MRI and a Neurophysical exam to rule out anything physical causing the effects, wants to cover all bases before changing meds. Any feedback welcome (he has been on the celexa and risperdal for a few years now and I know they are not the cause, I have extensive experience with these two meds, just not the concerta) We have also tried Strattera, but it made him too sleepy as it is a non stimulant. Thank you

I have a 9 year old son who has been on Singulair a couple of years ago, he has significant asthma. The last year and a half, my son has had difficulty concentrating and now since depression with suicidal ideations, he was started on Zoloft in December. I am going to have to address this immediately with his doctors.
He has had trouble sleeping, eating, uncontrollable crying, and symptoms of PTSD.

I started taking Lamictal about six weeks ago for epilepsy. Now keep in mind, I was on Dilantin which worked great for 17 years and then suddenly stopped working. I have been in medication hell since then. First Topamax made me dumb as a rock. I would space out all the time. Worst drug ever. Then Keppra which was better in that my memory/ability to speak came back but I had these intense ups and down. I had rages constantly. Now I'm on Lamictal. So far, it's better than the Topamax and the Keppra, however the dreams are very intense as are the night sweats. I'm also experiencing much hair loss. Fortunately I have a full head of hair but I'm afraid I will eventually lose it all.

My mouth went dry, and then there were bright lights. I swallowed hard but the bile was too bitter. I reached for my 9 and put a cap in my partner knowing that this was the end.

Geodon - Weight Loss, Mania Anyone?
________________________________________
I've been on Geodon for 5 wx & have lost 15 #'s. I usually weigh 130, now 115. looking anorexic, but my depression is a lot better now, I'm happy, first time in ovr a yr. nothing else could break the barrier except the Geodon, but it makes me manic, on top of already being manic…can't sleep. as I was about to crash & burn (thu), before I went running to the ER, i found my stash of 4 mg Risperdal that I just weened myself off of 3 mos ago, due to the long term side effects I was having (td, slurring, twitching, sexual dysfunction...). it took the edge off, til I can talk to the pdoc on tue.

like many of you, i’ve tried everything. i’m at my wit’s end. This bizarre combo seems to work for me. It puts a muzzle on the mania, allowing me a more hypomanic state where I can function & still feel really happy. although I’m going to try 40 vs 60 mg geodon. & try going down to 2 mg risperdal or try another a/p. adding the risperdal allowed me to sleep, along w/the lorazepam. but, I prefer not to be on risperdal

So, as of now…i'm on 60 mg geodon, 675 mg lithium, 4 mg risperdal & 1 mg lorazepam X 2/day.

has anyone else had this experience? Especially w/the mania & weight loss?

PLZ HELP! QUEENIE

I have recently discovered that I too have had a major side effect from this drug. I only received one injection 5 months ago in the buttocks for an allergic reaction I was having and now I have a huge indention like crater in the area that looks like the tissue has been eaten away. I did not even know it was from that since it has been a while and only one shot. After finding this website and talking to my doctor's office. They did confirm that the shot given was Kenalog and in that spot which I was certain of after reading so many others who have this side effect as well.
I am very interested in joining a class action lawsuit. People need to be warned of these major effects. I would have NEVER allowed the injection to be given had I been warned.

I'm on 40mg at night, and have been having good experiences with it before. I don't experience anxiety, if anything, I feel less anxious than I ever did before. I was on Risperdal and gained 75 lbs VERY quickly, even after changing my diet to low-cal, low-fat, and doing everything else in the book. Now I'm off that Risperdal garbage, on the 40 mg of Geodon, and couldn't be happier. I am bipolar, and don't experience the rapid cycling that I did before, even on the Risperdal. I'm considering asking my psychiatrist to take my oldest son OFF that Abilify mess that makes him miserable and put him on Geodon. Thumbs up from me!

Zyprexa has ruined my life!!!!! I went in hospital in 2001 with what I would call mild delusions now compared to after being given zyprexa. As soon as this med was started I began to have extreme pressure on my back constricting my breathing, could barely get dressed look after myself walk from one end of a hall to another, began vomiting day in and day out and diagnosed with severe acid reflux, waking up night after night gasping for breath and finally diagnosed with sleep apnea - this is before I gained the 85lbs from this and other atypical drugs. Experienced sleep paralysis where I would wake and feel like I couldn't move my body, vivid nightmares, and symptoms of td with constant twitching of my body during sleep. These side effects continued for 5 long years. I still suffer from acid reflux, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis in my knees. This is a very dangerous drug. I wasn't on the drug very long but other's were tried with no avail to the side effects until I was switched to zoloft and risperdal. Now I am having high blood sugar results with at home testing. I am searching for people in Canada who have experienced any of these side effects as I am added to the Class Action Lawsuit that has been initiated here and hoping there are others who can add their names to the suit who have experienced similar side effects. If you or a loved one has experienced any of the above and are from Canada please contact me at ******

At 4mg/day, I am experiencing weight gain (finally slowed down though), I went from a size 3 to a size 9 in less than a year, my breasts grew (yay for that!), and they constantly discharge. I am also tired most of the time, and its real difficult to wake up. My motivation is just not anywhere to be found. And my sex drive? I haven't felt any desire since I've been on this drug, its gone totally. I don't like that part much because even though my sex drive was never really strong, at least I had one. But other than that, I guess the drug works.

hi...I have been on 40 mg Geodon for 2 weeks....the headaches and subsequent muscle tension in my head, neck and upper back are really bad!! Will this go away?

My 18 year old daughter (BPD with hallucinations) has been taking this drug since December. She is currently taking 320 mg. per day (split between morning and evening) - rare but it has been done - although I'd prefer not. First, I don't even think G gets to theraputic levels until 80 mgs. DD was on Risperdal (which worked wonderfully but her prolactin level went through the roof) and so they slowing titrated her off of that and on to G. Yes, the side effects were horrible at first. Again, it isn't until you reach theraputic levels that you start to see those side effects diminish and our experience plus other experiences I've heard of is that the higher the dosage the fewer side effects. I would highly recommend an EKG (just to be on the safe side although the side effect of heart problems appears to be over emphasized with the research I've found). I have to say that her hallucinations continue but are better - her BPD is very well stabalized with this drug (and we saw the advantage for her BPD early on). She is very level or able to regain stability when she senses a mood swing coming. Now her biggest side effects are tremors (which she's had with both Abilify and Risperdal) and a dry mouth (typical with Geodon). She occasionally gets headaches which, again, can be a side effect.

Honestly, our experience is that our DD has had side effects that were more intensified with every new medication and every dosage increase. Over time, that has always gotten better (except the prolactin level with Risperdal). I think people sometimes don't give it "enough time" but I know I'm not in their shoes. Lastly, for BPD, I'd definitely recommend giving it a try - the difference in our DD is like night and day.

noticed my jaw is clenched as i read others this happened as well my eyes are blurry now and ive only been on this shit for a week. I just took 60mg just before i read these posts and im supposed to take another 60mg in the morning but im gonna just skip it totally until i see my psychiatrist. I'll tell her it was my decision to stop bc it wasn't helping it was only making me more anxious with negative side effects. I can't stop shaking either and my jaw shakes and legs are restless as well as hands. When i was on risperdal i had like no side effects but i got off it bc it lowers your libido. Anway my suggestion would be to find another drug that is for you bc this is certainly not for most after reading this forum.

Don't know if completely related but daughter (9) was put on gabitril 10mos ago for PTSD... she seemed to be fine on medication, sleeping through the night finally. But she is homeschooled and I noticed that some days she would forget everything she had been taught the day before. Last week of May this yr she was playing at a birthday party and got overheated, she started having tremors, trouble paying attention, and very clumsy...Thought was related to Risperdal that she is also taking so we got her cooled off as fast as we could. Tremors lasted two days. Doctor said was unaware what would cause symptoms I was describing. A week later we took her for yearly dental x-ray and 6mo cleaning. Dentist found two teeth with internal root resourption (not common in 9yr olds) lucky for us they are baby teeth, but are not to come out for two years, they will have to be pulled and spacers put in to make room for perm teeth. Started asking questions about medication and dental problems, found that med can cause tooth decay and other problems. Don't know if that is what caused her teeth problems but x-ray last yr showed two healthy teeth. Has any one else had dental problems taking this one? Think we are going to give up a good night sleep to keep the teeth.

My daughter started taking Singulair at age 10 - four years ago. She also started taking Carbatrol for supposed petit mal seizures (I say supposed because her last EEG read inconclusive) at the same time. Over the last four years she slowly became a different person - introverted, anxious, clinically depressed with paranoid/psychotic features and suicidal thoughts. After four years on these meds, and after a two-week stay in the hospital, I started researching the meds she was on. Discovered that Carbatrol blocks the body's natural ability to absorb vitamins and nutrients. That was a revelation to me. Then, on a whim just today, I decided to investigate Singulair's side effects and found this message board/website. (I never researched Singulair before now because for some reason I assumed it was a pretty benign drug - yikes.) All these posts confirm to me and my husband that most likely we have not only Carbatrol but Singulair as well to thank for our daughter's emotional decline and delicate mental state. I can't stress enough how vital it is to read about side effects (and NOT just the drug's official website, which is NOT going to have a complete list of possible side effects) BEFORE starting your child (or yourself) on any medication.

She has recently been weaned off her meds (Carbatrol, Effexor, Risperdal, Cogentin), and has just today begun taking the supplement Empowerplus through the Truehope.com website. I have every reason to believe this is going to be the answer - I know that these heavy-duty drugs certainly have NOT done her any favors.

My wife has been taking Wellbutrin XL for less then a week
She had sleepless nights. That has Created major problem
for her as she had mental (phychotic thoughts) problems before.


When she took it with (same day) Risperdal (.25 mg) the effect was not as bad.

Has anyone been effected with vertigo while taking resperdal?