My 18 year old daughter (BPD with hallucinations) has been taking...

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.