Well, actually, risperdal was just prescribed to my daughter who ...

My 8 year old daughter has been on Risperdal for over a year. She was in one of the studies for the treatment of autism. The only side effect she had in the beginning was constipation. Just recently her breasts have been swollen. At first we though it was her breast buds, but it the swelling comes and goes. I have just called the dr to start weaning her down on her dosage. I must say this drug works awesome on screaming, aggressive behaviors and moods. She is non verbal and cannot tell me of any side effects, so I'm always looking. This is really the first time I have read about all of these bad side effects. it is scary. Hopefully, we can get off this powerful med as we are starting some bio med stuff soon. She has had no weight gain at all. To answer your bad parent question, do your research and go with your gut feeling. I don't think anyone can make you put your daughter on any med w/o your consent. Ask about other options.

I had somone just e-mail me some serious side affect and issues about this medicine she has her daughter on also.I would try to get more feedback about this from others that have tried it on their children.Always go with your gut.My daughter has been on many diffrent medications starting when she was seven.She is now eleven and I'v learned to always go with your gut feeling.You want to trust the doctors and hope they know whats best for your daughter but in the end you do!

I have two children on Risperdal, both diag as bipolar, and it has been a godsend for them. Controls their anger - they were having homicidal thoughts, and were very physically aggressive to the point of hurting each other and especially their younger brother. If your daughter doesnt experience the nasty side effects, please keep her on it. It has made my children feel so much better, they smile, play, act like little boys should. Every med has horrible side effects, just not everyone gets them it depends on your child, not others. If it works, go with it. It is an amazing med when it works properly, and remember most people that come on here do so because of bad side effects, if they have none they have no reason to find a site such as this. I am here b/c my son is having prob w/ concerta. But my boys do best on .75 - 1 ml/mg of the risperdal. I wish you the best, it is so hard to see our children having to deal with these horrible afflictions. - Another mom