Risperdal and mom

I have been on risperdal for 12 years and it has improved my life greatly. I was a paranoid schizophrenic who was thin. I have gained more than 50 kgs but now on a diet which is losing it. I have experienced anxiety but it is far better than it was when I was sick. I have my life back again and am more social and happy. I am able to study and working is still a problem, as I have a little problem in learning new things and remembering and I am a lot less verbal and articulate than I was. It has slowed my thought processes down. I still get strange thoughts from time to time, and my dream activity has become very strange. It is like a sequel each night and the dreams seem real and with the same characters. It has made life interesting. I have also developed phobias and obsessions. Not sure if this is part of the illness or the side effects though. I have noticed I am much more calmer after the tablets than I was before and a lot less emotional. There are some things I have to work at but I have learnt how to overcome my fears gradually and work with them. Overall, I could not imagine my life without it. I tried to go off it and it was far worse as the illness came back again.

my 16 and a half year old son was put on this medication because of his temper; however he sleeps excessively, does not have a problem with libido and is still as angry as he was before being put on this medication. His diagnosis had something to do with his oppositional attitude?? But isn't that fairly normal as well as common for a teenager who does not always get his way?? My ex husband had him put on this medication so that he would be easier to deal with. I want to get my son off of this drug. He is still taking wellbutrin which I dont believe has the same adverse long term affects. What do you think?? A concerned mom

Well, actually, risperdal was just prescribed to my daughter who is eight and a half years old. I gave her the first dose this evening, and after reading these posts, I have to say I am scared.....can anyone tell me what to do? Can I refuse to let my daughter take this medication? or will it make me out to be a parent who does not want to help her child by refusing the meds? Please help...thank you