Risperdal - Prescription Medication Review

Risperdal is an anti-psychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and symptoms of autism. My son Sam, who has Asperger's Syndrome, was on Risperdal for a year to help calm him and even out his moods.

Risperdal Side Effects

Drugs.com lists the serious side effects of Risperdal: fever, confusion, stiffness, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, restless facial muscle movements, tremors, thrush, trouble swallowing, feeling light-headed or even fainting.

The less serious side effects, according to Drugs.com, are mild restlessness or tremors, drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness or headache, weight gain, urination problems, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, and sexual problems.

Sam's Side Effects on Risperdal

When Sam began taking Risperdal, he became a ghost of his former self. He quit smiling, reacting, and feeling any sort of emotion. He was withdrawn, serious, and seemed really sad all the time.

But perhaps the most alarming side effect was the sudden weight gain. Sam went from weighing 80 pounds to 100 pounds in two months.

Drugs.com doesn't list why weight gain is a side effect, but Sam's doctor did. He told us that Risperdal blocks the part of the brain that tells the body it's full. Sam constantly felt hungry and would sneak food, sometimes eating until he was physically sick.

Benefits of Risperdal

Sam wouldn't have been on Risperdal so long if there hadn't been benefits. After the initial zombie-like behavior decreased, he was much more calm at school and able to focus on his schoolwork and his teacher in the classroom. He didn't suffer from violent mood swings anymore.

His teacher was happier, and I was happier with Sam taking Risperdal. He was easier to handle at home and at school.

Taking Sam off Risperdal

I made the decision a few months ago to take Sam off Risperdal. Because of the weight gain and the constant eating, I was worried about Sam's physical health. There was a good likelihood he would develop diabetes or heart problems if he continued taking Risperdal.

He was also starting to get teased on the playground. Sam already has social strikes against him with the Asperger's Syndrome; the kids didn't need another reason to tease him.

Would I recommend Risperdal for autistic children?

Based solely on our experiences with Risperdal, I would not recommend Risperdal be prescribed to other children. However, weight gain isn't a guarantee. It's just one of the side effects that could occur.

If Sam hadn't gained so much weight so quickly, and if it hadn't continued to be a problem, I would have kept him on Risperdal instead of asking his psychiatrist to try something else.

Please talk to your doctor about all possible side effects and benefits before trying the prescription drug Risperal.

Sources:

Personal Experience

"Risperdal", www.drugs.com