KarenT Report post Posted November 4, 2006 J's anger has been increasing for some time now, and despite constant 'positive parenting', social stories, attempts at anger management etc it's getting worse. His defiance means that even attempts at teaching him slow, deep breathing encourage him to do the opposite, which hikes him up even higher. I've persuaded DH to consider a trial of Risperodone to help get it under control. I spoke about this with J's (then) paediatrician in June 05 - she said she'd rather go the route of CAHMS nurse and non-drug strategies first, which I agreed with, but she did think it might be considered in the future if those fail. As many of you know, our experience with CAHMS was disastrous so that didn't help, and as I've said I've done all the 'right' things for ages with no benefit. I have to say I'm not even that confident that our discussion will be on J's record. My question for those of you experienced in this medication is this: how angry was your child when your paed/psych agreed to prescribe? J's anger issues seem to be far more evident at home (though I can't be sure of this - school don't communicate with me so I have very little idea how he is there) but I suspect he bottles most of it up to release when he gets home. When he's really high there's no talking to him so social stories and the like are out of the question - his anger is so severe he can't even bear to hear me say his name so he's hardly likely to sit down and go through a nice social story with me. I really feel that medication is the way to go now to give J a chance to improve the quality of his relationships and succeed in the world, but I'm not sure that the professionals involved will agree. We have an appointment with the dodgy psychiatrist who led the first (inconclusive) assessment next Friday, suggested by the psychiatrist who gave the diagnosis at the specialist autism centre. DH and I would like to discuss meds then so any info you can give on the subject would be appreciated. Ta muchly, as ever. Karen x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baddad Report post Posted November 4, 2006 moved and 'bumped' karen! L&P BD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted November 5, 2006 Hi Karen, My daughter was prescribed this at a very difficult time. I'll pm you K x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
butterfingersbimbo Report post Posted November 6, 2006 el started this in september a few days after school re opened. she had been getting increasingly violent over the years, and the final straw was when she seriously attacked me when i tried to get her to do a bit of homework.....then after i thought she had calmed down she shut herself in the cupboard under the stairs with a knife and was threatening to kill herself........this episode went on for a couple of hours, well beyond the usual tantrum...... i was horrified when i read the info leaflet for this med, but to be honest it has really made a difference to el, she is still paranoid and very clingy as she is on the low dose of 0.5mg daily but she hasnt been really violent since then...... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elanor Report post Posted November 7, 2006 Hi My son has been taking this for a couple of years - 0.5mg daily. It's made a world of difference for him and the rest of the family. You always have to be cautious about medication, and the doctor put us through hoops before agreeing that the problem wasn't down to our parenting, but it is an option, and can make a big difference. Try this thread for more info: http://www.asd-forum.org.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=638 At first, my son put weight on, but he's becoming adolescent now, and the weight is not a problem any more. No-one seems to be sure how risperidone works, but I think it reduces anxiety, and that in turn reduces aggressive incidents. I hope you get a supportive meeting. Elanor Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
curra Report post Posted November 8, 2006 Hi My son has been on Risperidone (0.25 mg a day) for several months. At first the usual dose of 0.5 mg was too much for him and he had side effects (unvoluntary muscle twitching) which disappeared once it was reduced to a half. Before taking it his aggressiveness was uncontrollable. Changing my parenting strategies didn't work because he would not listen or react to warnings/rewards etc. It also became a problem at school and only then the consultant agreed to give him the medication. Before that, they just told me I had to be more firm and consistent with him which I did buit as a result of more demands he got worse also at school. Risperidone is an antipshycotic drug and Drs are not too sure how it works on people on the spectrum, so they are usually reluctant to prescribe it. My son is now much better with the medication though not entirely free from anxiety and anger. He says that the medication takes aways his "need to annoy others" and I notice that he can find better things to do if he's bored. He is constantly hungry but he's very conscious of his weight so he avoids sweets and fatty snacks. The main thing is that he can control himself better at school and home. Good luck! Curra <'> Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KarenT Report post Posted November 9, 2006 Thanks for all your replies on this. I'm having a hell of a week so no time to answer fully. Will let you know how I get on with the psych on Friday. Ta muchly, again. Karen x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
butterfingersbimbo Report post Posted November 9, 2006 good luck chic <'> <'> <'> Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KarenT Report post Posted November 11, 2006 Hi All Saw the psych yesterday and we discussed Risperodone. They won't consider prescribing it for someone as young as J (he's 8 next week), so no joy there. Obviously if things keep up this pace I'll keep mentioning it but tbh I'd prefer not to give it too, but if there's no alternative... It wasn't much of a meeting generally. In short we've already got all bases covered in terms of local resources, support groups, training etc, and there's nothing else available that we haven't touched on. It was more of a pat on the head and "Carry on with what you're doing", which is reassuring to know you're doign it right but doesn't actually offer any practical help when things are tough. Had an interesting moment in the school yard afterwards. One of my 'autism mum' friends approached to ask how the meeting had gone and we had an aspie conversation, about psychiatrist, support groups, meds, that sort of thing, and a mutual friend didnt' know where to put herself. She was clearly on the edge of the conversation and couldn't join in, we were so far removed from her 'normal' world. I had a bit of a giggle about that later - it was strange to be the normal parent for a change! Thanks for your help with this one. Karen x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steel Maiden Report post Posted November 12, 2006 (edited) I am 17 and I was treated with Risperidone for a different reason (mental illness) when I was 15 years old in hospital. It did not help with the anxiety that I was suffering (related to the illness) and I had to get a prescription of lorazepam for that, but that could be because I'm a little refractory at times... I once had to have 3mg of the stuff... Olanzepine is fantastic for the anxiety, but its perhaps a little strong. When I was on 10mg, I needed a wall to assist me in walking. Even 5mg ensures that I fall asleep on the floor in the evening if I don't get into bed on time. I suggest that you try anti-anxiety medication, but I cannot say from my experience that it works well. Such medicines are really hit and miss i.e. try it and hope for the best. And I agree, CAHMS is awful. Edited November 12, 2006 by Steel Maiden Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
