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fairynormal

Considering Risperidone

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Hi

 

I'm new here and have just had a quick read of the posts about risperidone.

 

My son is 9, 10 in march and currently takes 50mg twice a day of sertraline for his OCD. He's been on it for about 3 months now, 3 weeks at the higher dose and it has had little effect on his anxiety and OCD. He's currently excluded from school (his 3rd week) as he 'exploded' 2 days after being back after the christmas holidays. He hit his support teacher, swore and refused to do anything or even leave the classroom. Since then he has run out of school into the middle of the road and hit another support teacher which is why he was excluded.

 

At home he is a complete nightmare. He is never calm and all his emotions are at the extreme end all the time. Over the past week he has smashed the house phone plus some kitchen equipment, hit, kicked and punched me, sat on the top landing bannister without holding on saying he was going to let himself fall backwards so he could die plus other awful stuff. He is constantly anxious, agitated and aggressive or crying as a result of what he has done.

 

Today he was really brave and had a bllod test done so his doc can see if he is suitable to take risperidone. They feel it will help him stay camler and be happier in general. He doesn't sleep for much more than a couple of hours at a time and they reckon it will help with that too.

 

I am worried about the side effects, particularily the weight gain. He's a big lad for 9, a big size 7 1/2 in shoes and chunky with it and any weight gain could pose real problems for him. I am also worried about possible interaction with the sertraline.

 

I suppose what I am asking here is does it sound likely that he would be helped by taking risperidone? Are the benefits really worth the side effects?

 

It is unlikely that any school will take him as he is right now as he is just too much even for the special schools to cope with so he really needs something to help him be a bit more stable.

 

Thanks for reading. :thumbs:

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Hi,

 

Its hard to say what works for one child is right for another.

 

My son has been taking Risperdone since he was 12 and is now 19, without his life is completely unmanageable. He would be in fulltime care. To me it means he can be at home and comfortable in his own skin literally.

 

If you have a read of my post in General Discussion I talked about how it has helped him in quite alot of detail the topic is 'Confusing Behaviour'

 

here is the link read my second message replying to Lucas.

 

http://www.asd-forum.org.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=11435

 

My son had the weight gain, but then we took him back to the minimum dose under the Paediatricians advise only he found a level that suited him without piling on the weight.

 

However, I purchased him some weights from the sport store and a basketball and these are his workout tools, and obsesses with the weight training to keep slim.

 

Clear out the cupboards of the nasties and only have healthy snacks available as it can make him a bit ravenous in the evening. We have this under control with the advice from his Paediatrician.

 

Many would say they tried Risperdone and it had no effect or made things worse, my son has 3 monthly reviews which is the law, but he is one of the happy ones taking Risperdone or Risperdal.

 

As long as you are working closely with your Paediatrician on this, thats the one I would really listen to, and just observe your child and if you notice any negative or positives over the first couple of days note them down and be sure you are able to call the doctor at a minutes notice if you notice any problems.

 

I remember what were jumble talking at you like blurb, became a conversation that made sense, and I had tears in my eyes. Read my other post, as I will just be repeating myself here.

 

Hope this helps.

 

All the best

Frangipani :)

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Hi and thanks for replying.

 

His doc called today to talk about how things are and I admitted to them being pretty terrible. This morning he came at me with a pair of scissors, jabbing them in my face then threw them at me. He then gouged my hand with his nails making it bleed pretty badly. This afternoon he went for an afternoon at the hospital to give me a bit of a break but he was only there for a very short time when they rang to say they were bringing him home as he was uncontrollable. It took three people to get him home and they had to physically hold him in the car. :crying: They were all having a meeting later about what to do and then the doc phoned.

 

We are up at the hospital tomorrow morning to see the outreach worker so the doc will weigh him, answer some of Isaac's questions and then write out the prescription! Any doubts I did have are now more than outweighed by the potential benefits. We certainly cannot carry on like this that's for sure.

 

Thanks again >:D<<'>

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At home he is a complete nightmare. He is never calm and all his emotions are at the extreme end all the time. Over the past week he has smashed the house phone plus some kitchen equipment, hit, kicked and punched me, sat on the top landing bannister without holding on saying he was going to let himself fall backwards so he could die plus other awful stuff. He is constantly anxious, agitated and aggressive or crying as a result of what he has done.

 

Today he was really brave and had a bllod test done so his doc can see if he is suitable to take risperidone. They feel it will help him stay camler and be happier in general. He doesn't sleep for much more than a couple of hours at a time and they reckon it will help with that too.

 

I am worried about the side effects, particularily the weight gain. He's a big lad for 9, a big size 7 1/2 in shoes and chunky with it and any weight gain could pose real problems for him. I am also worried about possible interaction with the sertraline.

 

I suppose what I am asking here is does it sound likely that he would be helped by taking risperidone? Are the benefits really worth the side effects?

 

It is unlikely that any school will take him as he is right now as he is just too much even for the special schools to cope with so he really needs something to help him be a bit more stable.

 

Thanks for reading. :thumbs:

 

Hi Fairynormal,

 

When you pointed out these traits, they were my son to a T especially the part on the stairs. :rolleyes: My son threatened to jump out of a moving car as he wanted to die at the age of 5. At preschool he tried to scare everyone by doing something similar to your son with the stairs.

 

The Principal at the special school said they had a boy go on the roof there to show everyone he was going to jump, his advise to me or any parents when a child behaves like this is to number one, take away the audience, and remain calm, literally give them a no reaction reaction. If they are doing some really bizarre stuff, first response, no reaction reaction. Then quickly put some strategies together calmly.

 

A few tips get a mini trampoline for him to use to burn up some of the pent up energy, or an exercise bike, head phones to enjoy music, weights to work out with, swimming at the pool, play equipment.

 

Analyse his diet too as there can be some foods pushing him over the edge. A book I recommend is 'Friendly Food', or Sue Dengate's Different Kids, she outlines some of the preservatives to watch out for. Food intolerance can present with the strangest behaviours, and go and see a Behavioural Optometrist as some of the meltdowns could be something here, thats not so visible. Have you seen an OT and Paediatrician.

 

A good Paediatrician to gather all these reports is essential. Especially for your sanity and survival.

 

It will get better, take a deep breath, it may feel overwhelming at present, but something above is creating problems as well. Don't rely on Risperdone alone to address his problems.

 

Hope this helps.

 

F :)

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If your doctor recommends risperidone, then I'd suggest you give it a trial. It has a short-term effect in the body - which means that it can have an almost immediate impact on behaviour, but can be withdrawn (under proper medical guidance) very quickly. This makes it quite suitable for a trial (unlike something like Prozac, which can take 3 weeks to have any effect).

 

Risperidone is the only medication tested on children with AS and found to have a substantial benefit on aggression over a lengthy period.

 

Of course nothing works for everyone, but it should be worth a try.

 

My son did suffer weight gain, but the gain stopped after a few months, and now that adolescence is setting in, and he's getting taller, he isn't noticeably heavier than other kids his age.

 

Interaction with sertraline is something you'll have to take professional advice on. You might perhaps find that you don't need both, as risperidone also affects mood and anxiety.

 

You describe a home-life that no-one should have to tolerate, and that is doing your son and your family no good at all. I'm sure that doing nothing is not an option. Medication isn't the only answer, but it can be part of a solution - particularly as it can give you the opportunity of a calm period during which all the good parenting techniques have a chance of having an impact.

 

Take care.

 

Elanor

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Hi,

 

I have read this topic with interest. My son will be 5 later this month. I first starting getting injuried when my son was only 20 months old. I have lost count of the number of black eyes, stitches, bruises etc. that I have had. His first dianogsis was ADHD with probable ASD. He was started on equasym and melotonin, both had a positive effect even if I cried for 3 days before giving him the first dose. The equasym make him less hyeprative but did not take away the aggressive outbursts. The melotonin got him to sleep but did not keep him asleep, the best we every managed was 5 hours. He started on 0.2mg of risperidone on the doctors recommendation last summer, it took several weeks before I really noticed a difference but it has made a difference. The outbursts still happen but not as often and not as severe. My son has blood test every 4 months which have been fine. As my son is underweight for his height there was no mention of weight gain, if anything he has lost weight. On a good night he now sleeps for 7 hours which is almost normal for a 5year old.

 

I have been pleased with risperidone.

 

Sarah

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Thanks again everyone.

 

We got the prescription today and he is now fast asleep!! He's on 0.25mg for a week then it will be increased to 0.25mg twice a day. He is very positive about taking it as he really doesn't want to be the way he is but seems to have little control over it all.

 

I met with his doc and outreach workers today and there is a long term plan for him/us. As soon as he is more 'stable' he will be starting a year long programme of psychotherapy as well as specialised CBT.

 

The most important thing at the moment is to get his mood, anxiety and agitation to a level where the other things can take place. Hopefully we will find a school place shortly and the routine will also help him feel better and more able to cope. I also have social services coming to do a core assesment tomorrow. I tried before, about 18 months ago but was told that as he wasn't physically disabled we didn't come under the disability team and as he wasn't abused or at risk, children and families couldn't offer anything either. Now they have decided that as he receives DLA and has a statement, he is classed as disabled!! I don't hold out much hope of them actually doing anythig but you never know, they may suprise me!!

 

I feel more positive today!

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My son takes this. We found it a lifeline. At 8 I was in despair. He attacked us all at times. I hope it helps. We have recently reduced his dose slightly but are concerned as he is more anxious. While I hate him taking this medication it is a testament to its impact that he at 11 asked if we should increase the dose again as he didnt feel the same. I know where you are at at the moment. Im sure that you will find your way through. My son was recently picked to give a reading at school in front of all the school and parents. I was so proud and when I think back to how he was at 8 it seemed impossible then. But here he is now growing up and quite a different lad.Good luck. >:D<<'> >:D<<'> >:D<<'>

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My son takes this. We found it a lifeline.

 

My son was recently picked to give a reading at school in front of all the school and parents. I was so proud and when I think back to how he was at 8 it seemed impossible then. But here he is now growing up and quite a different lad.Good luck. >:D<<'> >:D<<'> >:D<<'>

 

 

Thats awesome Madme :wub::notworthy::notworthy::dance::dance:

 

:)

 

Good luck Fairynormal,

 

Really interested to see how he is going in a few months time. :thumbs:

 

F :)

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Well last night he slept through, only getting up once at 2am to go to the loo!! This is a miracle as he never sleeps for more than 2 hours at a time. Some nights he can be up 20 times+, crying and screaming with anxiety so this really is a miracle!

 

Doesn't the world seem a better place when you've had a good nights sleep?!! lol!

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Well last night he slept through, only getting up once at 2am to go to the loo!! This is a miracle as he never sleeps for more than 2 hours at a time. Some nights he can be up 20 times+, crying and screaming with anxiety so this really is a miracle!

 

Doesn't the world seem a better place when you've had a good nights sleep?!! lol!

 

Oh thats awesome news. >:D<<'> >:D<<'> >:D<<'> as I said in one of my earlier posts, he is starting to feel comfortable in his own skin by the sound of it, and sleeping better.

 

Its hard on you too if they dont sleep, because you end up trying to comfort and console them.

 

Thats great :)>:D<<'>

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Hi,

 

I'm so pleased for you >:D<<'> . Sleep is heaven!

 

How is Isaac today? I hope you are seeing some benefits.

 

My son (Kai) is 8 1/2 and takes 0.25mgs risperdal twice a day for his anxiety and agression. It made him put on about half a stone, but i just had to try to keep him off "naughty snacks" and try to get him as active as possible.

 

I definately saw the benefits within a few days. He was much less anxious and his outbursts were much less violent and seemed shorter lasting. He still kicks off, but not to the same extent . I asked him how he felt and he said, "I like being calm and I don't like being evil", that says it all to me really.

 

All the best, you are going through a really difficult time >:D<<'> >:D<<'> ,

 

Loulou xx

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He has been a pleasure to be with today :wub: We have been really busy and his sister has been out all day so no opportunity for winding each other up lol! He even went into a card shop whilst we were out, saying he was buying a card for his nan-nan and but bought me a card saying how much he loves me and what a great mum I am :crying::wub: This is the child who was threatening to stab me earlier this week!

 

I know it's early days but at last I feel a glimmer of hope :clap::dance:>:D<<'> :D

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Hi

 

I'm so pleased that you're getting some respite, and that your son's behaviour is calming down. I'm sure he's much happier - and this could give you a tremendous window to make things better in the longer-term.

 

Elanor

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>:D<<'> >:D<<'> >:D<<'> :thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:

 

What a gorgeous boy you have. :wub: Thats what it was like for my son, like yours he told me all the benefits for him and I am grateful it worked for him, as I honestly tried absolutely every other trick in the book and this was the only one that helped him, the results are quick. :)>:D<<'>

 

F :)

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Yesterday his doc increased the dose of both his meds. He's now on 150mg of Sertraline and 0.5mg of Risperidone, both to be taken at night. Within half an hour his mood had changed completely. He kept bursting into tears, shouting and was really agitated. He said he felt really sad and fed up. This has continued today. He kicked both me and a friend really hard and has spent a lot of time crying. He's not been able to cope with anything much at all today and is very edgy, going from one extreme to another like flicking a switch.

 

Do you think it is the increase in meds? I am going to see how he is over the weekend and if it's no better by monday I will call his doc.

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Hi Fairynormal,

 

Sorry it's not going so well at the moment :(>:D<<'> .

 

When did he start on the Sertraline? It is possible that his change in mood could be a side-effect of the meds. I don't think Respiridone does this, but i know anti-depressants can cause this sort of reaction. Whatever you do, don't suddenly stop them without talking to a Doctor.

 

If things don't improve over the weekend and you're really worried, you can always contact the GP on-call for the weekend, or Paediatrician on-call at your local hospital.

 

Fingers crossed for you that he'll be ok tonight :pray: ,

 

Loulou xx

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Hi LouLou

 

He's been on Sertraline now for about 3 or 4 months. He started on 25mg, then up to 50mg. Then when his anxiety/OCD became really bad at the beginning of January it was increased again to 100mg (50mg morning and evening) Now he is on 150mg just at bedtime plus the 0.5mg of Risperidone. This evening he went to Boys Brigade for the first time in weeks and really enjoyed it but was tearful, then hyper and excited when he came home. His anxiety is pretty bad and the tears keep coming. He just keeps saying that he feels really fed up and upset all the time but doesn't know why. I'm trying not to worry as I'm not a worrier but I can't see him getting ill again like he has been.

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Hi,

 

I'm glad he managed to get out. Maybe it was all a bit much for him though >:D<<'> .

 

It could be the sudden increase in the Sertraline that's causing this upset. If his body is used to 50mgs twice a day, then 150mgs once a day is quite a jump. I'd write down what's been happening, then give his Doctor a call on monday.

 

Hope you have a good weekend >:D<<'> ,

 

Loulou xx

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We've been on our weekly visit to the hospital today and his doc has said to decrease the dose of Sertraline from 150mg back down to 100mg as this could be causing his increased anxiety and agitation. So it's 100mg sertraline and 0.5mg risperidone for now on.

 

Apart from the sleeping being better, there is no real change yet :(

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We've been on our weekly visit to the hospital today and his doc has said to decrease the dose of Sertraline from 150mg back down to 100mg as this could be causing his increased anxiety and agitation. So it's 100mg sertraline and 0.5mg risperidone for now on.

 

Apart from the sleeping being better, there is no real change yet :(

 

 

Hi Fairynormal,

 

I remember it wasnt an easy road at first when my son was introduced to Risperdal, but regular visits or phone calls to the Paediatrician really are necessary to get the right balance. I would also mention your concerns that he is still having trouble sleeping, this sounds like a medication adjustment may be needed. Perhaps the times the meds are given need to be looked at with the Paediatrician. Keep a diary this really helps the doctor work out whats happening, especially seeing your child regularly.

 

Thinking of you, :)>:D<<'>

 

F :)

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hi, my son who is 8 has been on rispodone for about 8months and it has changed his life, before he was on it he had no freinds was constantly excluded from school and i was on the verge of a breakdown! life with R now is still hard dont get me wrong we still have bad days and meltdowns and everything else that goes along with having a special needs child but nothing compared to what it was like before my daughter is happier as she doesnt get attacked the second i leave the room and home is that bit more settled and calmer!!!

He did gain weight the first few months and went from wearing size 8-9 clothes to going up to 12-13 (he is very tall anyway) over the last x2 months he has "grown into it" and what with getting taller and getting more excercise it has evened out and looks better now than he did before.

I honestly belive that had i not made the choice to medicate him his life would not be how it is now, this time last year not one child would play with him at school slowly he has developed the understanding of gentle touching and is not so rough resulting in being allowed to join in alot more which is fantastic for him he has now also joined a local cubs group something that i thought would never happen!!

Hope things work out x

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Well he's still on Risperidone (0.5mg at night) and it's made a huge difference to his life. He sleeps brilliantly and his anxiety is much less severe. He's come on in leaps and bounds in the last couple of months and is a lot more settled and less agitated. We're due to go and see a specialist in Nottingham at the beginning of September who is an expert on meds, as his docs want to start him on Ritalin or similar as his ADHD is pretty manic. They are also looking at giving him a second smaller dose of Risperidone in a morning to help him during the day.

 

I am really pleased with how it's worked for him as apart from the weight gain and constant hunger, it's all positive :D

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im really pleased for you and your son! the weight gain does even itself out after a while and the hunger also subsides after a few months doesnt it make such a difference to your life! x

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Hi fairynormal,

 

Really glad to hear this positive news; what a difference from your earlier posts ! I hope things go on getting better. :)

 

K x

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im really pleased for you and your son! the weight gain does even itself out after a while and the hunger also subsides after a few months doesnt it make such a difference to your life! x

 

 

Hi Fairynormal just caught up with this it was the same for us like shortcake says, the weight sorts itself out in the end. I bought my son a set of weights and he does a workout in his room with his favourite music and this has helped the weight, Risperdal can make them ravenous, just try and toss out the snacks high in sugar and keep lots of healthy alternatives and fruit handy.

 

Great news sounds like you have a really good Specialist involved, we cant do without them in times like this. Ours is a godsend.

 

All the best

 

Fxx

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For parents who's children who take risperidone have you any information on why weightgain is a side effect to the drug?

J has already tried ritalin without success and that was mainly due to severe weightloss so I wonder why one drug can cause weightloss and other drug cause weight gain.

 

 

JsMum

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I have been doing some research into risperidone and I found some interesting information the wieghtgain is down the dompamine levels, I think the drug blocks them and the brian ties to get a dopamine fix and uses food as a way to get it.

 

 

I have some further info on risperidol but asking mods if I can post it first as its personal opiniona of those who have taken the drug,the page that includes children with Autism taking it.

 

JsMum

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I have been doing some research into risperidone and I found some interesting information the wieghtgain is down the dompamine levels, I think the drug blocks them and the brian ties to get a dopamine fix and uses food as a way to get it.

 

 

I have some further info on risperidol but asking mods if I can post it first as its personal opiniona of those who have taken the drug,the page that includes children with Autism taking it.

 

JsMum

 

Hi all/J's mum -

 

As J's mum thought, the personal details of doseages/experiences shown weren't suitable for direct linking from the forum, but it goes without saying that outside of the forum the information could be of great interest to members.

Anyone wanting further info should contact J'sMum through the PM system.

 

Thanks for the heads up, J's mum, and we hope all will appreciate the reasons for our caution in this regard.

 

L&P

 

BD (on behalf of mod/admin team)

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I haven't read all of the thread but my DS tried risperidone, it was a nightmare. He was constantly hungry, he stole food and gained weight and didn't improve at all. Saying this it's not the same for every child!

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