His psychiatrist started him on Risperdal, which is apparently an antipsychotic.
She said it's for his "anger" issues.
I'm really, really struggling with this decision. Risperdal is often prescribed for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
I'm open to the fact that this may help him. But I'm sad about it. I'm afraid he is going to be a zombie or something on it. Or that he won't be able to express his personality.
"You. You and your crazy life. You and your geographic anomaly. You and your drunken lesbianic ways and terrible navigational skills." - ProfArt and her holy baby
(((iamali))) Because I don't know what to say. Just *hugs* for you and your poor kiddo. You're a good mom. He's a good kid. You'll get it figured out. And more hugs because anyone in your shoes right now needs all the hugs.
Trust your doctor. Anti psychotics are used for a variety of issues, not just the big ones your thinking of. The kids I've seen on it are definitely not zombies. Don't let the class of medications it belongs to scare you. Be easy on yourself. ((Hugs))
Post by lightbulbsun on Apr 18, 2014 9:25:03 GMT -5
I was prescribed Seroquel, also an anti-psychotic, for insomnia a few years ago. It freaked me out at first, but some drugs can be effective for a lot of different symptoms.
If prescribed correctly that med can be really effective and usually doesn't have the zombie effect. So try it, if you do see zombie effects or anything off, talk to the doc, getting the right med/dosage to help without being too much or too little may take a little time so don't think it's all or nothing. ((hugs)) I hope the new med helps him.
Post by cinnamoncox on Apr 18, 2014 9:31:42 GMT -5
((Iamali)) you're such a great mom to your little boy. I totally understand your concerns and I wish you nothing but hope and progress. Did the doc tell you a rough estimate on how long until you may see improvement? I've been on a few different things (in the past) and it can vary on how long until it's at a therapeutic level, so I hope you see positive changes soon. Good luck to you and your boy.
I usually just lurk, but I wanted you to know that my daughter (21) has been on Risperdal for 5+ years for mood management related to Aspergers Syndrome. She is an amazing kid - alert, positive, and best of all, she can access her coping skills so much easier. The only side effect she has experienced is some tiredness if she returns to the med after not taking it for a few days. You are a great mom, making great decisions for your kid. The right meds can absolutely help him reach a place where he can express himself and feel good about himself. Big hugs.
I usually just lurk, but I wanted you to know that my daughter (21) has been on Risperdal for 5+ years for mood management related to Aspergers Syndrome. She is an amazing kid - alert, positive, and best of all, she can access her coping skills so much easier. The only side effect she has experienced is some tiredness if she returns to the med after not taking it for a few days. You are a great mom, making great decisions for your kid. The right meds can absolutely help him reach a place where he can express himself and feel good about himself. Big hugs.
Thank you for this. We're really hoping it helps with mood management. I still want him to be my little boy, you know? I'm so afraid of losing "him".
((Iamali)) you're such a great mom to your little boy. I totally understand your concerns and I wish you nothing but hope and progress. Did the doc tell you a rough estimate on how long until you may see improvement? I've been on a few different things (in the past) and it can vary on how long until it's at a therapeutic level, so I hope you see positive changes soon. Good luck to you and your boy.
He's going back in 3 weeks so she can get a feel for how he is doing.
I know "anti psychotic" is a scary name for a medication but meds are used off-label all the time. I hope this helps him.
Big hugs to you.
Remind me: how old is he again? What's his diagnosis?
Yes jenny, it's the name/class. I just fear one more label will be hoisted upon him.
He's 10. Diagnosis is ADHD with severe anxiety (per his child psychiatrist). Possibly some Aspergers (this is a pedi assessment, not the psychiatrists).
Risperdal is a powerful medication. When it works as intended it can be life changing.
I know people who take it for schizophrenia, bipolar and ASD- generally it is prescribed at much lower doses for ASD. It can make the difference between being home and being in a RTF or between a mainstream setting and a self contained one.For kids on spectrum it can help them get unstuck and access the supports and interventions in the moment. If it the right med, you will see the best of your DS while he takes it.
It does have a scary profile of side effects; you should be aware of what to look for and contact your prescriber immediately if you have any concerns.