Risperdal is an atypical antipsychotic that is used for a multitude of disorders. It is a mixed serotonin-dopamine antagonist. One of the advantages of the atypical antipsychotics, as opposed to the conventional antipsychotics (haldol, thorazine) is that they also antagonize serotonin receptors, which results in inhibition of a natural feedback loop in the brain and increases dopamine in the frontal cortex. That can result in improved cognition and lessening of depressive symptoms.
Risperdal is generally well tolerated as antipsychotics go. Common side effects include sedation, somnolence, and weight gain. Long term use at high doses, however, can have some pretty drastic consequences, like tardive dyskinesia (a syndrome resembling Parkinson's) and glucose intolerance leading to diabetes. At low doses (0.25mg-2mg) it is generally quite safe. It is usually recommended that the entire dose be taken at bedtime to lessen daytime sedation and improve sleep quality. There is no clinical interaction between risperdal and concerta, but you may find that the addition of risperdal will counteract some of the CNS stimulant properties of the concerta. That should not result in loss of effectiveness for either drug.
Can I ask what dose? Is it for you or a child? What was it prescribed for? Sorry for the questions... the answer to your question about side effects varies wildly from the lower doses to the higher doses. Again, I apologize for rambling...
.Was wondering if anyone out there has any experience comments with these drugs taken together. I am already quite familiar with Concerta, more inquiring about Risperidone. Side affects? Good? Bad? 90 mg..to me that sounds like alot. Part of my problem was the expectation, I guess. My nephew, who is over twice the size of my son, responded very well to the 54 mg of Concerta. I guess I was expecting, or maybe hoping, my son would as well. I know every case is different, but it's difficult to see him doing so well, when my son is still struggling.Hi. My son sounds just like your son. Has he had thourogh neuro psych tests done? We added risperdal to his 54 mg of Concerta and it seemed to help a little with his aggression. But, man is he hungry. Since we have been home tonight he has had ravioli, a bananna, a snack bag of doritos, reduced fat wheat thins, and now he is making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. He has gained 11 lbs since adding it in July. Keep it to a lower dose. WE went up to 1.5 mg and I think it started to make him more angry. So lowered it back down to 1 mg 2x/day. It does definitley have a sedating effect. Okay for him with school. But, at night it helps him go to bed with fewer arguments and fall asleep quicker. My son is going to have neuro psych testing done as well. For the moodiness. ONe thing to consider when stimulants don't work well is bipolar. Dramatic mood swings, not like classic adult bp. Chronic irritability being the main symptom. I am a member at the CABF website bpkids.org a lot of information there. Great site. Some kids who are bipolar become manic on stims. Also, when stims only work briefly and lose their effectiveness is another indicator of bp. Don't mean to startle you or scare you. But, thought it might be something to consider. Again, I don't know your son and his behaviors, and I am not a psychiatrist. Another suggestion is to ask about seroquel. It is supposed to work well too. Mood stabilizing properties. I have a friend whose son is on this. Along with his adderal. My son is on 90mg of Concera. For the last 5 days. Finally, 3 good days in a row of school. But, pdoc is now concerned of the dose. Going to try 72 mg tomorrow until she researches this area a little more.
Good luck. I would be interested in hearing more.
Christy
Tina,
Good luck. I don't mean to put something there that may not be there. My son is on 72mg of Concerta now. Did great first day, today was awful. Risp may not be our answer. I sincerely hope it is yours.