Anyone using Risperdal??? | ADHD Information

My 6.5yo ds was on risperdal for awhile. He actually had wonderful results as far as mood and outburst are concerned. I've even joked with my parents about wanting to put him back on it, because no other meds seemed to work. Well actually, straterra worked really well for concentration/focus, but the moodiness was getting out of control and he was starting to get really violent (against himself and others). But that's another story.

The only reason my son is not taking risperdal now is that we have a very extensive family history of diabetes and risperdal does affect the way the body processes sugars. It is a bit like HFCS where the brain doesn't get the right signals about how much food has been ingested. This was ok for us, because my ds is soooooo skinny that he needed a few extra calories, but it can lead to problems in the long run.

If you end up with good results from this med, you could easily control this problem by setting set amounts and times of day for eating, and stick to the routine. I think that's how people with Prader-Willi syndrome control this issue. There might be some other problems associated with it (like muscle tension), but I know of some children with autism who have been on this med for awhile without those side-effects showing up.

I would really talk to the doc about your concerns. For us, we used risperdal as a stop-gap until we could find another alternative that might work to cover the moods as well as the focus. And it REALLY helped with the outbursts, anger and violence...but it did take awhile for it to kick in and we had to give it on a precise schedule until we noticed a difference. Good luck to you. If you have any specific questions please let me know.    

Does the psychologist do therapy with her?  I'm just wondering, because you said the docs don't think it from ADHD, could this change in behavior be from something going on in her life...like someone close to her dying or a other trauma?  Just a thought...

I'm sorry but I don't have any experience with Risperdal but I have seen others on this board talk about it.  Hopefully they will respond to your post.  I wish you the best and I hope things get better for her!

My DD 14 has ADD and some minor autism characteristics.

She was under control and able to function until this year ... 8th grade.  She was taking Daytrana and Focalin in  the AM for a jump start.

She is not applying herself at all in school and compulsively lying.  She cannot manage keeping herself clean ... such as wearing/changing underwear and brushing her teeth.

In a quick summary life is a disaster.

We have tried adjusting her ADHD meds with no improvement.  We tried taking her off and that was a disaster.

We are under the care of a neurologist (who dispenses the meds), psychologist and most recently a psychiatrist.

They believe my daughter's current problems have nothing to do with ADD.  She is completely disconnected from reality and cannot predict the outcome of her actions.  I have to say a very frightening thought.

They recommended Respital.  I have a prescription and the neurologist said to give it a try.

I have read the literature and have mixed emotions.

Just wondering if anyone has had experience with this???

debby-nj40275.459537037

I know you mention 8th grade, but do you think puberty could be getting in the way?

Also just another thought, what about re -evaluating her? you mention autistic tendencies, which I read about often here with adhd'ers, I wonder if they are coming out more as she has gotten older. Maybe a updated evaluation would answer those concerns.

Just a thought.

I am sorry I have no experience with the med, my son is on concerta and tenex (guanfacine) both help him tremendously.

Wish I could be of more help.

Years ago a doc gave me Risperdal to help slow my brain and get me in a good sleep pattern, but only for a week.  I have severe GAD, and it was the best med I was ever on.  I am on Klonipin now, but if Risperdal didn't not cause the weight and blood sugar issues I would be back on it in a heartbeat.

One or the other:
I am wondering what other med you found that covered the moods and focus?