I take risperidone - 4mg a day. I didn't gain any weight from it, and I've had minimal side effects. But the side effects I do get are freaky - it's messed up my menstrual cycle and I have some problem with minor lactation. I don't find it overly sedating.

If you're looking for something as a mood stabilizer, why not think outside the anti psychotic family and maybe consider lithium. I know it's old and requires frequent blood tests until you get the right level, but it does work.

Personally I'd avoid Seroquel like the plague. I know people who are on it, and they're basically zombies after taking it, and it's heavily sedating.

Remember though I'm not a pdoc. I just know a little bit about meds and know a bunch of people who are on different meds so I know a little bit about them based on their experience.

Good luck with the pdoc.

--splitimage