Thought I would share what I am going through. Risperdal has the side effect in some people of increasing lipids, specifically triglycerides. It can happen down the road, doesn't have to be right after starting it. I had my cholesterol checked last year and triglycerides were fine but this year they are over 600. This is a dangerous range that can cause things like pancreatitis in the short term and coronary artery disease in the long term. So, after 7 years I have to say goodbye to risperdal. I am seeing my pdoc Monday and we have to decide which antipsychotic I am going to use in addition to lithium. I've tried a lot of them, so I'm kind of worried. I have a professional exam in August and I don't know whether to risk getting sick by staying on risperdal through the exam or making the change now to make sure I don't get sick right before the exam. That would suck, too. Not a very appetizing sandwich.

Then there is lithium. I've shown good success when I stay on lithium but I have a hell of a time tolerating the side effects (worsened psoriasis, frequent urination, thirst, thirst, thirst, tremor). Anyway, I've been putting up with them for a while now and took a urine test to test the kidneys. Well, there was protein in the urine. Another side effect of lithium. I'm waiting for my pcp to give me her recommendations as to whether to repeat the test or just see a Nephrologist. In my line of work I have met a LOT of people on dialysis where lithium toxicity was the documented cause. I am terrified of the idea of ending up on dialysis because of this med, but I really see no other choice.