[IdoubtIT]

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.

[wing]

IdoubtIT, I'm am really sorry to hear that you have to give up meds that have worked so well for you in the past.There are so many new meds out there, have hope that you can find others.

[Forgive77]

I know it's hard for me to decide if I should even up my dose of something. It can be frightening. I wouldn't risk your physical health though. There are other things out there, and you'll just have to go threw the trial and error again. But since they know what you're on, and what has worked in the past, I'm sure it will be a little quicker, because they can find something like what you're on now. Hang in there.

I am on Seroquel combined with Abilify and Lithium. Seroquel is equivalent to Rispersol, a newer generation of Risperdol. I don't take it everyday, due to the side effects. I find that by taking this every two days the side effects (sedation, low blood sugar, weight gain) do not happen as frequently as taking this once a day. It's soo utterly disappointing when we have to change our meds.

I have a suggestion for you, with Lithium. And please check this out with your doctor first. I drink alot of water to flush out the accumulation of sodium. Your doctor can give you the max water intake to cause this phenomenon to occur. There is a hormone the kidneys secrete to cause this to occur, forgot the name, will come back and edit this paragraph when I remember the name. Just remembered, it's called Vasopressin. It's a natural diuretic. The kidneys then signal the body to dump excess sodium. I have been doing this for 4 years and so far okay.

[Notbipolarafterall]

I've had so many problems with the meds to treat my supposed childhood bipolar disorder (I actually have histrionic personality disorder, as I was recently diagnosed) like antipsychotic-linked cognitive dulling, weight gain, hair loss from lithium, sexual dysfunction (even after risperdal withdrawal), recurrent acute pancreatitis that almost killed me twice, and I've recently been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer linked again to risperdal. I'm only twenty years old, and now I'm going to die because of risperdal.

[kindachaotic]

Oh sweetheart! Am so sorry to hear this about your health/life, all linked to a medication & wrong dx. If this is your first post please keep posting! Everyone here is kind, will listen & post back.
Cyber talking can be very therapeutic. I can not imagine what you are going thru. You can PM me anytime!

Just know we are here for you.