[Squirrel1983]

So, how long is too long on an antipsychotic? When it is time to try a different on (even if the current on is working) out of fear of being on one too long?

I have been on risperidone since Oct. 2008 and am starting worry that I may be on it too long. I have been on varying doses (estimating what I can remember, give or take some time):

Oct 2008 - Nov 2008: 0.5 mg at night
Dec 2008-June 2009: 1 mg at night
July 2009 - Jan 2011: 1mg at night & 0.5 mg in the morning
Feb 2011 - May 2011: 1mg at night & 1 mg in the morning
June 2011 - Jan 2012: 1.5 mg at night & 1 mg in the morning
Feb 2012 - present: 2mg at night & 1 mg in the morning

Now I am afreaid that when I go back to my pdoc in Jan 2013, that he will increase it again because since I saw him last (Oct 2012), I have heard "chatter" again 3 or 4 times, when before that, it was 6 or 7 months since the last time I heard it. I thought it was "working", but now I am not so sure.

When is it time to try something else and how long is too long to be on a certain type of antipsychotic?

Is my current dose in the low, average, or high range?

I just don't want to be over drugged.

I have expressed these concerns with my T, since I see her more often than pdoc and she said I need to voice them in Jan. at my next appt. with him. I am just afraid that he will think am saying that I don't want to be on meds anymore.

thanks for the information

you have not been on your medication too long.....

and your not on too high of a dose....

but i would definetly bring up at your appointment that you dont want "too much" so u might want to suggest keeping your dose the same.

overdrugging is a problem , alot of psychiatrist overmedicate there patients..... but you are not overmedicated.

sometimes after about 20 years the medication might stop working.

i have a friend that has been on risperadol for over 10 years.

if its working then keep taking it.....

if it stops working you need a dosage adjustment.