[emme21]

My pdoc wants me to try taking Risperdal again. I tried before but said I didn't want to anymore, and lied about what side-effects I was having, it was too embarrassing, horrifying, disturbing, and all of the above for me (lactating ). If It also did not make me feel good - this is what I told my pdoc. I felt more than numb. I felt like a limb was asleep, prickly on the inside and numb too, but instead of a limb it was my whole body, metaphorically speaking.

Originally, I kind of made it sound like I couldn't adjust or was kind of copping out. :/ Normally I feel comfortable or at least suck it up when there's an event or symptom that stands out, but this is just too embarrassing, even though I know it probably shouldn't be. And I do want to follow his best advice, it has really helped when no other doctors had, but this one I can't do.

Is there some kind of alternative I can preemptively suggest to my pdoc...? I also avoid meds with weight gain - I've had that experience before, and it was awful. I have an eating disorder, so you can imagine the results.

Btw, he wants to give it to me because I've been having terrible nightmares for a long time and also anxiety where I can't do anything.

Anyone??

[~JD~]

He's trying to force-feed you an antipsychotic for insomnia and anxiety?
Sounds about right for a psychiatrist.

There are other antipsychotics you could try out. Seroquel is about the most mild one you'll find, but it is known to cause weight gain in *higher* doses, not the doses they give to help with insomnia or anxiety.

Are you wondering what other meds in general you could ask for? Or specifically replacements for risperidone?

Also, antipsychotics are known to cause extremely vivid dreams, so risperidone is a terrible suggestion given your nightmare issue :/

[sunrise]

I recommend telling him about the lactation problem. You make it harder for him to help you if you aren't honest about the side effects. He will be very matter of fact when you tell him; this side effect occurs with a number of people and he is sure to have seen it before.

Are your only issues to address nightmares and anxiety? If so, how about Vistaril? It's pretty benign--an antihistamine--and can help take the edge off anxiety and also help with sleep.

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by emme21

Is there some kind of alternative I can preemptively suggest to my pdoc...? I also avoid meds with weight gain - I've had that experience before, and it was awful. I have an eating disorder, so you can imagine the results. (

Your main alternatives are Abilify and Geodon, both of which an order of magnitude more expensive than Risperdal.