[NOS-NOS]

I have been on this for about 4+years for mood disorder NOS. Now at 6mg/day, the highest I've went and the most effective dose. Over that time I have been going through cycles of trying to wean off ==> experiencing symptoms that affect my mental state (i.e. uncomfortable mood shifts and inability to handle stressors, e.t.c.) ==> going back up in dosage until symptoms are suppressed.

I spoke with my pdoc and I suggested that I try weaning off slower, .5 mg each drop instead of 1 mg. He agreed it's worth a shot - he wants to get me down to at least 4 mg. For each drop in dosage I usually stay on that dose for 3 months. I have been back down to 1 mg without apparent symptoms in the past, but in the last few cycles I haven't got past 3 or 4 mg. Has anyone else been through this and has going down in dose slower helped?

Also, does anyone have any literature on taking this long-term? I haven't been able to find anything too useful. This is one of the reasons I want to wean off, uncertainty about long-term side effects. Since my use is off-label, this would make it harder to find studies relevant to my situation (I'm sure there's plenty of schizophrenia research on it).

I know that all meds have their risks and would like to be med-free. If what I experienced was episodic I am hoping that I would return to the state of relative normalcy that I was at before the episode. I need to know about the worst case scenario though, if I have to stay on these meds indefinitely.

[Travelinglady]

A lot of these drugs' "long-term effects" aren't known because they haven't been out all that long--or no one has followed through with the research.

Your doctor at least sounds willing for you to wean off. However, if you get too miserable, then you might ask about alternative drugs or go back to the level that makes you function the best.

There's no shame to taking drugs. If we need them, then we need them.

(You might go on Google and look this drug up to see what folks have said about it in other places, if no one responds here after awhile.)

I was on it at one point, along with many other drugs. I don't remember now why I was taken off it.

[Victoria'smom]

My son's on risperdal for "off-label" use. You need to look at the risks of you not on that medication and decide if it's worth it. I don't think it matters what DX you have the long term side effects will be the same. Here are some of the side effects.

[NOS-NOS]

Well I guess the unknown is can I come off of it completely if I taper down slower. I know what the risks are, I may become obsessive and over sensitive, agitated and depressed, among some others. I am hoping this was episodic and the symptoms won't return this time. I've been relatively stable without meds for most of my life.

Originally Posted by NOS-NOS

I have been on this for about 4+years for mood disorder NOS. Now at 6mg/day, the highest I've went and the most effective dose. Over that time I have been going through cycles of trying to wean off ==> experiencing symptoms that affect my mental state (i.e. uncomfortable mood shifts and inability to handle stressors, e.t.c.) ==> going back up in dosage until symptoms are suppressed.

I spoke with my pdoc and I suggested that I try weaning off slower, .5 mg each drop instead of 1 mg. He agreed it's worth a shot - he wants to get me down to at least 4 mg. For each drop in dosage I usually stay on that dose for 3 months. I have been back down to 1 mg without apparent symptoms in the past, but in the last few cycles I haven't got past 3 or 4 mg. Has anyone else been through this and has going down in dose slower helped?

Also, does anyone have any literature on taking this long-term? I haven't been able to find anything too useful. This is one of the reasons I want to wean off, uncertainty about long-term side effects. Since my use is off-label, this would make it harder to find studies relevant to my situation (I'm sure there's plenty of schizophrenia research on it).

I know that all meds have their risks and would like to be med-free. If what I experienced was episodic I am hoping that I would return to the state of relative normalcy that I was at before the episode. I need to know about the worst case scenario though, if I have to stay on these meds indefinitely.

When I received Risperodone it came with instructional information about side effects and the dangers of taking it. I only took half of one to start with and my heart started racing fast, one of the side effects. When you get your prescriptions they are suppose to come with all the information about them. Kaiserpermanente .org has a site that tells you about all of the Antidepressants, SSRI' etc.
"The Empereror's New Drugs" author: Irving Kirsch, Ph.D is a book to look at.

[NOS-NOS]

I bought a book for 28 dollars on this topic. I decided I'm going to talk with my pdoc next visit about trying to get off the meds.