[kimmydawn]

can anyone tell me anything about risperdal? my brother has been recently put on this with his dx of bipolar, major depressive disoder and some type of personality disorder (they're still trying to figure out which one).

he was put on lamactal in the hosp and when he saw the p'doc, he had a fit saying that he was on way too much and could've gone into convulsions...he was swelling badly.

i'd just like to know of any personal experiences with this as he's shown sensitivity to psych meds alot in the past.

thanks,

kd

[sharita]

I was on risperdal for about two months. I didn't have any swelling but it made me feel like a zombie. My speech was slurred my family couldn't even tell what I was saying, I was confused a lot, and experienced a loss of coordination. I moved in slow motion and it took all of my energy to do anything. I was in a daze most of the time like I was there physically but mentally I was somewhere else. The doctor switched me after the nurses and my family were complaining about my behavior, and now I'm on abilify. Which works wonders and I haven't had any experiences like risperdal. Well, hope this helps.

[lenjan]

I've been on Risperdal for 6 years and have never had a problem with it. It makes some people overtired, but has never done that for me. Even as little as an extra half-mg. helps with the cutting urges, which is what I was given it for. I like it a lot. I also like Lamictal a WHOLE lot, it has done very well for my bipolar II.

Candy

[just4today]

Hi kimmydawn,I am diagnosed with bipolar(mixed states,rapid cycling)and borderline personality disorder(among other things).I don't know your brother's paticulars but it has been very helpful to me in various situations.When I have been psychotic(hearing voices)Ihave been abla to take quite large doses with out feeling overly drugged.I take it now for on going psychotic symptoms which are not debilitating and to help me sleep and I can only take a very small amount or I get very fuzzy and hung over.I know that it is being used more and more for things other than psychosis with good reviews.For me,it is a matter of watching my dose.Sometimes as little as .25 mg at night makes a noticeable difference to me.This can be a complex diagnosis and difficult to treat.I am glad your brother has you for support.All the best.jill.