Recently I took J to a psychiatrist to explore medicinal options that would help him control his anger problems. We met with a highly-recommended doctor who asked many good questions and we agreed to meet again. When we arrived for the second visit, I waited in the lobby while J met with the doctor. After about five minutes they invited me to join them. The doctor than outlined his recommended treatment plan that started with J taking the drug Risperdal. I asked the doctor to tell us about the drug including its potential side effects and he gave us a cursory overview and said J might experience some weight gain. That was it… No further explanation. We agreed to try it and he wrote us a script.
Later I spent some time researching the drug and I was horrified to discover that it was an extremely risky product with possible side effects including:
Somnolence, increased appetite, fatigue, rhinitis, upper respiratory tract infection, vomiting, coughing, urinary incontinence, increased saliva, constipation, fever, tremors, muscle stiffness, abdominal pain, anxiety, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, rash, restlessness, and indigestion.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a rare and potentially fatal side effect reported with RISPERDAL and similar medicines.
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a serious, sometimes permanent side effect reported with RISPERDAL and similar medications. TD includes uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue, and other parts of the body.
RISPERDAL and similar medications can raise the blood levels of a hormone known as prolactin, causing a condition known as hyperprolactinemia. Blood levels of prolactin remain elevated with continued use. Some side effects seen with these medications include the absence of a menstrual period; breasts producing milk; the development of breasts by males; and the inability to achieve an erection.
High blood sugar and diabetes have been reported with RISPERDAL and similar medications.
What really freaked me out was that Tardive Dyskinesia affliction could remain permanently! This drug is generally used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. I am very concerned that anyone would recommend this medication to treat a mild anxiety/irritability disorder.
I am really pissed off and I view this doctor as uncaring and out of touch with his patients, at least J.
Now I need to figure out what do to next. WTF…
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2 comments:
Wow, that's pretty damn scary!
I'd probably try to get a second opinion, or at least talk to another doctor about the prescription/drugs before pursuing any other action.
I don't blame you though for being pissed. What amazes me though is that these kinds of pills are even available. The side-effects that these drugs can cause seem to me to be way worse than the condition that it is supposed to treat!
I had a panic attack and my husband took me to the hospital. After I was breathing normally, I began to yell. I was furious with myself and even madder at the hospital staff for not getting me out of there soon enough. The doctor gave me a shot of Risperdal. I didn't pass out right away, but I did sleep the next two days. My anger went away. I was passive, but still me without any of the above mentioned side effects. I believe that it did help me through my episode.
A lot of bipolar medications say tardive or akathasia. It doesn't necessarily mean that it will happen to him. If you notice it or he tells you it's happening to him, then there is another medication, Cogentin, that will help relieve the problem.
I know you want the best for him. The problem must've been bad enough for you to go see a doctor. Do you know what happened while you were not in the room? Maybe your son told him something that helped him to come to that diagnosis. Why don't you get a second opinion if that makes you feel better?
Just my humble thoughts. I hope the situation gets resolved and you're happy.
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