I’m not sure which. I tried skipping my dosage last night, obviously not advocating such things, but just being honest about it. I was curious and I was also kind of dreading to take it, so I rationalized to myself to have an experiment.
The result was that I didn’t get feelings of despair or sorrow, I didn’t cry, I felt no real emotion. I also didn’t get any depressing intrusive thoughts. However I also felt a strong need to stay awake even when I had become definitely tired. I was up until 5AM and even then woke up 5 hours later at 10AM. Now I still feel emotionally numb, relaxed and “okay” but can tell my body is tired, I have that physical hungover feeling. So I feel like it is confirmed that Risperidone is somehow playing a role in these depression and crying spells at night.
However I was also thinking today while having my morning coffee, that for the past several years it has been very rare for me to cry. I’m usually experiencing anxiety and anger, or I’m numb, but sadness and crying are rare. Sad intrusive thoughts are rare, too, it’s usually frightening or angry intrusive thoughts. And I do think Risperidone has helped me even from day 1 as far as alleviating anxiety and anger. So I am wondering if it’s just that shoving that stuff out of the way has unearthed things that have always been there. As opposed to Risperidone “causing” a depression.
I just can’t tell if it’s the Risperidone that is causing depression symptoms, or if the depression symptoms have always been there but were “masked” but other symptoms, and now Risperidone has started to get rid of the other symptoms that were masking the underlying depression. It’s hard to tell.
It would also really help I think if my therapist wanted to work with me, instead of cancelling appointments left and right and then acting aloof and critical when we do see each other. Like it would have been nice to try to figure out if these intrusive thoughts have been psychological or symptoms.
Like 2 months? I think I am on the third week, my mind is a bit foggy but I think that’s right, so it would be about 1 more month if I gave it 2 months.
I understand meds take time but I also feel pressured to be stable and have things sorted out as soon as possible. So it gives me this feeling like if a med doesn’t seem to be the right one, then I shouldn’t waste time.
My pdoc seemed to think 1 month was an acceptable time frame, I did 1 month on Latuda and then she said okay we can switch and that she was glad I tried it for one month.
Yes I suppose it could be strong coincidence, but damn.
I’ve been on Respiridone for 9 years. Missing one dose isn’t enough to conclude anything. On one occasion I missed my dose for 4 days and began to have withdrawal symptoms. Mental illness is tricky.
I had a major depression on risperidal. Going back on a typical AP probably saved my life. This was when it first came out so there weren’t other good alternatives.
My anxiety and agitation returned a bit today, but still no crying or suicidal feelings. Right now I feel like I have to choose between one or the other. I see the therapist tomorrow, hopefully, if she doesn’t cancel on me again. I will tell her about these experiences and she will probably relay the information to my pdoc. This experience has at least made me realize that I am far more comfortable being angry than being sad. I find sorrow unbearable but agitation to be my “norm”.
I take Trilafon, when I increase the dose I cry and feel depressed. Haldol does not have this effect.
Sounds like Risperidal may not be the best one for you
