My husband was taking Risperidone 2mg daily, but stopped complaining of tiredness, gaining weight, depression (it was worse when he took 4mg so it was lowered). His psych says to stay on it because it worked before (thought they were supposed to help the patient). Husband getting delusional again-I want to suggest a new med to try. Anyone try Risperidone and had similar side effects and then tried another med that worked better? I know its different for everyone, just trying to find some hope for him because he’s not enthusiastic about trying another med-thinks they are all the same. I appreciate any response!
There not all the same and they don’t react the same for everyone. But I had similar issues with rispedone. I faught taking it but it just prolonged the inevitable. He needs these meds. When I finally gave in and took it consistently I built up a resistance to all the negative effects might take a year but it slowly gets better. I drank a lot of coffee the first 6 months , didn’t feel I had a choice. But they finally let me try an anti depressant and it helped greatly. Doing great now back to normal.
How long has he been on meds?
He was on it for 8 years and I did see the weight gain (his appetite went way up), depression (he did take an anti depressent but said it didn’t help and he stopped it). The side effects did not diminish. I agree he does need meds, but the depression and the tiredness was hurting him.
I’m so impressed that you stuck with it and it paid off. I wish my husband had the insight that he needs medication and that he needs to try different ones to find one that may work better.
How is he doing beside feeling bad? I mean is he active?
What you are decsribing are pretty much typical effects of antipsychotic medication - they work this way.
While on risperidone I got reslteness and generally it was doing nothing for my delussions, got better on olanzapine which helped with positive symptoms but is also a heavy tranqualizer, got sedating effect and makes you gaining weight. Pdoc said it to have antidepressing effect but to be honest haven’t felt any.
Aripiprazole is marketed as “activating” works for some
Hi @ANNECHANG,
I’d like to direct you over to our Family forum, found at:
While this forum is for people with schizophrenia and other closely related psychotic disorders, the Family forum is specifically for people like yourself, who have a loved one they are concerned about.
Also, please let your loved one know about this forum as they may find it helpful.
Best of luck,
Minnii,
Volunteer Moderator