Comments on: Side effects

By: Stacey Harris

Stacey Harris — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:08:03 +0000

WOw… it’s intresting to read how differently kids are affected by this medication–
My son who is 6 is taking the smallest dose –he is diagnosised with Sensory Processing Disorder– and it has really helped us– it has helped take the meltdowns to managable level…only about three a month– there is much less agression and a willingness to listen and think before having a temper tantrum….! He seems to be eating as normal.. which is — sometimes he eats well and sometimes he is picky… He hasn’t seemed to gain any weight… but then he spends most of his day on his bike.
This medication does help him to sleep — longer and stay sleeping–
I would love to read how other kids are doing on this medication– since it is used for kids with different diagnosis…

By: Ecki

Ecki — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:10:49 +0000

When Kayla initially started Risperdal, she ate nonstop! But that only lasted a few weeks and she actually lost weight at her last appointment (although I take those scales with a grain of salt, especially since Kayla won’t stand still on them!).

Since Kayla never had any aggressive or self-injurious behaviors, I was surprised that her doctor suggested Risperdal. He felt that it might help her go from being nonverbal to verbal.

Well, that hasn’t happened, but she does seem more “present” and able to focus. Not sure if that’s worth keeping her on it (she’s been on for about 8 months now).

By: Barbara

Barbara — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:44:30 +0000

I’m aware of a diagnosis where the person never feels satisfied. I feel really badly for someone like that. I think you’v got the right term – appetite – wanting to eat is triggered by this med, evidently.

“it is best to keep high carbohydrate food junk food out of the house to avoid a daily struggle”

So if he is offered two apples instead of steak….? Which also interacts with the idea of front-loading fiber. With increased quantity of food, if it does not move along in the system – those two facts alone will increase weight.

And, can you find him a few more lawns to mow?

By: LauraS

LauraS — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:23:21 +0000

other than the weight, has it helped??

By: Deborah

Deborah — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:13:04 +0000

Both my daughters are on Risperdal and the weight gain has definitely been an issue. My problem is getting my daughter who is deafblind and has always had feeding issues to eat things that are lower in calories. I haev yet to succeed in getting her to eat anything other than smushy foods – mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, etc – and those things are definitely not healthy.

My objective is trying a behavior modification approach while slowly reducing the Risperdal.