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Side Effects, Part 2
Back in July, I told you about how we started Matthew on Risperdal, and how the medication was a miracle. Risperdal replaced Geodon, a medication that helped stabilize Matthew 's mood swings, managed his rages and tamed his emotional outbursts. Geodon worked well, but made Matthew sleepy and caused his hands to shake.
On Risperdal, Matthew is happier, more interactive and just plain easier to be with. The tremor is gone, and Matthew seems brighter and more curious. Back in July, I was grateful to see how Risperdal enhanced Matthew's life, and only slightly worried about weight gain, a common side effect of the medication.
"While a small amount of weight gain (about one pound) is typical during treatment with Risperdal," said Matthew's psychiatrist, "some people can gain very large amounts of weight while taking the medication."
Dr. Lawrence Scahill the true expert on this topic from Yale Child Study Center explained that yes, Risperal stimulates appetite.
"So what a person eats is very important."
Well, guess what? Matthew has gained THIRTY pounds since July. He went from being ten pounds underweight to ten pounds overweight, and if I had to describe in in one word, it would be ravenous.
While Matthew's weight was creeping up to what it is now, I told myself that it was better for him to be happy and more interactive than skinny and miserable. Now all I want is a balance.
My plan is to take Matthew to his regular doctor for a check-up. Because when I was about Matthew's age, I went through a ravenous period and gained a lot of weight. My poor mother tried to tell me how important good eating habits and exercise were, but it wasn't until I talked to my doctor that I really got it.
To be contiinued, but any words of wisdom would be GREATLY appreciated!!!
xoLAURA
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Comments on Side Effects, Part 2 »
starrlife @ 12:01 pm
It is the Risperdal plain and simple. I work in psych and I know that the appetite thing is accurate and from the meds. Dr's rarely acknowledge that it is a combo of appestat dysregulation and hormone activity from the medication. Ask re: a mood regulator like Lithium with perhaps only a small amount of Resperdal? Zyprexa is another option? It is hard to say which med will affect which child any particular way- it's just trial and error. Best luck to you in your journey!
Suzanne @ 12:13 pm
I wish I could help you, but all I can say is I've never heard of anyone gaining less that 20 pounds on Risperdal. The psychiatrist that told you only a couple pounds was typical was either misinformed or just not giving you the whole story. I hope you can find the balance–please let us know how things turn out & what you find out!
staying afloat @ 4:37 pm
My son started Risperdal under a month ago. He was weighed this week, and had gained five pounds. In under a month. And he was so hungry that we had to lock up all the food cabinets and fridge, and he'd still get to the food. Also, the anxiety of not being able to eat caused him to have numerous breakdowns and interfere with his functioning. He also has a history of high cholesterol. We cannot continue.
He'd previously been on Abilify, which worked great but eventually caused him to throw up regularly. This is a pretty rare side effect, and all his doctors were surprised to see it. But he only gained maybe five pounds total over an extended use. So I'd try Abilify, which is related to Risperdal.
Good luck, and stay in touch via my blog email. We're also riding a medication-switch roller coaster, and I'd love a friend.
Marcy Strahan @ 11:44 pm
Too me these medications are poision!
I have have lived with Bi-polar disorder for 30 years or more.
I have been free of medication for 10 plus years!
There are many books, web sites & support groups for parents with child who have austism, ADD ect.
All focus on Therapy & diet instead of medication.
I almost died because of side effects from meds!
Now med free & thriving.
We do not know the long term of meds on children.
If there is another way…it's worth a try instead of causing long term health side effects in you child, spouse, loved one!
I cannot stress enough the answer is not in a pill!
The answer is in diet changes & activity therapy.
Prayer & support from other's helps too.
Check out this YouTube video about Adult Stem Cell Therapy for this young girl!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0ZanIBoGHU
Barbara @ 11:47 pm
I comment only on the exercise side….when you posted before on this I was wondering if he could ramp up his mowing – ? He does mow where he lives, doesn't he? Looks like the other commenters have worthy suggestions.
Janice (5 Minutes for Mom) @ 9:24 pm
Oh my thoughts and prayers are with you! Medication is always so complicated. If only there weren't side effects!
I am on meds for my depression and anxiety and I have a love/hate relationship with them because of side effects.
My son is on Strattera for his ADHD and anxiety and I am still undecided whether it is working that well.
tesyaa @ 12:04 am
To Janice re Strattera: I have 2 boys on Strattera for ADHD. I was unsure for a whole year whether it was working or not. I took the younger one off it without telling anyone except my husband, and within a week his teacher called and said he was acting very spacy. He also has an aide in school who has worked with him for 3 years, and she knows him well, and she could see the difference. So it was back to Strattera, and I felt grateful that I got an answer to my question.
I think Strattera affects the attention component of ADHD, not the hyperactivity: the kid is still hyperactive and impulsive, but he sure can get his homework done.
Stacey Harris @ 1:48 am
My son (who is 7 years old) has been on Risperdal for 2 years now and we are not seeing any weight gain, in fact I think he is a bit behind in his growth– The risperdal has really taken the edge off of his meltdowns. my only complaint about risperdol is getting the correct dosage– we use the pills and we have to cut them up very small.
I hope you are able to find out if the weight gain is from the meds or not–
Good Luck !
Lisa Pasquariello @ 8:41 am
My son is 9 and has been on Risperdal for 4 years. I cannot tell anymore if it is making a difference. He is still skinny, but my former foster son did not gain weight on this med til he hit preteens.
It's a very difficult situation when a parent has to choose meds or behaviours.
Mary @ 3:07 pm
I have been on Risperdal for 3 years and gained 60 lbs in 2 years. My doctor put me on Pepcid (generic is Famotidine 4$ WalMart)taken at 3 o clock,which is when cravings are the strongest. With the Pepcid and minor activity(have arthritis)I am starting to lose the weight.Pepcid counteracts the med induced cravings for some reason,hope this helps.