I am not schizo but my dr put me on risperdal what is it and why would he do that?

Question

but i am dysthymic and have generalized anxiety disorder

Answer 1

I too took risperdal for anxiety... not for schizophrenia. It helped calm things down. A lot of psych medications are used for different disorders.... don't worry to much about it
the link below will tell you any side effects about the medication.

Answer 2

Risperidone (Belivon®, Rispen®, Risperdal® in the United States) is an atypical antipsychotic medication. It is most often used to treat delusional psychosis (including schizophrenia), but risperidone (like other atypical antipsychotics) is also used to treat some forms of bipolar disorder, psychotic depression and Tourette Syndrome.

Generally lower doses are used for autistic spectrum disorders than are used for schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis; risperidone has received a not approved letter from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in Autism.[1]

Risperidone is now the most commonly prescribed antipsychotic medication in the United States.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risperdal

Answer 3

Medications often have several benificial effects. Drug manufacturers will change the label and sell it under a different name, but it's the same pill. Sometimes they discover the effects by accident. (Viagra started as a medication for Angina, but people complained about it's side effects. Now it's used for something entirely different from it's origional purpose, and goes under a different name)

When a doctor proscribes a drug, they weigh the benifits against the side effects. I know my doctor will drop two medications in favor of one a little worse than either of them individually, when the combination of the two is worse, and the replacement would work on what each of the others was treating.

Answer 4

Have you been diagnosed with Border Line Personality Disorder as well as anxiety and depression? Risperidone is prescribed to treat this as well as psychosis. Otherwise you must ask your doctor why he/she wants you to take antipsychotic medication. There are many other more appropriate ones without the side effects of an antipsychotic

Answer 5

Do not EVER go off a medication without talking to your doctor first. By the same token, do not EVER go on a medication without finding out why you're on this medication by asking your doctor or pharmacist. If your doctor is too busy to tell you why you're on this med, get a new doctor. Ask questions, be informed.

You may want to find a copy of the PDR to learn more about the drugs you are taking.

Answer 6

If you are not schizoaffective or bipolar, you should not be on risperdal. If your doctor is using risperdal to treat generalized anxiety disorder, find another doctor. Klonopin, Ativan or Xanax are generally used for anxiety.

Answer 7

I think that's a question that's better asked to your doctor. If he put you on meds, he should have said why or at least answer your questions.

Answer 8

i don't know why he would put you on that, but stop taking it imediately. it can cause irrepairable muscle damage!!