My doctor prescribed Risperidal for my anxiety. I have read that death is a possible "side effect." Then I read about lawsuits. I don't know if I should take the chance.
Also, I have heard that it makes you tired. How long after I take it will I need to go to sleep.?
2006-08-21 07:59:54 · 14 answers · asked by sugarcookie 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I would be afraid to take it.
It is a pretty powerful anti-psychotic medication, not an anti-anxiety medicine. I wouldn't worry so much about death, but I would worry about involuntary muscle movements (tremors), sedation, muscle weakness, or other side effects.
Plus I would worry about taking an anti-psychotic medicine if I wasn't psychotic (are you have hallucinations or delusions? are you schizophrenic? if not, I wouldn't take Risperdal)
2006-08-21 08:07:45 · answer #1 · answered by Zippy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Like the others say, any medication has side effects. My experience with the tiredness is that initially it will make you sluggish, but usually that subsides after a few weeks. Whatever you do, make sure that you don't stop taking it suddenly because it makes you tired. Your best bet is to allow your body time to get used to it, and then if you still have a problem consult with your psychiatrist. S/He may tell you to take it at a different time of day or adjust your dosage.
I work with the mentally ill and one of the most common medication compliance issues is stopping and starting meds, which like I said doesn't allow your body to get used to it and causes you to have to experience a shock to your system every time you start back up taking it.
The second most common error is not talking to the doctor about what you're experiencing to see if something can be done. As it stands now, the doc thinks you're taking the meds and has no idea what you're going through. There are plenty of meds and dosages out there, make that doctor earn his money by finding the right one for you!
2006-08-21 11:24:48 · answer #2 · answered by msquitacat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took Risperdal to treat a manic episode. (I am bipolar) It was the worst drug I have ever taken. The side effects were horrible. My vision became very blurry, my speech was slurred, and I could not think clearly at all. And this was on a very low dosage! I felt as if I were moving in slow motion while the world spun on without me! I was not myself, and everyone around me knew it.
If I were you, I would consult another doctor before taking this drug. If we're talking anxiety, there are plenty of medications and treatments that would do the trick, depending on the level of your anxiety.
Risperdal is very dangerous, and should not be taken lightly!
2006-08-21 17:42:04 · answer #3 · answered by tamminator2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took risperdal because I was suffering from schizophrenia like symptoms. It didn't help me at all, it made me really tired and I was like a complete zombie all the time. But it can affect eveybody differently, I was also taking Zoloft at the same time. If you're uncomfortable with taking Risperdal, ask for a different medication, or maybe try some counseling sessions instead.
2006-08-21 09:16:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Death is a risk in ALOT of medications. My mother took Risperdal for years and it helped her alot! I took Zoloft for my anxiety and it was a miracle worker! Just be very careful coming off of these medication because you can get some really bad side affects. I got very very depressed and my anxiety went through the roof when I tried to just stop my meds. I had to go see the doctor and have him take me off slowley. Good luck.
2006-08-21 08:06:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is an anti-psychotic drug, not an anti-anxiety drug. If you are concerned (and I would be), then discuss it further with your doctor. There are other medications for anxiety. Risperdal os for schizophrenia.
However, remember that ALL medications have the potential for side effects. Reading teh inserts can be a scary experience.
Well done on looking out for your own well-being, though.
2006-08-21 08:08:51 · answer #6 · answered by Pangolin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get a second opinion. Risperidol is a very strong medication, and usually given for serious mental illness. It is an anti-psychotic. There are other meds that help anxiety, with fewer side affects. And yes, Resperidol can make you very drowsy. Ask your doctor if another med that isn't as strong will work. If he or she still wants to prescribe Resperidol, see someone else.
2006-08-21 08:10:17 · answer #7 · answered by Ally K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Risperdal is typically prescribed for pschotic symptoms and can also be used sometimes for bipolar mania treatment. It can cause drowsiness, but as far as when to take it you need to ask your doctor about that.
If you're really uncomfortable with taking this then you should talk to your doctor about maybe taking another type of medication for treatment of anxiety.
2006-08-21 08:11:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have taken Risperdal along with other medication but I am certain it was the cause of most symptoms I still have even after being off of it for roughly three months. So, I am not sure about this drug.
2006-08-24 12:31:01 · answer #9 · answered by Ana M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just becareful of all theseme medication ,though risperdal is very good bcos i have seen some people that take it for anxiety and it does work.
2006-08-21 09:15:08 · answer #10 · answered by roymark 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋