Does seroquel have less side effects than risperdal?

Question

My son who has Asberger/Autism has been on Risperdal for 4 years to control temper tantrums and irritability. He is 16. His MD wants to switch him to Seroquel because he says it does not cause weight gain as much as Risperdal does. My son has been doing very well on Risperdal, it really helps calm him. He has gained weight on it although. I have read that Seroquel also causes weight gain. I have started the Seroquel at a low dose but noticed right away that he is more irritable. He is still on the Risperdal, but we are supposed to taper down on it. Risperdal is approved for autism, so I really don't want to switch. It has taken me 8 years to find a combo of drugs that work for my son. Does anyone know if Seroquel is better than Risperdal for controlling autisic irritabiltiy with less weight gain?

Answer 1

If the risperdal is working, unless there are major problems, I'd stick with using the risperdal instead of switching. But make sure to speak to the doctor first.

Answer 2

It really depends on the severity of autism. I have done work with autisic people and they have been on Seroquel or Risperdal, Seroquel has less severe side effects but, agitation, anxiety and insomnia are all side effects. The same side effects are in Risperdal only not as severe.

Answer 3

According to a site I once found and Unfortunately can't find it now said the opposite.
According to my experience Risperdal had less side effects than Seroquel.

Answer 4

I am worried the Seroquel has been at least part of the reason i started talking to myself out loud and answering it.i just ain't right and don't know what to do about it.Dr.has nothing to say about it.i have changed to the point some people think i am on heroin and cocaine two drugs from hell for sure.i think the heroin would counter the coke,but thankfully i am no professional drug addict.still something is bad wrong and i have no where to turn for help.wife of 43 years left ain't coming back we are able to speak,but she has Parkinson's from taking a drug called Reglan.big time problems she did not need or deserve.no re coarse the lawyer said she did not take it long enough witch is insaine she could not walk or talk for two weeks i took her to hospital and they flushed it out.meds.dam if you do or do not.but if the Seroquel made me nuts i want to know.confused and alone.i am a whiner if you have not deduced it by now.

Answer 5

i have been on both. seroquel is to strong for me it gave me side effects risperdal did no side effects.

Answer 6

I have been on Seroquel for three years. Personally it has worked for me. I does make me tired, so I take it at night. You didn't mention the dose. I take 400mg. which is a large dose. I did gain weight on it. I was diagnosed with diabetes after taking this drug.. Also, you should know there is a "black box" warning about rising blood sugar. There is also a Class Action Lawsuit in place for people who were diagnosed with diabetes and pancreatic problems who took this drug.. Every drug works differently on each person. You should check out the warnings on it. And discuss this with your doctor.

Answer 7

Look online people who have used this drug can help you with answers, Also talk to your doctor, ask how they plan to take your son off the medication, if they plan to just take him off cold turkey instead of easing him off slowly then I suggest see a different doctor and get their advice, taking someone off medication straight away can have bad side affects, you can always ask for others doctors opinions but doctors usually have the best knowledge, review the drug a little online and with the people who have used it.
Goodluck