Risperdal, good or bad?

My daughter is 11 years old and she's been having alot of behavior issues lately and trouble falling asleep at night (going to sleep anywhere from 1:30 to 3:30AM everyday).  The Neurologist just started her on Risperdal Tabs 0.5mg but after reading the possible side affects and all the other information, I am a bit worried.  Has your child taken this drug and improved or benefited from it?  I'd love for you to share your experiences and story with me if possible.  Hoping this will really work but I am a bit anxious.  Hope to hear from you!  Take Care, Kimmys Mom.

[Jeanne61]

Hi Annie, I've put a thread up on here but no replies so far.  My son nearly 16 was put on risperdal nearly 4 weeks ago for his behaviour problems, i.e self harming and being very anxious.  The medication has been increased from 1mg twice a day to 2mg twice a day.  I havent noticed any difference at all.  I did read somewhere that it can take up to 4 or 6 weeks to really notice any changes so I just don't know.  Sorry I can't be of anymore help.
How long now has your daughter been on the medication?  It is a very small amount so they may put her up to 1mg twice a day once its been established that there are no side effects thats why they normally start off on such a small dose.

[AnnieFL]

Hello and thanks for responding...I actually just started her last night, and that's why I sent this message as I was reading on the internet and the more I read the more I got worried, but I know I've heard from the neurologist that most kids do well on it.  We have tried other meds that have not really helped her to sleep at night and she has started going thru some behavior issues such as biting herself and others plus tantrums like not wanting to go to school or even not wanting to get out of my car to go to the store or come inside the house.  I tried staying away from Risperdal for so long now...they recommened it to me for her about a year ago but I did not want to give it to her.  I don't think we have so many other choices at this time other than just hope it gets better.  I gave in and thought I'd give it a chance as I want her to do better and I want her to stop hurting herself.  She is non-verbal, so I worry that she may not tell me she is not feeling good with this med.  How about your son?  Lets keep in touch and communicate on how they progress.  We just have to have faith at this point I think.  Sometimes you only hear about the people that had problems with Risperdal.  We have to be very alert to any side affects and contact doctor if necessary, but I am still very scared, don't get me wrong.  Hope to hear from you again soon.  Take Care, Annie

[Jeanne61]

Hi Annie just sent you an email.  I hope the medication works out for your child, its not easy getting the right thing for your child, each child is different what works for one doesn't always work for another x

[mary345]

my son is 6 years old he has been on risperdal for 2 years now and i can tell you that his behavior has improved so much you do have to watch blood sugar while on it my son had some spikes in the 400 range but that was also right after eating something sweet and it only happen 2 times and it went back down to normal within the hour he has also started having some vocal tics i don't think it is do to the meds though infact the dr increased the risperdal he said it will also help with the tics my son also takes tenex at night to help him sleep he usually had a very hard time falling and staying asleep and it seems to help a lot