Risperdal

[Prettymomma]

My son was prescribed risperdal a few months ago, but just in this past week after his psych eval. and really hurting his younger brother I have decided to go with it. I wanted it to be a last resort. I have tried dieting, prescribed sleep aids because I thought he was tired (he hardly slept), schedules, pictures, everything. And the aggression just got worse. Like I said the risperdal was a lqst resort. He will be 4 in Sept. and his dose is .25mg cut in half with one half in AM and one half in the night. Since starting 3 days ago the past 2 mornings he has had huge unbelievable tantrums (which isnt out of character generally speaking). Usually mornings are a great time of day for him and I kn ow he isnt tired because since adding the risredal he has slept all night for the first time ever (I think). Is it one of those things that get worse before it gets better? Does it take a while to build u in the system? all of it is just breaking my heart. I wish I knew why he goes into that "zone". Is it just the aggression that im ultimately going to see an improvement with? BTW he is DX with PDD-NOS. I would just like some insight on what has worked for others, the drug risperdal, and if there are any other medication options.

[Prettymomma]

thanks for the advice on the book I will check it out!

[vibo]

I read your posting with a heavy heart. It hurts so much to see your child go through this and you feel helpless.
I want to tell you one last thing to try on your child. You said you tried the modified diet and that did not help. Have you tried Digestive enzymes? Most people are unaware of how Amazing enzymes are!

Please, please, please read this book, 'Enzymes for Autism and other Neurological conditions' by Karen DeFelice. You will not be able to put this book down. If your library does not have it, they will get it from another one for you, or you can buy it new or used online. I bought it used on Amazon.
You will learn in this book just how much a role your digestive system plays in the overall health and wellbeing of us all. 80% of your immune system is in your gut (digestive system!). If your gut is happy, you will not have migraines, you will feel better, etc.
You have nothing to lose. I hope you are able to get this book and learn all it has to teach you!!!!

[KarenDiane]

I don't have any experience with risperdal. I do know that most psych meds do take 2-3 weeks to build up in the body. Your son's tantrums could be due to feeling confused after sleeping deeply. It might be a new sensation to him. Or the meds could be making him feel "funny". A lot of kids will say they don't like the way psych meds make them feel. If you are concerned, you should call the Dr. who prescribed the meds. He may need his dosage tweaked.