My doctor has just put me on Risperdal for depression to take with Prozac. I read that this medication can cause severe weight gain (I'm already overweight, which is depressing in itself). Would you please share your experiences good/and or bad that you've had with this medication. I really appreciate it!
My son was on it BRIEFLY in connection with this ADHD/OCD. Briefly b/c the side effects were weight gain, hand tremors (tardive diskinesia which could be permanent) and drooling! GAH. Unless absolutely necessary, try and find something else. Hated this medication.
ugh, a few years back I had this added to an anti depressant I was taking, with shitty results. I gained weight that wont go away, I could "hear" my pulse in my ears, I sort of swelled? fingers felt thick & strained with ANY physical exertion... I only took it for a couple weeks, the side effects went away with stopping it, the weight, however didnt, Im still battling it. I ended up fatter than I'd been at 9 months pregnant. Ive since found relief from depression & anxiety through diet, supplements, and truly just accepting the bad moments with the good, all feelings pass, and arent meant to just be swept away... Pm me if you would like more info, advice or thoughts on this & other drugs like it... Good luck.
Did you talk about the potential side effects of this one with the pharmacist? If not, I would call and ask for more information. Our son's psychiatrist wanted to put him on this one for his ADHD and we said "no way" pretty clearly after being told one of the potential side effects is "death." It's rare and I think limited to people with a particular condition, but still. Risperdal is an anti-psychotic so if you don't feel you fall under needing that kind of medication, I might ask about other options.
I was already overweight when I started taking it, and didn't notice a huge difference. Maybe 5 lbs? However, I'm trying to lose weight now and it's JUST not coming off. I think the Risperdal may be the culprit - I have to fight for every pound I lose, which hasn't been the case before.
If you're concerned about it, talk to your doctor, but if you need the medication, it really works. For me, it took awhile before settling on this one, but in the end I've been really happy with it. The weight issue is something I willing to deal with because it makes a difference, KWIM?
Editing because I just read through the answers - I didn't address other side effects because you didn't ask about them, but will address the tremors. You'll likely have them, but they get a LOT better after a few weeks. I've been on it several years now and I still shake occasionally, but I honestly don't notice it much anymore. There are other atypical anti-psychotics out there, but this one is relatively mild and most of the side effects fade away pretty quickly (except the darn weight issue). Make sure you drink A LOT of water, it will help.
I want to stress again that if you're uncomfortable with it, talk to your doctor, and ask them about your concerns. It's important to be on the same page as to your treatment options.
