90 Reasons to Think Twice about using Risperdal for Autism, ADHD, Tourettes and More (Premium)
Antipsychotics are growing in popularity and use, with an increasing application in “off label” uses. Several years ago it was estimated that half of children foster care were on these drugs, often along with other medications. (Source)
When I came across a journal article reporting that a popular antipsychotic can reduce brain volume over time, it got my attention. The drug, Risperdal (Risperidone), is often prescribed for autism, schizophrenia, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and Tourette syndrome—even to children.
Sadly, this heavy antipsychotic is almost always recommended without a prior medical and environmental evaluation. Such evaluations would allow doctors trained in these areas to determine biological and natural approaches to try before resorting to medications that can cause serious side-effects in the patient.
Just what are the potential negative effects of this drug? And how many such reactions are possible?
I checked drugs.com and lost count at 90 reported types of problems from this drug. Skim through the list below, and I think you’ll be as appalled as I am.
Effects range from common to rare, with some requiring immediate emergency attention.
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See prescribing information for professionals here.
Risperdal side effects listed for consumers
Applies to risperidone: oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet disintegrating
If any of the following side effects occur while taking risperidone, check with your doctor immediately:
More common
- Aggressive behavior
- agitation
- anxiety
- changes in vision, including blurred vision
- difficulty concentrating
- difficulty speaking or swallowing
- inability to move the eyes
- increase in amount of urine
- loss of balance control
- mask-like face
- memory problems
- muscle spasms of the face, neck, and back
- problems with urination
- restlessness or need to keep moving (severe)
- shuffling walk
- skin rash or itching
- stiffness or weakness of the arms or legs
- tic-like or twitching movements
- trembling and shaking of the fingers and hands
- trouble sleeping
- twisting body movements
Less common
- Back pain
- chest pain
- speech or vision problems
- sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs
Rare
- Confusion
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- extreme thirst
- fast, shallow breathing
- fast, weak heartbeat
- headache
- increased thirst
- lip smacking or puckering
- loss of appetite
- muscle cramps
- pale, clammy skin
- poor coordination
- prolonged, painful, inappropriate erection of the penis
- puffing of the cheeks
- rapid or worm-like movements of the tongue
- shivering
- talking, feeling, and acting with excitement and activity that cannot be controlled
- uncontrolled chewing movements
- uncontrolled twisting movements of neck, trunk, arms, or legs
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual facial expressions or body positions
Some risperidone side effects may not need any medical attention. As your body gets used to the medicine these side effects may disappear. Your health care professional may be able to help you prevent or reduce these side effects, but do check with them if any of the following side effects continue, or if you are concerned about them:
More common
- Constipation
- cough
- diarrhea
- dry mouth
- headache
- heartburn
- increased dream activity
- increased length of sleep
- nausea
- sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
- sore throat
- stuffy or runny nose
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- weight gain
Less common
- Absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods
- body aches or pain
- breast swelling or soreness
- chills
- dandruff
- darkening of skin color
- decreased interest in sexual intercourse
- dry skin
- ear congestion
- fever
- inability to have or keep an erection
- increase in body movements
- increased watering of the mouth
- joint pain
- loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
- loss of voice
- oily skin
- pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
- shortness of breath or troubled breathing
- sneezing
- stomach pain
- stopping of menstrual bleeding
- tightness of the chest or wheezing
- toothache
- unusual breast milk production
- vomiting
- weight loss
Use of antipsychotics for Tourette syndrome
Families and patients are advised to check out alternative and integrative approaches before resorting to antipsychotic medications such as Risperdal.
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