I have already posted this on another thread but have started a new topic, this is a bit new to me, hope I am using it right.
My 10 year old son is on a combination of prozac and risperidone. He is autisic. The medication helps with anxiety attacks and aggresive outbursts. He takes 1.5mls per day of prozac and 1.75mls per day of risperidone. The effects seem to be wearing off and we are having to review the doseage. He has been on as much as 2mls per day of risperidone (this was the maximum recommended for his age), but we decreased it to see whether his improved behaviour had been `learnt` and whether he could cope on a smaller dose.
Are there any other children in this age group on a similar dose and, if so, has it been long term. We anticipate that his medication may be used long term, he has had blood tests to check for the common side effects and they were all clear.
Glad to hear from anyone with advice and thoughts.
Sal
Posts: 2 | From: west midlands | Registered: Oct 2005
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posted
Hi Sal, glad to see your post - I have 12 year old son with Aspergers and mental illness, recently prescribed Risperidone. 3 weeks ago he suddenly developed extreme paranoia - thinks his food and drink might be poisoned and that everyone including teachers and myself are plotting to harm him. Although suspicion of strangers is usual for him, I was very concerned as this seemed to happen almost overnight. Although he's had Risperidone for two weeks (tablets, 0.5mg increased to 1mg) I don't see any improvement as yet. Does it take weeks for the medication to help with anxiety and distressing fears? I guess it must be hard for docters to tell where autism and mental illness differ as autism involves so much anxiety and stress too. It was good to read on your post that your son is having no side effects. I hope your boy has had a good Christmas (it's all a bit too stressful for my lad despite the prezzies) - and best wishes for a Happy Hogmanay! Alice
Posts: 6 | From: Scotland | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
Alice I dont have any expirience with a child but I have a 28 yr old boyfriend that just went through the same thing. Everything you are describing is the same thing he went through a couple months ago and it all seemed to happen overnight. He smokes, he thought that his cigaretts had been poisoned, his drinks were poisoned, and at Thanksgiving he thougt we where going to cook him for dinner. It was bad. He finally was admitted to a mental hospital where they held him for a couple weeks after giving him Risperdal and monitoring his behavors. Well a few weeks went by and he seemed just as bad as he was when he went in. They upped his dosage and another couple weeks went by and he still showed no improvement. Finally after a couple months he started showing improvement. He even went back and consulted with his doctor about the time frame of the medication actually taking affect and him showing improvement. The doctor said in some cases it could take from 2-4 months. But when it does start working fully it will also seem like he got better overnight. He might have an occasional fear or anxiety but for the most part it will calm him down. With Mike I have experienced that even though every once in a blue moon he will have a strange thought about being harmed from me or his mom or someone else but he doesnt panic about it as much as before. But the medication might increase the anxiety. Ever since Mike has been taking Risperdal, his heart rate is so fast. I have done the most research I possibly can about his illness and this medication. I know it is very stressful being a parent and having to go through this, and having a support system is going to be key. It has severly stressed me out, for a few months mike could not even work and i was trying to pay all the bills myself and make sure his was getting everything he needed and was taken care of. Even though he is 28, going through this and his state of mind, even the doctor said in his condition he is like having a child. I just want to let you know if you need to talk I am here And I will be praying for you, your son and Sal and her son.
Posts: 2 | Registered: Dec 2005
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