| I thought I would write today about the | | | | effects with RISPERDAL that can possilby occur |
| antipsychotic medication Risperdal. Both my boys | | | | while taking this medication. They include increase |
| have been on Risperdal and my oldest boy is still | | | | in appetite, fatigue, upper respiratory tract |
| on Risperdal. | | | | infection, increase in saliva, constipation, dry |
| Risperdal has just recently in October 2006 been | | | | mouth, tremor, muscle stiffness, dizziness, |
| FDA approved for the treatment of irritability in | | | | involuntary movements, repetitive behavior, rapid |
| Autism. I realize that Risperdal has only been | | | | heart beat, confusion, and increase in weight. |
| approved for children and adolescents (ages 5-16 | | | | My son Jordan takes a very low dosage of |
| years) and my son Jordan is 19 years old but he | | | | Risperdal so he does not suffer from any of |
| has been using Risperdal for years, even before it | | | | these side effects except for weight gain. I think |
| was FDA approved. It is still addressing his | | | | that would be my only complaint I would have |
| aggressive behavior. | | | | about using Risperdal. He has a tendency for |
| I would not say that either of my boys have real | | | | weight gain already and I don't think that the |
| behavior problems but Jordan since the age of | | | | Risperdal helps. Every now and then I sometimes |
| about 10 has had problems with irritability and | | | | get tempted to take him off it but I know that |
| temper tantrums. Taking Risperdal has decreased | | | | he is much calmer and happier being on it. One |
| those episodes. | | | | thing that has been beneficial is that it helps him |
| This medications has been shown to alleviate | | | | have a good night sleep. Jordan does not have a |
| behavior problems such as: | | | | sleep problem like his brother Taylor has and |
| - aggression | | | | many other individuals that have autism. That is |
| - deliberate self-injury | | | | certainly a plus! |
| - temper tantrums | | | | There are other less common, though more |
| - quickly changing moods | | | | severe side effects, these include neuroleptic |
| I did not realize this but on the official Risperdal | | | | malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, and |
| website they state that Risperdal is the first | | | | hyperglycemia and diabetes. If you are concerned |
| medication that the FDA has approved for use in | | | | about any of these side effects it would be best |
| children and adolescents with autism. | | | | to make an appointment with your child's |
| It should be mentioned that there are several side | | | | pediatrician and talk to them about your concerns. |