☼ gemini88: tapering off risperidone / Risperdal

[gemini88]

Hi Sunnylou ! Thank you for your kind words. So far Im ok. the depression is beginning to lift. Which is a good thing. Im surprised there have been minimal withdrawals as well considering I was on it for a little over a year. I expected there to be some serious withdrawals. However, that is why I keep posting updates. This medication is really different with each person. However, there are so many horror stories and very little success stories. So I will continue to post updates. I think you are smart by taking the slower route because everybody is different. Were you diagnosed Bipolar also?

[sunnylou]

 I am so interested to see how you get on. I too have been on it just over a year. A dermatologist prescribed it to me for anxiety from a skin condition, I  only briefly went up to 2mg, So mostly 1mg. My Dermatologist told me it can literally just be stopped at any time. I just don't know what to think about that.

[gemini88]

Good Morning. So its been about 4 weeks since I came off the Risperdal. and I feel a ton better. The depression seems to have lifted. This is the second day where I don't feel depressed. So Im super excited about that. Also, the insomnia isn't as bad. I still stay up pretty late, until about 12 am then I am able to fall asleep. Other than those I still haven't had any withdrawals. So I am feeling pretty good about that. I will come back on and continue to post updates.

[Altostrata]

Good to hear! Thanks for letting us know.

 

If you're on the computer until midnight, you might be able to improve your sleep by quitting around 9 p.m.

[gemini88]

Thank you Altostrata.

 

Hi everyone. I wanted to come back on here and post a little update. So last week I had developed some involuntary hand movements. It was almost like my thumbs were ticking. It was definitely weird. It appears to have went away though. I haven't felt it since Saturday. So that's pretty good. Other than that, again no withdrawals.

[Carmie]

On 11/13/2018 at 2:27 AM, gemini88 said:

Thank you Altostrata.

 

Hi everyone. I wanted to come back on here and post a little update. So last week I had developed some involuntary hand movements. It was almost like my thumbs were ticking. It was definitely weird. It appears to have went away though. I haven't felt it since Saturday. So that's pretty good. Other than that, again no withdrawals.

 

Hi Gemini, 

 

That’s great you’ve been doing so well. Wishing you all the best on your recovery💚

[gemini88]

Hey All. So Just a little update. I am doing well. I have no complaints, and there are no withdrawal effects. Ive been able to fall asleep at night no problem. I do not feel the depression anymore.. I guess anymore questions reach out.

 

 

 

[Glosmom]

Wow, what  a great update! So happy for you gemini!!  Best Wishes to you for much happiness and peace always!  Glosmom

[Altostrata]

That's very good news, Gemini. Please continue to let us know how you're doing.

[Wonderwoman]

On 11/28/2018 at 7:40 PM, gemini88 said:

Hey All. So Just a little update. I am doing well. I have no complaints, and there are no withdrawal effects. Ive been able to fall asleep at night no problem. I do not feel the depression anymore.. I guess anymore questions reach out.

 

 

 

Hey I´m so happy for you and your success with quitting risperdal. Did you go from 1 mg to 0? all at once? I am on 0,30 mg and I have never been on a high dose, but I am so afraid to feel more fatique than I do now. But if it only takes few weeks and I will feel better, there is hope. 

[gemini88]

36 minutes ago, Wonderwoman said:

Hey I´m so happy for you and your success with quitting risperdal. Did you go from 1 mg to 0? all at once? I am on 0,30 mg and I have never been on a high dose, but I am so afraid to feel more fatique than I do now. But if it only takes few weeks and I will feel better, there is hope. 

Yes. I went from 1 mg to 0 mg.. but I wouldn't recommend doing that. I would recommend a taper (even at .3 mg) because everyone responds differently. I am definitely feeling a lot better. I have some motivation back. I definitely have somewhat of a libido back, and I feel a lot more free to feel it that makes sense. In addition to all of this, I lost a whopping 20 pounds since I have been off Risperdal.. That is very extreme because its only been 2 months. But any more questions feel free to ask. I monitor this often because others may have questions.

[Altostrata]

Thanks for that excellent update, gemini. How about "bipolar" symptoms -- any of that?

[gemini88]

3 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Thanks for that excellent update, gemini. How about "bipolar" symptoms -- any of that?

No I don't have any signs of mania or depression.

[Altostrata]

Good to hear. Please let us know how you're doing.

[gemini88]

Hi Everyone. I wanted to jump back on and give a few updates. I have lost a total of 30 pounds since coming off the risperal in October. When I went on bipolar meds (Depakote & Risperdal) I gained a total of 55 pounds. I'm really not to excited about the weight loss but its better than the alternative. The Risperdal kind of blunted my thinking, I have been able to think a lot better. As far as emotions go, I am able to feel my emotions which is a good thing. Every so often I have trouble sleeping, but Ive been taking Benadryl so that knocks me out. I have a lot more motivation to get up and go to work, interact with my children, and just do things. Should I start to see signs of mania, I plan to take the Risperdal. However, I have been doing really well at managing stress so Im hoping that does not happen. Please let me know if anybody has any questions with coming off an antipsychotic. Im no expert, but I can give you insight on my personal experience. Additionally, I realize some may not continue to update after a while. But I frequently check back because when I was contemplating coming off medication, I really wanted to understand different experiences and body response to the withdrawal. I always monitor email. So please do not hesitate to ask.

 

Happy New Year All!

[Glosmom]

Thanks for the update, Gemini! Losing 30 pounds, feeling more emotions, managing stress, having more clear thinking and having more motivation is all great news!  Wishing you continued healing.  glosmom

[gemini88]

On ‎1‎/‎16‎/‎2019 at 9:25 AM, Glosmom said:

Thanks for the update, Gemini! Losing 30 pounds, feeling more emotions, managing stress, having more clear thinking and having more motivation is all great news!  Wishing you continued healing.  glosmom

How is Glo doing?

[Glosmom]

HI Gemini, She is doing okay. We dropped her last week to .06 mg so she is going through her standard 3 week withdrawal pattern.  We are however, seeing good stuff!  More smiling, singing entire songs and now watching more videos/movies. She is still not back to her old self but we don't anticipate that can start to happen until she gets off the medicine....but we are getting really close!!  Thanks for asking about Glo and we are continuing to keep you in our thoughts for continued healing.  Glosmom

[gemini88]

That is awesome.. Its going to take a little time for her to come back into her personality. But don't give up, the result is so worth it. I don't know when it happened, but I have been able to be emotionally moved by music again. That is an amazing feeling.. She will start to get back to herself again. and she has your support so that's awesome. She is a very strong girl to be able to with stand the withdrawals.. Good luck to her.

[Glosmom]

Thanks for the encouragement, Gemini! It means a lot!! Yes she is strong....and doesn't even know it

[Carmie]

Hi Gemini, 

 

How are you doing? Congratulations on your weight loss, that is one awesome feat!💚

[gemini88]

Hi everyone. I know its been a while, and I wanted to jump back on and give updates. since my last post I took the risperdal at .5 mg 2 times a day when I felt myself becoming a little hypo manic round April/May. However, it only lasted for about a week, and then I weaned myself off again. I have not been taking the risperdal since.

 

I feel fine.  I honestly feel about 90% back to myself before getting on the risperdal. I feel emotionally connected to music, to affection, etc. I am able to have a conversation and think of things to say. My mind is not racing. I have a better sense of humor. The only thing I have an issue in is I can get sexually aroused but i have no ability to achieve the end purpose of intercourse, unless I do it myself. I know that is a little candid, but for those who have questions, I want to be as transparent as possible.

 

I do believe the bipolar diagnosis was accurate, because I notice variation in my moods. I monitor symptoms very well and am proactive with response. Example, if I cannot sleep, I will counter that with benadryl. I eat despite loss of appetite, etc. It seems to be very successful. If there is anyone who may have questions, I check my email frequently. 

 

Thanks!

[gemini88]

On 1/31/2019 at 1:44 PM, Glosmom said:

Thanks for the encouragement, Gemini! It means a lot!! Yes she is strong....and doesn't even know it

Hows your daughter doing?

[Glosmom]

Hi Gemini!!  I am so happy you came back to offer an update.  Glad to hear you are doing fine and managing well.  Did you find you had an increase in withdrawal symptoms after using risperidone for a week back in the Spring and then tapering again?  Or did it help with the hypomania and then you had few symptoms after you stopped? 

 

There were many times after we dropped Glo to zero (on February 27th...it has been 4 1/2 months now) that we considered giving her a small dose reinstatement, but now we are glad we didn't do that. She is continuing to improve every month although she is not back to our 'normal', sweet Glo yet. But we are very hopeful as she has been sleeping better, is more agreeable to go out to places around town and has taken 1 long trip and 2 short trips.  She is noticing her surroundings more and more and is commenting on things as if she has never seen them before!  I remember recalling something @erer wrote in her thread about being so grateful to be out on the sidewalk and noticing things.  I think Glo is at that stage in her recovery...she is feeling better and is not as scared and is happy to be feeling and seeing things with 'new eyes' so to speak. I will continue to update her progress on my thread so please stop by if you feel like it.

 

Again, so happy to hear you are doing well!  Please keep coming back to offer words of hope for those that are still struggling. It means a lot!!

 

Warmest Regards, Glosmom

 

 

[thatslife28]

I have been reading a lot on this website for a while and this is the first comment I am leaving since this thread is one I feel echoes my thoughts the most.  I wanted to first ask, how are you doing now? Are your moods still fluctuating?  How do you handle the bipolar diagnosis without meds? Has your intelligence returned as well? (If it was affected at all).  Have you had any other psychosis scares?

 

Like you I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder with psychotic features.  I am not in denial of the diagnosis but just skeptical on whether or not it really rings true for me.  I was given risperidone when I experienced psychosis.  Shortly after taking risperidone I began to have suicidal thoughts/suicidal ideation along with anhedonia.  I had never before experienced suicidal thoughts/suicidal ideation nor anhedonia prior to taking risperidone.  I had experienced depression before but never that.  Because of this, I had decided to wean off of risperidone after doing some research online.  Also, I found out later that I had K2 in my urine at the time I experienced psychosis.  The weed I had bought was actually spice.  K2 is known to cause a psychosis like state for some.  This was another reason for me to wean off risperidone.  I was hoping that once off I could also properly gauge whether or not I truly have bipolar disorder.

 

It has been since August 31 that I stopped taking risperidone so 2 1/2 months.  The suicidal thoughts continued for a brief time after weaning and the anhedonia was so bad up until about last week when I tried a prolonged fast with just water.  I was so thankful that the murkiness of the anhedonia lifted from my head.  I now am able to be a little more present and not dread every passing day.  I still can't feel any positive emotions/pleasure, unfortunately, but I do feel like I am recovering.

 

I think my biggest fear is for my emotions to return and then I experience psychosis.  Do you have any tips for if and when my emotions do return so that I don't fall back into that state? I am also really self-aware now so that I can really notice any changes in mood.  I haven't had any mood changes since being off the risperidone.  Is this something I will only be able to gauge once my emotions return? 

[gemini88]

Hey There! Sorry to hear that you are conflicted in your diagnosis. I just want to let you know that any information I tell you is from my experience, and every one is different. 

I came off Risperdal around October 2018. I took it on occasion, because I noticed my moods were constantly

fluctuating, and I didn't want to have another manic episode. For some, doing this may not work for your body, and it could cause withdrawal symptoms. Those anhedonia feelings are very familiar to me, but that went away. Intelligence, and ability to be able to engage in conversation have all returned. I no longer feel an absolute clear mind, nor do I feel overwhelmed with thoughts. I feel regular.

 

Unfortunately, by September 2019, (This year), I wound up back in the hospital for treatment to psychosis. Symptoms were delusional thinking, paranoid thoughts, and insomnia. I ended up back on Risperdal 1 mg for about 2 - 2 & 1/2 weeks.

 

Good News/Bad News bare. After I was stabilized, I stopped taking the risperdal, and I have not had any changes in moods since or any issues falling asleep, or any of that. I also, don't feel any side effects from the temporary usage of Risperdal to stabilize me.  That's the Good news.

 

Now for the bad news- the bad news is that for a person who struggles with mental health, marijuana tolerance is lower. It is highly likely marijuana usage could be triggering/exacerbating psychotic symptoms and changes in moods. Once I came out the hospital, the only thing I took was Risperdal. I stopped smoking weed, and I stopped smoking cigarettes. I was dealing with a lot of stress prior to my most recent episode, so I used the marijuana to take my mind off of it. However, since stress is typically also a trigger for bipolar episodes for me, the influence of a mind altering street substance contributed to my body chemistry being thrown off. If you mix all of that with lack of sleep- Its your recipe for disaster.

 

I stopped the risperdal around the first week in October. The best thing to do is try to find another way to cope with whatever causes you to smoke marijuana if you want to stay risperdal free. I would even encourage you to stay away from alcohol.  I have absolutely no fluctuation in my moods right now. I do not feel imbalanced, or unstable at all. In fact, I feel very rational and normal. That's without Risperdal and marijuana.

 

Tips: Being self aware is important. I caught the psychosis right away this latest episode. Our biggest fear, that overwhelms us is the lack of faith we have in ourselves to recognize when something is off, and if we will respond to it appropriately. The only reason I went into the hospital, instead of just taking my meds at home, is because I had an adverse reaction from the meds being mixed with the marijauna. I had to be hooked up to an IV to flush my system. The delusions were not as strong, after I finished one full IV.   However- I still needed the risperdal as I was still unstable.

 

Your first episode is the scariest, because you dont know what is going on. The fact that you are psychotic never even enters your mind, because your not aware its even an option. That is what makes it more traumatic then any episode after. Now that you are aware that there is an issue, focus more on having a stabilization response plan in place, than overwhelming yourself with the anticipation of the potential of it happening again. You'll just go crazy.

 

Stay healthy, eat a balanced diet, get plenty of rest, and pay attention to your body. Avoid stress as much as possible, even if that means you have to distance yourself from certain people to avoid negative energy. That goes for anybody. Your mom, if you have to. The goal is not to be overly dramatic and paranoid, its to be relaxed, and considerate of yourself first and what could happen if your not. Once you can do that, its so easy to dismiss ignorance, and harmful behaviors like smoking that could cause an episode.

 

Hope fully this helps. Good Luck!

[gemini88]

Sorry I forgot to add, that I am also Delusion free, and paranoia free.

[Henryk12]

Please guys I’ve messed myself up , I need some guidelines. 

[thatslife28]

On 11/15/2019 at 4:14 PM, gemini88 said:

Hey There! Sorry to hear that you are conflicted in your diagnosis. I just want to let you know that any information I tell you is from my experience, and every one is different. 

I came off Risperdal around October 2018. I took it on occasion, because I noticed my moods were constantly

fluctuating, and I didn't want to have another manic episode. For some, doing this may not work for your body, and it could cause withdrawal symptoms. Those anhedonia feelings are very familiar to me, but that went away. Intelligence, and ability to be able to engage in conversation have all returned. I no longer feel an absolute clear mind, nor do I feel overwhelmed with thoughts. I feel regular.

 

Unfortunately, by September 2019, (This year), I wound up back in the hospital for treatment to psychosis. Symptoms were delusional thinking, paranoid thoughts, and insomnia. I ended up back on Risperdal 1 mg for about 2 - 2 & 1/2 weeks.

 

Good News/Bad News bare. After I was stabilized, I stopped taking the risperdal, and I have not had any changes in moods since or any issues falling asleep, or any of that. I also, don't feel any side effects from the temporary usage of Risperdal to stabilize me.  That's the Good news.

 

Now for the bad news- the bad news is that for a person who struggles with mental health, marijuana tolerance is lower. It is highly likely marijuana usage could be triggering/exacerbating psychotic symptoms and changes in moods. Once I came out the hospital, the only thing I took was Risperdal. I stopped smoking weed, and I stopped smoking cigarettes. I was dealing with a lot of stress prior to my most recent episode, so I used the marijuana to take my mind off of it. However, since stress is typically also a trigger for bipolar episodes for me, the influence of a mind altering street substance contributed to my body chemistry being thrown off. If you mix all of that with lack of sleep- Its your recipe for disaster.

 

I stopped the risperdal around the first week in October. The best thing to do is try to find another way to cope with whatever causes you to smoke marijuana if you want to stay risperdal free. I would even encourage you to stay away from alcohol.  I have absolutely no fluctuation in my moods right now. I do not feel imbalanced, or unstable at all. In fact, I feel very rational and normal. That's without Risperdal and marijuana.

 

Tips: Being self aware is important. I caught the psychosis right away this latest episode. Our biggest fear, that overwhelms us is the lack of faith we have in ourselves to recognize when something is off, and if we will respond to it appropriately. The only reason I went into the hospital, instead of just taking my meds at home, is because I had an adverse reaction from the meds being mixed with the marijauna. I had to be hooked up to an IV to flush my system. The delusions were not as strong, after I finished one full IV.   However- I still needed the risperdal as I was still unstable.

 

Your first episode is the scariest, because you dont know what is going on. The fact that you are psychotic never even enters your mind, because your not aware its even an option. That is what makes it more traumatic then any episode after. Now that you are aware that there is an issue, focus more on having a stabilization response plan in place, than overwhelming yourself with the anticipation of the potential of it happening again. You'll just go crazy.

 

Stay healthy, eat a balanced diet, get plenty of rest, and pay attention to your body. Avoid stress as much as possible, even if that means you have to distance yourself from certain people to avoid negative energy. That goes for anybody. Your mom, if you have to. The goal is not to be overly dramatic and paranoid, its to be relaxed, and considerate of yourself first and what could happen if your not. Once you can do that, its so easy to dismiss ignorance, and harmful behaviors like smoking that could cause an episode.

 

Hope fully this helps. Good Luck!

Thank you for the response!  I will keep everything that was said in mind.  

I stopped smoking weed after my last hospitalization because smoking was not worth the risks.  I agree with you when you say that there's a lower tolerance to marijuana. I feel that rings very much truly for me. 

I do not want to have another psychotic episode but you are right. It's better to put my energy into a stabilization response plan.

I had already had the thought to use my spare risperidone medication in the event I feel like I am destabilizing.  I'll be keeping my awareness up as well to be able to catch any potential flare-ups!

[BlueCookie]

Hi gemini

 

I read your thread and would like to ask if you experienced your psychotic episode after tapering off risperdone because of the weed you smoked? Were you smoking weed all the time while you was tapering of ?

 

I used to smoke myself but with my risperdone withdrawal that didn't work quite well for me ... I am currently tappering off and I hope I can live without this medication.

 

Thanks

[gemini88]

On 11/22/2019 at 3:38 PM, BlueCookie said:

Hi gemini

 

I read your thread and would like to ask if you experienced your psychotic episode after tapering off risperdone because of the weed you smoked? Were you smoking weed all the time while you was tapering of ?

 

I used to smoke myself but with my risperdone withdrawal that didn't work quite well for me ... I am currently tappering off and I hope I can live without this medication.

 

Thanks

Hey! Sorry to get back to you so late. Yes the psychosis was definitely due to marijuana usage.  I actually stopped smoking in September of 2019, and have been off the risperdal since the first week in October. I havent had any issues since then. No fluctuation in moods, no issues going to sleep, no psychosis or delusions. So I would definitely suggest to leave the marijuana alone. Good Luck! And Happy New Year to all of you!

[Armorall]

This is great news, Gemini88. I hope you'll consider writing a success story for the SA collection in the near future!

[gemini88]

Hi everyone! Just checking in on everyone. I hope everyone is doing ok despite the pandemic. I have been better. I finally have had time to just relax. I am still med free. So have hope all. Be safe!

[thatslife28]

On 7/6/2020 at 8:22 PM, gemini88 said:

Hi everyone! Just checking in on everyone. I hope everyone is doing ok despite the pandemic. I have been better. I finally have had time to just relax. I am still med free. So have hope all. Be safe!

Thank you for the update gemini. I have gotten a lot of improvements since last I posted. I still cannot feel any emotions or rather they now seem more blunted, less anhedonic. I'll be coming up on 11 months off of risperdal at the end of this month. I hope I can find my way back entirely. Your thread helps a lot. Thanks again.

[ChessieCat]

Because you're feeling better, I added our cheerful "here comes the sun" symbol ☼ to the title of your Intro topic, to show you're recovering.

 

Please continue to let us know how you're doing. I hope you will add your story to our Recovery Success Stories eventually!