ellav:Is tapering off of risperidone necessary after 10 days?

[ellav]

Hi all,

 

posting on behalf of my 17 year old son. He has ASD (Level 1), OCD, and ADHD. He is not psychotic but has severe intrusive thoughts. He had a bad day and we ended up in the ER. The pediatric psych prescribed .25mg of risperidone twice a day. He started in 4/25.
 

He wants off. Can’t blame him. In retrospect it seems like a pretty heavy-handed drug for someone who’s never taken meds before. (SSRIs not recommended). Do we need to taper since it’s only been 10 days? His dad gave him 1/4 dose today bc we haven’t gotten a call back from our psychiatrist. But he said it immediately made him anxious and he doesn’t want to take anymore at all? Anyone with similar story or insight? 

[Frogie]

@ellav

 

Welcome to SA. We are a volunteer ran site that help people taper off psychotic medications, or have tapered off and are healing.

 

This is your introduction page where you will receive information, ask questions and meet other members. We ask that each member only have one introduction page so we can keep all your information in one place.

 

First can you please create a signature.

 

Instructions:  Withdrawal History Signature

 

We normally don't like to speak with anyone but the member themselves because it makes it really hard to "relay" information back and forth. Is there anyway your son would be willing to write on here and let us know exactly how he feels, especially when he does take this medication? 

 

Your son could try to do a rapid taper. Take 3/4 of the dose for a week, then 1/2 of the dose for a week, then 1/4 for a week and see if that helps with the wd symptoms. Even being on for 10 days his body has become accustomed to the medication by now.

 

Tips for tapering off risperidone (Risperdal)

Dr. Joseph Glenmullen's withdrawal symptom checklist

 

What is withdrawal syndrome?

 

If he has too many wd symptoms after this, he could reinstate a small amount and hold then taper at a really slow speed. We don't suggest more than 10% a month.

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

He could also try a small amount of magnesium and omega. They sometimes help with the nervous system. If he wants to try them, try one in a small amount and wait a few days before introducing the other.

 

Magnesium

Omega-3 Fish Oil

 

 

 

 

[ellav]

Thanks so much. This information is very helpful. He will log in later and post here. He’s having a rough day. Not with withdrawal (not seeing any symptoms of that yet), but with the OCD. But he’s adamant about not taking this med. He’s currently taking magnesium and fish oils anyway, so hoping that helps.
 

We’re starting neurofeedback in a week or so. And he just started with l-theanine. Thanks again. 

[Frogie]

@ellav

 

Glad I could help. And so glad he agreed to come on board with us so we can help!