hi everyone!! I have a question about my kids' medicine they are both on risperdal....there is a couple things i am questioning about the meds....one it doesn't seem to b working on my oldest who seems to still have only speed which is super slow and is still having trouble focusing.....next is it harmful that they both gained almost 10 lbs in 1 month.....if anybody knows anything that might work better please let me know.........they not overweight but i want to stop it before it gets that way!they have enough to be ostercized about.Our psych dr just doesn't seem to hear me that this med isn't working....what else can i do???

Your psych prescribed Risperdal for ADHD? Risperdal is an antipsychotic, and my research failed to turn up cases where Risperdal is used for treatment of ADHD, even off label. I'm guessing that either your psych doesn't feel your kids have ADHD, or he's not well informed.

Unless your kids are schizophrenic, bi-polar or autistic, I'd strongly consider pulling them off the Risperdal and go shopping for a new doctor.

nevaeh75,

Are your children diagnosed with ADHD?

As Thunor said, Risperdal is rarely prescribed for ADHD. It *will* make them slow, have trouble focusing, and cause weight gain. Risperdal is commonly used for the rage of Tourette's syndrome (the one with tics) which sometimes accompanies ADHD. Is it possibly being used for that?

Otherwise, Risperdal might be used to help control extreme hyperactivity. It can help with that (and it can help too much as you are seeing with your child's sluggishness). However, it will make attention issues worse so it is rarely used.

I think you should talk to your doc about changing the medication (if it is, in fact, being prescribed for ADHD) and/or consider changing doctors. Are you currently using a psychiatrist?

Risperdal can cause the weight gain. Anti-psychotics "quiet the brain". Could it be the medication was prescribed as a sleep aid? Typically risperdal has been for the elderly. I have seen it prescribed for children who have explosive episodes. I would recommend you return to the doctor for an explaination. My son is diagnosed ADHD inattentive type. He is currently taking adderall. He does not have a "fast" speed. He does suffer from anxiety. Do your children exhibit anxiety symptoms? It could be the doctor is attempting to address those symptoms with risperdal. I would be very cautious regarding giving a child an anti-psychotic medication.

yes my children are adhd, add, odd, and my oldest is borderline bi polar......my middle child was put on risperdal almost 4 yrs ago.....she was 4 when they put her on it...has not had much improvement.......they not schizophrenic...i have been questioning our dr for @ 3.5 yrs. over the whole risperdal thing. we live in a very small community there not alot of choices on drs. out here unless we want to drive several hours......i just don't know what to do????? will it effect them in a bad way if i just stop giving it to them...or should i wean them off????

yes my oldest is diagnosed borline bi-polar.......how do i get our dr to really hear my side of things??????? my children are not overweight yet but i'm afraid if i keep them on the risperdal it may lead to it.....