Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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Risperdal for a 12 yr old??

deleted_user
deleted_user
My son was diagnosed w/BP and the pdoc prescribed Risperdal. From what I've read it does not deal with the depressive side of BP and it has some serious side effects.

Does anyone here take it? Pros-Cons? TIA
deleted_user
deleted_user
I haven't taken it but I've seen it given to children. I would be very cautious and get a second opinion, maybe more. No one knows yet what long-term effect any psychotropic drugs have on the brain development of children.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It has serious side effects, but from this site and another one, in my past life. I have learned that resperdal is given to many children and it works real good with their age. Just watch for sleeping problems and give him benedryl to help him sleep.
dancingd
dancingd
SECOND OPINION!!!
Even if your insurance won't pay for it...try to get in with a Pdoc that specializes in pediatric BP...it manifests very diff than adult bipolar.
Good Luck
deleted_user
deleted_user
It took months and months to get in with this pediatric psychiatrist. The only other place around here that has a ped's doc is currently trying to fill the position. He also sees a therepist. I am bipolar as well. My husband and I are not surprised of his diagnosis but are very concerned about the med prescribed.
deleted_user
deleted_user
My son is 9 and has BP and is on Resperidal and I have taken it myself.It causes drowsiness and make sure you don't miss a dose it causes tummy upset .Withdrawl is alittle unpleasant but it has really worked for my little guy.He also takes lamectal and prozac.
dancingd
dancingd
Well ,it's a god thing you have a pediatric Phyciatrist!
Now do a little research on pediatric bipolar..Google bipolar...subject pediatric....there is some god info out ther.Also,talk with a pharmasisit.they often know a lot about meds and how they interact with children
deleted_user
deleted_user
i take it and it made me really depressed and didn't really help me much with my mania either i would only be able to hold back my mania to a certain extent then i would just go crazy and i am also getting muscle twitches from it all over my body which really sucks
deleted_user
deleted_user
Loony ,
Your situation is much like mine.We are concerned for him being so medicated at his age.He also has a touch of ADD so he takes adderall for that.It is great that he is in therapy and that he has support from you and the hubby.I also make sure the school is very aware of the situation in case he has "issues" there .That way they don't assume he is just acting out.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thanks everyone for your fast responses!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I took risperdal when I was about 14 it made me a zombie. I also had very bad nightmares from it and it made me more depressed. I would keep a close eye on his moods. it made me worse than before i took it good luck.
deleted_user
deleted_user
i know i had to be put on lithim along with the risperdal just to get rid of my depression and mani so i would definitely suggest to the doctor if lithium could be possibly prescribed for him instead
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