Does anybody work while on risperidone?

Mental health
1

Am worried about going back to work as I am on risperidone and in the morning I am sedated and dizzy. I can't imagine working on an antipsychotic as I feel sedated.

Do you get used to working on antipsychotics?

2

Hi louise79427.

I used to work whilst on Quetiapine, which is another medication used as a mood stabiliser that is an antipsychotic. Short-term answer is that you should get used to working on it, but it is advisable to get used to doing stuff at home first and also speak to your workplace about medications you are on - most are more happy to know someone is taking meds and may have problems adjusting to the meds whilst working. Also I would say first and foremost talk to your GP about getting a note to phased return to work.

If the meds are making you really tired after being on them for a few weeks at the dosage you are on now they may need to adjust them to a lowest dose possible, whilst still helping your diagnosis.

I hope this helps! All the best. X

3

Thanks for your reply Tango. I am going to be returning on a phased return and am hoping to be on a lower dose of risperdone when I do.

4

Hey that's great. Don't forget if you're with any sort of therapist to tell them about any of your concerns re returning to work - they may be able to give you some coping strategies!

5

Thanks for your help that's a good idea

6

My son was completely unable to function on respiradone, but on aripiprazole (Abilify) he is managing just fine. If you hate the way it makes you feel you may be better suited to a different med. They don't really know how or why different ones work for different people, but Abilify works completely differently from respiridal. Believe your own mind & body.

7

Hi Krissy

I am changing to aripiprazal soon. So fingers crossed I will be the same, as risperidone is hard work to be on.

8

How does your son find mornings, is he sedated? I find mornings I am sedated and struggle to get on.

9

What dosage of aripiprazal is he on?

10

He started on 5mg for a week, then up to 10mg. The difference is remarkable. He was totally flattened in every aspect by respiridal: sleeping 12+hours, no desire for anything, gained 13kg in 26 days, couldn't exercise due to the aches & pains & lethargy, foggy thoughts, slow mental processing... This went on for almost 3 months after he stopped it but the metabolic dysregulation it caused is still affecting him (elevated prolactin, triglycerides, LDL, weight gain etc). Fingers crossed that the Abilify suits you a lot more too. Quality of life is everything & a medication that makes everyday a chore is not an option.

11

This gives me hope about switching to aripiprazal

I have had same problem s with risperidone.

Thanks

12

It would be good if they could do some sort of testing before prescribing so that the most suitable drug could be trialled. My guess is that it will be genetic testing in the future...He was unable to get out of bed before noon on the respiridal, but after just 10 days on the aripiprazole he is again exercising, looking forward to his days & making plans for the future. 

My guess Louise is that you are likely to have a similar positive experience. Love to hear how you're doing in a few weeks. Warmest wishes for some quality living really soon x

13

It would be good as we are all different and what works for one person doesn't for another. I feel much more optimistic now as I was worried about going back to work feeling so flat and sedated. Am glad your son is doing so well, it sounds like a much better drug.

14

Hey Louise glad you got onto a different medication, and really hope it works out for you!