Risperidone - doc prescribing 0.25mg - any insight

QuincyLF

I searched the forum and found posts relating to this drug from a few years ago.  Just thought I would check in with the group to see if anyone has had more recent experience with Risperidone & their LO?  My father is 72 and in stage 6E.  His agitation, pacing (and shadowing) is wearing on my mother (primary caregiver).  Doc originally prescribed Lexapro - but it really didn't help much.  They recommend a "micro-dose" 0.25mg of Risperidone.

Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

Waldorf

Phy prescribed Risperidone for my wife about 3 months ago. It has greatly reduced her agression and anxiety. She is experiencing a much better quality of life.

ImMaggieMae

Quincy, my DH is 73 and has been taking Risperadone for about 5 months. He is somewhere around stage 5 or 6, things change from day to day. It was prescribed for constant obsessive behavior like cleaning glasses, brushing teeth, taking multiple showers, at all hours of the day and night. He was never aggressive or violent, just could not stop repetitive behaviors, even at night.

live in daughter

Hi- my Mom was on Risperidone .5 mg every day. We switched from Seroquel to Risperidone because her agitation and anxiety were not being controlled well.

The Risperidone helped with less agitation and anxiety. She still had some episodes of agitation but not as severe with Seroquel. We used Xanax for breakthrough anxiety.

We also kept her on Lexapro which helped her bouts of crying. She did have relief with the Lexapro.

Hope this helps. I know that everyone is different and responds differently with medications but it always helps to hear what works for others may work for your loved one.

QuincyLF

Thanks much everyone!  We'll give it a go and see how he takes to the medicine.  Will keep this feed updated with progress.  Warnings on the prescription itself are pretty scary though - that's for sure.

ImMaggieMae

Is there a way to make a Group on this forum about medications, or about Risperidone? It’s difficult to find information about a lot of these antipsychotic drugs that are prescribed for Dementia patients. I’m finding that some of the best info I get is on these forums but it’s often difficult to find it all in one place.

QuincyLF

That's a great suggestion ImMaggieMae.  When I searched the boards - I searched both Risperidone and Risperdal (they are one in the same).  A lot more posts popped up when I searched Risperdal that were extremely helpful.  I will keep this board updated with how things go with my dad on this dosage!

AbusedCaregiver2021

Low dosage is always better. 

My mother had a severe reaction to Resperidone. She ended in the ICU with hyperthermia and hypotension.  She is out now and physically quite healthy 

She was on Seroquel which didn't work 

Keep checking the symptoms and also if anything seems out of place check vitals (BP and heart rate) 

Cobalt

My son started on same low dose and not one bit of difference.  Then it was doubled and it "slightly" helped agitation.  Then in the 3rd month we went to triple dose and it worked only once in a while.  He's on a transdermal patch right now of Rivastigmine and it does work for him.  If it doesn't help, try the larger dose or ask about other medications. I'm sure it really varies for people.  Good luck!