Risperdal - The drug companies are coming for your kids!

reply to post by Anonymous ATS


Yes AGREE 100 % with you ...
I was a stay at home mom ...but I had no help from the father ..(he hurt him because he could not handle my sons problems) ....he himself needed help and refused to admit it ..

I am also bipolar ..and have panic disorders .I do manage without meds ..
But let me tell you it was extremely difficult for me to handle mine and my sons at the same time ..(whew) .....I did get on meds too while we were going through all the meds with him ..(I needed them then ) ..but they made me unable to care for him and stay alert to help him ...so I had to get off of them .for his sake .........
He did not have a stable home so there really is some childhood trauma with my son ..which was something I could have done something about ..but I was basically just as messed up as my son was at that time ...

My ex (who is passed now and no longer an influence on my son) and his family all were in denial that there is mental illness in that family (because there is ..they were all mental and he grew up around them alot ) .....................

So add all of that up and I think so far my son has handled this all very well ..(about like I did my childhood crap and my own familys disabilities ....bipolar and ADHD etc) ...................

I am just praying that my son will do as I did (from my extreme childhood stuff) and be able to get through it all until he learns to care about himself more than he does ...and learns to be able to rise above all of this ...(which he can because I did ) ....with the help of course from the GOOD LORD ABOVE ..I believe he is gonna be just fine ...


As long as I can keep him out of jail ...(he is on probation now so that is iffy) if he goes to jail I know he wont get any help in there ,....if he needs it .

My son did not even tell the court or his lawyer or his probation about his ADHD or anything ...so I asked him if I could tell them so they will at least know in case he does break probation by screwing up ) ........he said I could ..so I did that today ....hopefully they can maybe get him back in to the counseling or something (instead of all these classes they want him to take (mandatory stuff which he cannot afford and neither can I ) ..(which I could not get him to go back to counseling since he did that already his whole life ) ...he is older now ..and maybe it would help ....


PS to the Mods ...dont worry I dont take any advice from ATS members lol ...I have been here long enough now to see that ...I am not naive ..(well sometimes) but with this I am not ....I do appreciate the warning though .

My son and I have been to the very best Dallas and Ft worth had to offer ..
(Southwestern Medical Center etc ..Childrens etc )
So we been there done that ...
Besides he is now an adult and he is in control of his own life ...so it is all up to him now which way he should go ..






[edit on 4-2-2009 by Simplynoone]

I haven't got through the entire thread, but I would like to point out that Risperidal could be an effective anti-depressant, although I'm not sure why it's being given as a first choice. While the primary function of neuroleptics is to decrease the level of dopamine in the brain, it seems that Risperidal can in fact increase dopamine in certain parts of the brain, which is what most anti-depressants do. And while drug companies are to blame partly for how these drugs are marketed, I must also point out that the parents of these children are at fault as well.

When a person is prescribed psychotropic medication, it is generally by their physician. Now, a physician is an expert in bodily ailments. They did not go to medical school however to learn about psychological disorders. So, a lot of this misprescription of medicine can be accounted for because people would rather visit their physician for psychological advice as opposed to a psychiatrist who did go to school so they could prescribe medication for psychological disorders. Or better yet a clinical psychologist, who won't prescribe any medication at all and will instead use cognitive-behavioral therapy in most cases. When it comes down to it most people are woefully ignorant when it comes to psychology. Most disorders, except for things like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe cases of depression, can be helped without the use of medication. People today however want that quick fix and aren't willing to do the work that traditional therapy requires.

I agree X ...that alot of people just want a quick fix pill for everything ..
People now days are taking them like candy ..
I dont know not one single person who is not on some sort or prescription drug for stress,anxiety etc ...only because they do not even try to control the depression or anxiety from things like divorce,money problems etc (things that are certainly stressful but can be changed if one could stay on top of it all and certainly be strong and work through it all ) ... ..they want a pill that will do it for them ..
None of these people I know are bipolar or manic depressed people .. etc and I am and get through every day *I do have control of my emotions (it took year and years but I am getting very good at it with all the practice lol) ...and yet they cannot even get through any of lifes problems (even simple ones) without taking a pill or two ....And we are all going to have to at some point face all of those problems ..Because if they are just avoided they just get worse (medicine does not take the problems away ) ..

It is really sad because alot of those people I know are nothing but putting a huge bandaid on the real problem ...and yet it just keeps bleeding and seeping out the edges ...........

Originally posted by Telafree
Risperdal does help people too.

Not all drugs are bad mmkay?

i take depakote and respedal, I was hospitalized because i got in an arguement with my folks. anyway i went to the hospital or whatever it was and them are the oinkiest clown porners i have ever seen. no joke. even the constanbles that transport the people were for lack of a better words out of control. the cops in houston or the constadables that work out here are cool.


but that clown porn thing is weird.


anyway i take 2mg of respedal and i take 1000mg of depakote.


the respedal or any lapse in takeing respedal is like dropping a bomb on someone. you cant even move. its like going through a g-force test and not being able to move.


after that though there was a period were i had dialup and then moved onto dsl well takeing respedal seriously removes the organic compound or enjoyment from using the internet.


however, im working on some information technology courses/ then is saying called a brain dump. which means your brain is all weird and people are trying to get inside your head.


anyway. with respedal your muscle mass will detoriate, youll gain lots of water weight like alot. if you eat right. but your muscle tissue will be ruined. your sexual drive will stop and so will any male hormone production.


also i called to try and get some zoloft, and i explained to them what i was going through that i felt i had to duck everytime the fan rotates.


in other words like if you had a giant rotating fan with only one fin and had to duck for it to pass. thats what respedal does to someone.

if you take zoloft man your lucky because life is more about cookies and family orientated phony stuff but its still alot cooler than just takeing respedal.

the other thing i figured out is with any form of psychiatric medication is that zoloft is offered for mostly youth or people who are menstruel. but the for the most part it is not the person takeing the meds its the people around thems behavoir that would incorporate the need for medication to block out or aleviate in my opinion.


in other words if your perfectly fine and well composed, but grannies a freakshow from the 1960s, and acts like baby jane then here take this zoloft and maybe she will be alot nicer.

Got a problem, take a pill?

or

Got a problem, try to deal with it, adjust, cry, feel the pain and get through it, sadder and wiser, drug free.

Life is not a feel free zone. Sometimes it hurts and is painful dealing with it but I would rather have my brain intact than take some lousy med that screws you over far worse than the original issue in the first place.

As for the OP, your friends daughter should have been helped through the issues of the father with counselling. Sure, it is hard realizing that the Dad is a moron but at least after a few months of processing, it's accepted and finished with unlike brain burning meds.

I was on risperdal for several years; a small 3mg dose was enough to make me into a walking invalid. I lost motor control (had to take cojentin for the side effects they were so bad) by shaking constantly, I became narcoleptic, I fell into a DEEPER depression, I became violent, I was in a haze.. etc.

Those were some of the worst years of my life, all because me and my father didn't get along and I was 'schizo-affective'. Look it up. What they gave me was overkill; this stuff is like dropping an atom bomb on a flea.

reply to post by Mynaeris


Hi. I tried Risperdol a few years ago for depression and it made me panicky and caused my eyes to widen. I looked nuts! The doc replaced that one with serroquel (from same family) and that made my legs convulse. I've been on tons of different meds over the past 10 years, and I'm currently weaning myself off effexor, which is actually taking 3 times as long as the actual time I was taking them normally. The withdrawl is agonizing. Missing a celexa used to make me unbearably itchy! Basically, the only thing that researchers know about these drugs (and and all other drugs used for mental illness) is WHAT they do, not HOW they do it (so they're just going by trial and error). And they don't tell you all the risks, either. Antidepressants can even kill you if you mix it with a simple herbal medicine like St. John's wort. I've had it with these drugs. It took me 10 years to figure out that my problems come being extremely lazy and having terrible coping skills. I'm never touching a seritonin altering drug again. Your niece needs group therapy, not antipsychotics. As for pushing these drugs on teenagers and infants, its part of a "dumbing-down" process, so they can be easier to control. Have you ever seen what a hyperactive kid looks like on a good dose of ritalin? I thought kids were supposed to be rediculously energetic, not zombies. I watched a 13 year old girl on the news talk about how its good now that shes "how I'm supposed to be". She didn't seemed convinced. She sounded like she was on valume and didn't look happy at all. God, I could go on and on about how the government, doctors and pharmaceutical companies are laughing at us. Its just too bad that a lot of good doctors don't know they're hurting anyone. And dammit, stop with the antibiotics. I can't fight a sniffle on my own anymore. Whats it gonna be like if another epidemic breaks out? Please research EVERYTHING before you put it into yourself or your children. ESPECIALLY VACCINES!!!

Ok, so to all you people out there who took a med to help with a emotional/mind problem, was anyone helped? Or were you all worse off than if you had a counsellor and sorted it out without medication?

Medication masks the human condition which can he sad, devastating, depressing and plain nuts. But, you do get through it and through facing it head on, you learn more skills for coping with life. And you get inner strength and fortitude! What meds can give you that? None.

reply to post by spacecowgirl


Like I stated earlier in the thread, I took Zoloft for several months after my fiance died from cancer. Did it help me? In a way, yes. It allowed me to function "normally" while I dealt with my grief.

Did I get off of it when I felt I didn't need it any longer? Yes. There was no need for it after I came to grips and terms with my loss and worked through most of the grief and sadness.

I didn't take it to mask what was happening and how I felt. I took it so that I could live a somewhat normal life while I dealt with my feelings. I had a brief, but serious, bout with depression, and when it was over, the meds were gone.

Originally posted by Mynaeris
You are right Risperdal has been proven to help with Schizophrenics. I have not seen any autistic child helped by Risperdal, if this were the case the autism pandemic would be over.

reply to post by skeptic1

 

I couldn't agree with you more. Parents have quit the role of parenting and started medicating instead. I am currently busy with a study where parents are bringing in their children for treatment because of annoying habits, like cracking their knuckles, or clearing their throats and it has been labelled Tourettes. All we can do is wait for the Tourettes pandemic to strike. I am of the opinion parents are in search of Stepford Children with the least amount of work. And the drug companies are eager to assist.



[edit on 4-2-2009 by Mynaeris]

What line of work are you in ? You say you haven't seen any autistic children helped by resperidone? Well then you obviously haven't seen mine and the many others who have been helped.

Autism is not a one symptom disorder. Autism is actually the umbrella that
covers several symptoms on a spectrum. That said, it has been very effective in helping control violent rages. By no means is resperidone going to help your child not be as withdrawn, or teach him how to make friends, or stop his obsessions and compulsions or help alleviate the many agonizing challenges these kids, parents and families endure daily, but it will help relieve some of the symptoms he experiences and control the mood changes that often accompany autistic specrectrum disorder.

Just like in anything, you have the bad and the good, but that in no way makes All one or the other. To say so presents an illogical argument at best. Yes, there are parents who don't seem to know what they are doing and seek help maybe in hopes of an instant solution, or maybe because they are tired of seeing their child suffer. I could give you several reasons parents choose to put their kids on meds. But that doesn't mean they have quit parenting.

if you look objectively at the trend, you will see quite the opposite. The ones who care, are the ones who do take their children to doctors in search of some kind of help. Do you honestly think parents who don't care
take time out of their day for their childrens doctor's apointments? No. Parents who don't care to parent are typically the picture of neglect.

Some of you are so critical and judgemental, because you do NOT know what it is like to walk in another's shoes, who struggles with these issues.
I hope you never do.

As far as your niece being treated for depression, they obviously think she has a mood disorder maybe she is bipoalr. Atypical antipsychotics are
not just given for schizophrenia, they are very effective in managing mood
disorders. 'Atypical' meaning they don't have the same side effects, or act on the brain the same way as your first generation antipsychotics use to; such as thorazine or haldol these were considered the heavy hitters and the only drug docs could turn to. Thank goodness there are better medications available.

Originally posted by spacecowgirl
Got a problem, take a pill?

or

Got a problem, try to deal with it, adjust, cry, feel the pain and get through it, sadder and wiser, drug free.

Life is not a feel free zone. Sometimes it hurts and is painful dealing with it but I would rather have my brain intact than take some lousy med that screws you over far worse than the original issue in the first place.

As for the OP, your friends daughter should have been helped through the issues of the father with counselling. Sure, it is hard realizing that the Dad is a moron but at least after a few months of processing, it's accepted and finished with unlike brain burning meds.

Really!! And who are you to give advice? Having a bout or two of mild depression is normal. Having a major mental illness, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia just to name two, is a completely different ball game! You need to research just what depression is then speak to this issue, You don't have your information right.

I do agree with counseling along with meds.

It seems like there were a few responses from individuals whose brains were really sharpened from taking risperdal. I'm impressed!
Now that's the kind of poison I want my kids taking!

I think Autism is a different story altogether ...

I think my son is Autistic which is why they could not figure out what to do to help him.....But is there a test to see if they are or arnt ?

They only seemed to concentrait on the ADHD part of him ..(he used to be really hyper physically where he would never sit down ..and never be still ..to the point that it drove him nuts ..
I tried to redirect him giving him things to do (like reading etc ) ...which is why he can read so good ..but that would only work for a little while ..
The Internet was like a godsent when they got it in school...he was special ed and they put him on that and he would sit for hours ...
But at that time we all did not have computers and I could not afford one then anyway ..

Now he just works hard (he does hard manual labor) which helps him with is hyper brain .
(My brain is hyper too so he gets that honestly) ..I have to make myself shut up when I am trying to sleep lol .....

Anyway is there anyway to know for sure if someone is Autistic or not ?
I mean he has a 160 IQ ...my oldest son is 180 ....(I am only 70 ) ..for real ...weird isnt it ?

[edit on 5-2-2009 by Simplynoone]

Originally posted by Xcalibur254
When a person is prescribed psychotropic medication, it is generally by their physician. Now, a physician is an expert in bodily ailments. They did not go to medical school however to learn about psychological disorders. So, a lot of this misprescription of medicine can be accounted for because people would rather visit their physician for psychological advice as opposed to a psychiatrist who did go to school so they could prescribe medication for psychological disorders. Or better yet a clinical psychologist, who won't prescribe any medication at all and will instead use cognitive-behavioral therapy in most cases. When it comes down to it most people are woefully ignorant when it comes to psychology. Most disorders, except for things like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe cases of depression, can be helped without the use of medication. People today however want that quick fix and aren't willing to do the work that traditional therapy requires.

Those who have ears, let them hear. Thank you for your contribution here. You've also given me a greater comfort with the field of psychology.

I'm also appreciative of the testimonies from the Anonymous contributors and simplynoone. It helps in understanding hearing from people who've been there.

[edit on 6-2-2009 by saint4God]

reply to post by paxnatus


I don't agree with medicating children. I don't agree with popping a pill because life gets tough or hard. I do believe in counseling to see and deal with the underlying problem and to make life changes.

If, however, there is a medical condition such as bi polar or scitzophrenia, then it should be medically treated.

Originally posted by paxnatus

What line of work are you in ? You say you haven't seen any autistic children helped by resperidone? Well then you obviously haven't seen mine and the many others who have been helped.

I work in this line of work. It helps with a specific symptom of autism not with autism or even any variant in the autism spectrum. In fact you might be interested in doing some research on the ABA (Applied behavioral analysis) program (www.behavior.org...) They have been getting striking results without the need for drug use. Also look at www.nycli.org...


Though if Risperdone is working for your autistic child then it's a good thing. I would never suggest without seeing the child that you are doing the wrong thing.

Originally posted by paxnatus
If you look objectively at the trend, you will see quite the opposite. The ones who care, are the ones who do take their children to doctors in search of some kind of help. Do you honestly think parents who don't care take time out of their day for their childrens doctor's apointments? No. Parents who don't care to parent are typically the picture of neglect.

Have you ever heard of Munchausen’s by proxy? I think you may have a different perspective on your statement if you did. But I have had numerous parents who want a script for anyone of these quick fix medications.

Originally posted by paxnatus
As far as your niece being treated for depression, they obviously think she has a mood disorder maybe she is bipolar (sic) . Atypical antipsychotics are
not just given for schizophrenia, they are very effective in managing mood
disorders. 'Atypical' meaning they don't have the same side effects, or act on the brain the same way as your first generation antipsychotics use to; such as thorazine or haldol these were considered the heavy hitters and the only drug docs could turn to. Thank goodness there are better medications available.

I will definitely take note of your Dx on my niece. (1) I am assuming that you also have a PhD in clinical psych ( I do) and (2) Doctors don’t study psychology and should not have the power to prescribe medication for mental disorders.

Originally posted by paxnatus

Really!! And who are you to give advice? Having a bout or two of mild depression is normal. Having a major mental illness, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia just to name two, is a completely different ball game! You need to research just what depression is then speak to this issue, You don't have your information right.

I do agree with counseling along with meds.

Glad we have your permission and expertise. You may want to speak to us rather than down to us.



[edit on 6-2-2009 by Mynaeris]

Originally posted by Mynaeris

Originally posted by paxnatus

What line of work are you in ? You say you haven't seen any autistic children helped by resperidone? Well then you obviously haven't seen mine and the many others who have been helped.

I work in this line of work. It helps with a specific symptom of autism not with autism or even any variant in the autism spectrum. In fact you might be interested in doing some research on the ABA (Applied behavioral analysis) program (www.behavior.org...) They have been getting striking results without the need for drug use. Also look at www.nycli.org...


Though if Risperdone is working for your autistic child then it's a good thing. I would never suggest without seeing the child that you are doing the wrong thing.

Originally posted by paxnatus
If you look objectively at the trend, you will see quite the opposite. The ones who care, are the ones who do take their children to doctors in search of some kind of help. Do you honestly think parents who don't care take time out of their day for their childrens doctor's apointments? No. Parents who don't care to parent are typically the picture of neglect.

Originally posted by paxnatus
As far as your niece being treated for depression, they obviously think she has a mood disorder maybe she is bipolar (sic) . Atypical antipsychotics are
not just given for schizophrenia, they are very effective in managing mood
disorders. 'Atypical' meaning they don't have the same side effects, or act on the brain the same way as your first generation anti psychotics use to; such as thorazine or haldol these were considered the heavy hitters and the only drug docs could turn to. Thank goodness there are better medications available.

I will definitely take note of your Dx on my niece. (1) I am assuming that you also have a PhD in clinical psych ( I do) and (2) Doctors don’t study psychology and should not have the power to prescribe medication for mental disorders.

Originally posted by paxnatus

I work in this line of work. It helps with a specific symptom of autism not with autism or even any variant in the autism spectrum. In fact you might be interested in doing some research on the ABA (Applied behavioral analysis) program (www.behavior.org...) They have been getting striking results without the need for drug use. Also look at www.nycli.org...

Just because you have a phD in clinical psych. doesn't make you an expert
in Autism or Psychiatric medicine.

I have a Masters in nursing, so I do have some experience my self. I also have a 12yr. old autistic son, and that makes me pretty much an expert in autism. Yes, I am very aware of ABA therapy it has been proven very effective IF started at a very young age usually around 2; which according to your article backs this claim up.

"An Applied Behavior Analytic Intervention Program for Pre-School and School-Age Children with Autism"

My son did not receive a diagnosis for autism until he was 5. Please feel free to check into the qualifications needed in order to receive ABA therapy.
Seven years ago Insurance companies refused to pay for it, unless there were extraordinary circumstances. The cost out of pocket is $100,000 plus. He was seeing one of the top specialist in the world Dr. Mary Megson a developmental pediatric specialist. You can do some research on her if you like. From there we went to Children's Hospital in Richmond Virginia. He now sees a Psychiatrist who is Board Certified in Child Adolescent , Adult Psychiatry. Board Certified in Forensic Medicine, Board Certified Forensic Examiner, Certified, American Society of Addiction Medicine. He attends therapy with a doctor who specializes in Autism in Children and Adolescents.
His doctor uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Personal Construct Psychology. He also uses Behavioral Modification therapy. These therapies in addition to medication are working well to help him understand his "Theory of Mind" issues. He also attends a specialized program for children with autism. I hope this helps you see I do know a little of what I am talking about and NOT just looking for a quick fix.

As far as resperidone HELPING these kids. Here are some links, if you care to research. [autism.com...].

"As a result, atypical anti psychotic drugs are being studied as off-label medications to treat autism because of their increased safety and efficacy over conventional neuroleptics. Risperidone is becoming one of the more popular atypical anti psychotic drugs prescribed for treating disruptive behavior in autistic children. This discussion will explore the use of risperidone as a possibly safe and potentially effective treatment for disruptive behavioral symptoms in children with autism."

link:findarticles.com...

As far as your idea regarding Munchausen's byproxy. I am very aware of this disorder. To think the average lay person is using this, IMO is kind of ridiculous. The occurrence of this is quite rare.

Was not talking down to you or anyone for that matter, I apologize for offending you.

To be perfectly honest, I am surprised that you, based on your qualifications
are not more informed about atypical anti-psychotics and their use in treatment of mood disorders. Bipolar disorder usually presents when depressive symptoms are present only. Meaning this is when most decide to seek treatment. Manic symptoms do not usually manifest for several weeks to months after diagnosis of Depression. This is the number one reason Bipolar diagnosis is missed.

But hey, you already knew all this, right?



[edit on 6-2-2009 by Mynaeris]

reply to post by paxnatus


I spent some time considering whether to respond to your post or to just leave the chip where it was. In the end I decided that I should tell you that the internet is the medical professions' biggest enemy and the hypochondriac and his mothers best friend.

I don't see the point to arguing with you about the issue of all the diseases that Risperdone is claimed to be the panacea for, you are already determined to disagree. The youtube clip was to illustrate that a mother taking a child to the doctor doesn't automatically lead to the conclusion that the parent is doing it out of care for the child. Whilst Munchausen's by proxy is a rare and disputable diagnosis, hypochondriasis and hypochondriasis by proxy are not.

Originally posted by paxnatus
As far as your niece being treated for depression, they obviously think she has a mood disorder maybe she is bipoalr.

Statements like this shows me how you jump to conclusions with totally no facts. By the way a lobotomy also helps with Oppositional Defiance Disorder. About 60 years ago if autism had been as pandemic as it is now , I am sure it would have been used as a treatment for the acting out symptoms.

[edit on 7-2-2009 by Mynaeris]

Originally posted by Mynaeris
You are right Risperdal has been proven to help with Schizophrenics. I have not seen any autistic child helped by Risperdal, if this were the case the autism pandemic would be over.

Just had to pop in on this one here...


Our son is severely autistic... actually, his condition, specifically, is Childhood Disintigrative Disorder. After dealing with 2 years of irritibility, sleeplessness and sleepwalking, mood swings like mad, etc, along with being seriously unfocused most of the time, we were recommended to try putting him on low doses of risperdol, to see if it would help.

And boy has it. Within 2 days we saw changes in him that we had never dreamed we would see. He's much calmer, and much more reasonable and easier to handle, more creative and imaginative (which, if you know anything about his disorder, you'd know is a hard thing to accomplish), sleeps better and without the sleepwalking nightmares we had to go through with him.

The changes were drastic and immediate, and all for the better. The only side effects that he has suffered with it has been increased appetite, and needing to drink more. Common side effects on the medication.


As to the topic at hnad, i agree, medicating kids for no reason is unacceptable, and most of the time, when a doc prescribes something like that, it's usually to get people to shush and leave his office.

I always swore I would not medicate my child unless it was a last resort. It took a very long time for us to come to the decision to try it out. For us, we got lucky... the meds work to help in the areas that we needed, and without having the side effects you usually see happen.

In the end, for us, it was a good decision, and a necessary one. For most cases, however, I would not agree, and feel that caution is the biggest and best word you can know, when it comes to medicating your children. Don't do it just because... make sure that what you are doing is right for them, not you.