Risperdal to Seroquel

[McBee]

Hi,

I was wondering if anybody has changed from risperdal to seroquel and what sideffects you have felt.

So far on day 2 of the transformation I am noticing a few things:

1. Restless sleeping
2. Increase in anxiety
3. Clearer thinking (risperdal seemed to have the same effect as a hangover - Fog)
4. Agitation - I seem to be cranky.

I have an anxiety disorder which creates can create paranoia. My Addiction Psychiatrist recommeneded that I go onto risperdal originally and I found that it did stabilize my moods but the side-effects were almost unbearable. I felt that my brain functions were slower and I was having difficulty remembering anything.

At first she lowered my dosage of risperdal to the lowest .5 mg but I found that my obsessive behaviour and anxiety quickly came back to haunt me. Eventually, she decided to move me on to seroquel but this transformation from one medication to another has been rather difficult. I am wondering if anyone in this forum has been through this before and how long does it last?

Any help you can give me is very much appreciated.

Yours truly,

McBee

[pedagogue]

I need to run out for a bit, but i'll try and address your question when I get back. (I haven't been on either, but I can speak to changing medications, normalizing periods, side effects, etc)

-pedagogue

[McBee]

Hey,

Any help you can give is appreciated.

[pedagogue]

I am not as familiar with atypical neuroleptics (anti-psychotics), but I believe the symptoms you have listed are all common side effects. Since you just changed medications, I would say give it a few weeks to adjust, but monitor your symptoms. Stay in contact with your prescribing doctor, and keep them aware of any changes in symptoms. If you are taking other medications (which is often the case with this type of med), that may also effect your symptoms. Your doctor can speak to those interaction best.

-pedagogue

ps. I appologize for not getting back to you sooner, but I got side tracked yesterday and didn't have time to reply.

[gforce]

While I have not been on risperdol, I was placed on Seroquel and initially it was very difficult to take. The foggy mind, the racing thoughts, the fear of going out of the house, all were way to much to bear. After being on it in incrementally increased dosages, it has done a world of good for me with anxiety, my intermitent explosive anxiety disorder, bipolar and border line paranoid schizophrenia. I have now been taking 500mg per day and function closer to normal than I have in the last 5-6 years.
Alcohol and drugs both exacerbated my mental problems and it has been a very long haul over the last six months being clean and sober. Higher Power willing, I will hope fully reach my seventh month May 17. I say hang in there with the Seroquel and maintain regular dosing and regular check ups with your psychiatrist.
Best of luck.....