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Bipolar Disorder:Risperdal

October 8th, 2006 1 Comment · depression

Risperdal is a drug that is commonly used to control the effects of bipolar on the mind. Through my research on the free, web-based drug and health plan formulary Epocrates Inc. and personal accounts from people that I know who have taken the drug, there are a lot of side effects listed and unlisted. The most common side effects according to Epocrates Online being:

• insomnia
• agitation
• extrapyramidal effects
• headache
• anxiety
• rhinitis
• constipation
• nausea/vomiting
• dyspepsia
• dizziness
• tachycardia
• somnolence
• increased dream activity
• dry mouth
• diarrhea
• weight gain
• visual disturbances
• sexual dysfxn
• hyperprolactinemia
• menstrual irregularities

There are some other not so common side effects that aren’t even mentioned in the site like lactation in women and excessive weight gain. I’m not talking a few pounds, try 85. In Bipolar I patients it may bring them down into a deep low that leads to suicidal tendencies.
Epocrates Online has information on over 3,300 drugs, including dosing, pricing, potential drug interactions and Medicare Part D formulary coverage from any computer with an Internet connection. I checked it for drug interactions. There is a LONG list for Risperdal. You can’t even take acetaminophen.

Overall I would say consider the consequences when talking to your health care provider about this drug.

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