weaning off risperidone

[Rufus07]

any help is greatly appreciated. I’ve been on it for years and it never really seemed to help to my liking. Anxiety wasn’t reduced, I’m bipolar 2 so if anything it’s helped with the highs. I’m at rock bottom and since starting pristiq about 3 months or so ago I’ve fallen deeper in the hole. I’m planning on stopping that too. Just worried about withdrawal symptoms. I cry everyday and my mood swings are unbearable. I can’t socialize and want no interaction with anyone. Not even family. I just want to be alone as to not be a burden to anyone.

[Rufus07]

also, I feel as though I’ve just giving up on this nothingness called my life. I care about nothing .

[participant05]

aww, seeety you are not a burden. I have bipolar 1. At first I was reluctant to additional meds, but that is the only way my frequent crying over nothing stopped. I didnt want additional meds because I gained twenty more lbs but Im not sure that I would want mycrying to continue. because I do get sad but the medication numbs the feeling of wanting to cry. talk w your doctor. dont give up on life. try to distract yourself a little. go out in--talkw family. often I feel like you. And its hard for me to sociolize too. I dont have extreme mood swings but like I said I am under a lot of meds and you probably dont want that but its up to you. but just know you are not alone and just dont stop your meds abruptly try and see if you could get a sooner appt w your doctor so that you can discuss your concerns. tell them how you feel.

[participant05 in reply to participant05]

I take Risperidone too. for my anxiety I take busiporone.

[Rufus07 in reply to participant05]

Maybe the risperidone has run its course for me

[Rufus07 in reply to participant05]

My frequent crying has increased 10 fold since starting the pristiq. And has also altered my mood for the worse in many other ways. That’s why I want to stop. I’m also on lamotrigine and I wouldn’t stop that. As far as the risperidone goes, I just take it because I’m supposed to. It’s been years. I talked to my doctor and he doesn’t think it’s the pristiq that has worsened my problems!? What else could it be? Maybe I need to start taking my clonazepam daily and not just as needed, because obviously it’s needed. Thank you for your advice and kind words.

[participant05]

Im here for you if you need anything. And no you are not a broken record, ee all have issuses. And we are here to support one another especially if we can relate. I know the holidays is a tough time too.

[Rufus07 in reply to participant05]

Thank you! Yes, the holidays are a very tough time for me

[PenguinQueen44]

Hey Rufus07,I was diagnosed as bipolar and with severe anxiety....I went down the rabbit hole of trying to find the right meds and I hated it too. Eventually I went off my meds completely and started CBD oil, which managed the worst of my symptoms.

I vent on this page too and use apps to keep me organized and I utilize the systems given to me to manage the worst days.

The mood swings are the worst, but CBD oil helped me keep the edge off so that I can function better.

Some people can go through the process of finding the right meds....some people can't...it is a journey that can test the best of us. If u can afford to do the journey...I would, but they are alternatives that can be done as well to manage ur problem.

I have done it.

It is not easy but I function.

U do what will make u happy in the end.

Good luck! Vent more if u need to!!!

I will be here!!!

[Rufus07 in reply to PenguinQueen44]

Thank you

[jjpeabody]

Looking back, do you think you felt better before any of these medications? Clonazepam is a benzodiazipine recommended for short term use, but may help if you can keep the dose low like maybe 0.25mg 2x/day. You might check with your doctor. Good luck

[Rufus07 in reply to jjpeabody]

I’ve been on the risperidone for so long I don’t remember how I was without it. I’m guessing not good. I’m also on lamotrigine and have clonazepam for when needed. I always take it when I’m having an attack and it works well. Maybe I need to add a small dose to my everyday pills. Since starting the pristiq about 3 1/2 months ago all hell has broken lose.I messaged my doc and he said if I feel like that is what’s causing my symptoms I can stop. What else could it be? He said to give it 3 to 5 more days!? I can’t see that making a positive difference. He has pretty much given up on me. I just see him for my meds but we do talk also. I’ve tried talk therapy for the last 30 years to no avail. He says that’s what I need and there is really nothing else he can do for me. If I do decide to ween off, I will use his help and won’t do it on my own. Thank you for your reply

[Rufus07 in reply to jjpeabody]

I added 0.25 Clonazepam to my morning meds today. Feeling much better…no tears. I’ve always taken it for anxiety outbreaks but I think I need it on a daily basis now. I’ll see if it helps with the mood swings also.

[Rufus07]

I would still take my lamotrigine so I wouldn’t be completely off meds. I can’t see myself being totally off all meds.

[Rufus07]

Thank you

[Rufus07]

I’ve talked to my doctor and he doesn’t think it’s the pristiq that’s making my issues worse. He says I can go off if I want but to give it 3 to 5 more days!? I will work with him if I do decide to go off

[Rufus07]

in a way I’m scared to get off most of my meds. I’ve been on them for so long and if it doesn’t work, I don’t want to start at the beginning again. I’m afraid I won’t be able to manage without them. Thank you for your reply

[Rufus07]

If I do try to get off of them and it doesn’t work, I would have no problem getting back on. I would, again, try something different.

[Tabby-5]

I understand not wanting to be a burden. That scares me as well. I really tired of the mental health issues I struggle with every day. Please if you are planning on weaning off of any of your medications, please make a plan with your doctor. I had a plan and started weaning off Seroquel 3 months. Well the withdrawals were horrible. I couldn't sleep maybe 15 hours for a whole week. I woke up and had to vomit and the headaches were horrible. Any way I went back on it because I couldn't function and I need my job. At least so far I can sleep 4-7 hours a night. I take valium for anxiety another medication I am sure I am addicted too. I just haven't been able to find something to help me during the day with sadness. I am working with a hynotherapist. It helps some. I too don't feel very social when before I was just the opposite.

My therapist, has me say affirmations every day. I am present, I will do my best, I am loved,

I am awesome. I hope for a miracle for myself and everyone on Health Unlocked. It is such a struggle to get through life.

[Rufus07 in reply to Tabby-5]

I’m tired too….so tired. This life is such a struggle. So much crying and sadness everyday. I feel like I’m willing to try anything at this point. Do the affirmations help? You are awesome and don’t ever forget it! Thank you for your reply🙂

[Tabby-5 in reply to Rufus07]

Yes, the affirmations do help! I am so tired too! Thank you for your reply as well. I really appreciate it. I have no idea if there is a higher power, or God, whatever you feel comfortable with, why or why do so many thousands of people suffer daily??? I have asked myself this for years. What is the reason?

[Rufus07 in reply to Tabby-5]

I believe there is a God and I ask him daily “why”? I just can’t seem to get out from under this black cloud that has been hanging over my head for decades. I’ve pretty much given up and feel like I’m resigned to living this way forever. I don’t know how to change

[Tabby-5 in reply to Rufus07]

I don't know if you have tried alternative treatments, such as TMS, Ketamine infusion or Spravato,Acupunture, I tried them all, but they didn't work for me, but everyone is different, and some have benefited from the above. Hypnotherapy is helping me right now. I feel like we just got to keep trying to remove the black cloud so we can see some sunshine and enjoy life like I used to before. Best of luck Rufus,

[Rufus07 in reply to Tabby-5]

I’m glad that you have found something that is helping you. Thank you for the other treatment suggestions. I haven’t tried any of them. I talked to my doctor about some of them but he didn’t seem too hopeful. Like I think I’ve said before, he’s pretty much given up on me. I guess there is only so much he can do. I understand that. He doesn’t have a magic wand. Gosh, if only, huh?! He just keeps saying I need therapy which has never worked for me and he knows that. I just feel like there is no hope for me. I just have to keep on keeping on I guess. Thank you for the wish of luck. Take care

[Tabby-5 in reply to Rufus07]

Rufus07 Please don't believe there is no hope for you! There is and you just have to keep trying. I have been battling for years and have seen numerous doctors, specialist, and they have all said that they don't know how to help me. Numerous hours of therapy too.

DBT, CBT, I am working with a therapist that does EMDR which has been helpful, sometimes, the hypnotherapist helps She is really terrific. She is also helping my neighbor. Do you have any hobbies? If not try something you never thought you would do or maybe have thought about doing, Art, Play a violin, just a thought,

I used to volunteer at an Animal Shelter and then they offered me a job. I can tell you that they are desperate for volunteers, and they need people to come in and walk dogs if you like animals. Take care of tiny kittens that need to be bottle fed. You could be a foster parent if you don't want full-time responsibility.

They need volunteers everywhere; I don't know what you like to do. Maybe give it some thought. Bye for now keep your chin up, okay?

[Rufus07 in reply to Tabby-5]

I’ve given up on therapy. It has never helped me. I do talk to my med doctor, which I hate because he has given up on me. (There is nothing else I ca do for you were his exact words) even then it’s every 3 or 4 months. I have no hobbies and have no desire to do anything. Nothing interests me anymore. I can rarely get out to take my dog for a walk. As far as volunteering goes, my social anxiety puts a stop to that. Too many people, loud atmosphere. Maybe something to revisit in the future.

Thank you for your suggestions and take care