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 .

[Dogcatnomaybehopeso in reply to Rufus07]

Keep trucking. Keep on keeping on… there is good to be found. You may not see it now. Or it may be there and you may not see it as good now, but good is there and if it is not there for you to see , it will come. ❤️‍🩹😍💕💕❤️‍🩹❤️💪💪❤️‍🩹

look within..

[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

[Dogcatnomaybehopeso]

I think you should work w a doctor while you are getting off your meds. And I agree w you if your meds are not helping I can certainly appreciate wanting to stop taking them. However, some of us can’t manage w/o them even though there are negative side effects.

All this being said working w your doctor no matter what your decision is - is paramount- definitely necessary. I have heard people can go into an episode if going off meds w/o proper guidance.

Best wishes-

You are not a burden. 😊

[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

[Dogcatnomaybehopeso]

if you can get by w/o the meds- great!! I think that is best. Best of luck!!

[Rufus07 in reply to Dogcatnomaybehopeso]

Thank you

[Dogcatnomaybehopeso]

Some meds have may have negative side effects that can be most difficult. Good in my opinion if you can go w/o or find alternatives. I have been working ( w a doctor) on getting off of my meds for some time. It can take some time; not everyone can manage w/o. If you can find a way to go w/o kudos to you!!

Again, best wishes!!

I may look into the CBD oil myself. I have issues w moods. Thank you, PenguinQueen, appreciate the mention of a possible alternative to meds.

[Rufus07 in reply to Dogcatnomaybehopeso]

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 in reply to Dogcatnomaybehopeso]

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

[Dogcatnomaybehopeso in reply to Rufus07]

Please continue trying to get off the meds if you can manage w/o them. The meds though can be helpful have side effects.

I have been trying to successfully get off. The meds for some time. But if you need them, you need them. Trying to go it w/o can’t be looked upon as a negative in my book.

Best ❤️‍🩹❤️🤗😍💪💪💪💪

[Rufus07 in reply to Dogcatnomaybehopeso]

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.

[Dogcatnomaybehopeso in reply to Rufus07]

Maybe something that is not an antipsychotic? I am not so familiar w medications. But I have dealt a some side effects and this has not been nice. It is what I see as a a side effect; you have to read the pamphlet that accompanies the medication

Best

[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’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

[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