Risperdal Caused Uncommon Intemperate Dysphoria

[Guest Werge]

Hello, I am 15 years old and have had trouble dealing with psychotic symptoms for the past few months. My psychiatrist Dr.Steel had prescribed me 4mg Risperidone (Brand name Risperdal) to relieve the symptoms. My only experience with antipsychotics prior to this was a miniscule dose of olanzapine (Zyprexa) to function as a sleep-aid, which gave me no discernible effects. Now, keep in mind at this time I had no tolerance to risperidone. I took the pill at roughly 4 pm, and shortly afterwards began to feel lethargic, light-headed, and unable to direct my attention towards anything. This was followed by mild mental confusion and a increasing sense of malaise. This effects continued to intensify and in that period of time I became extremely disorientated, dysphoric, and felt entirely disconnected from the world. I started to experience akathisia and a striking increase in body temperature. I was feeling panicked and dissociated, with a terrible containment of my emotions. My feelings of familiarity with the world were gone. Everything seemed dead, cold, and foreign.

After skimming through this board, it seems most of you guys experiences with Risperdal were nothing close to this. This doesn't make any sense to me, as it was one of the most unpleasant experiences of my life. Was the dosage too high? Was this some kind of reaction? Anybody have a clue?

[sorrel]

Striking increase in body temperature? Is that subjective or you measured it?

And what does "containment of my emotions" mean?

[Guest Werge]

Striking increase in body temperature? Is that subjective or you measured it?

And what does "containment of my emotions" mean?

My body temperature may not have actually increased, but I was experiencing frequent heat-flashes and an uncomfortable sensation of warmth throughout my body.

Containment meaning suppressed,

[AirMarshall]

Taking psych meds for the first time can be a little disconcerting. Antipsychotics can interfere with body temperature regulation (especially cooling) so a feeling of being hot is not surprising. Be sure to stay hydrated, and be cautious about not getting overheated in situations like being outside in the sun, exercising etc. AP's do help stabilize mood, so you may have a sensation of having your moods being suppressed or not as spontaneous.

Try not to panic or overly worry about med side effects. Most people find that side effects ease off with time and aren't so bothersome after a couple weeks. Remember that we are in treatment for the long haul and that we will be looking for improvements over weeks to months, not days. Try to be patient. Hope you feel better soon.

Best regards, a.m.