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Does anybody work while on risperidone?

Posted , 4 users are following.

louise79427
louise79427

Am worried about going back to work as I am on risperidone and in the morning I am sedated and dizzy. I can't imagine working on an antipsychotic as I feel sedated.

Do you get used to working on antipsychotics?

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  • Tango
    Tango louise79427

    Posted

    Hi louise79427.

    I used to work whilst on Quetiapine, which is another medication used as a mood stabiliser that is an antipsychotic. Short-term answer is that you should get used to working on it, but it is advisable to get used to doing stuff at home first and also speak to your workplace about medications you are on - most are more happy to know someone is taking meds and may have problems adjusting to the meds whilst working. Also I would say first and foremost talk to your GP about getting a note to phased return to work.

    If the meds are making you really tired after being on them for a few weeks at the dosage you are on now they may need to adjust them to a lowest dose possible, whilst still helping your diagnosis.

    I hope this helps! All the best. X

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  • krissy97585
    krissy97585 louise79427

    Posted

    My son was completely unable to function on respiradone, but on aripiprazole (Abilify) he is managing just fine. If you hate the way it makes you feel you may be better suited to a different med. They don't really know how or why different ones work for different people, but Abilify works completely differently from respiridal. Believe your own mind & body.
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    • krissy97585
      krissy97585 louise79427

      Posted

      He started on 5mg for a week, then up to 10mg. The difference is remarkable. He was totally flattened in every aspect by respiridal: sleeping 12+hours, no desire for anything, gained 13kg in 26 days, couldn't exercise due to the aches & pains & lethargy, foggy thoughts, slow mental processing... This went on for almost 3 months after he stopped it but the metabolic dysregulation it caused is still affecting him (elevated prolactin, triglycerides, LDL, weight gain etc). Fingers crossed that the Abilify suits you a lot more too. Quality of life is everything & a medication that makes everyday a chore is not an option.
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    • krissy97585
      krissy97585 louise79427

      Posted

      It would be good if they could do some sort of testing before prescribing so that the most suitable drug could be trialled. My guess is that it will be genetic testing in the future...He was unable to get out of bed before noon on the respiridal, but after just 10 days on the aripiprazole he is again exercising, looking forward to his days & making plans for the future. 

      My guess Louise is that you are likely to have a similar positive experience. Love to hear how you're doing in a few weeks. Warmest wishes for some quality living really soon x

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    • louise79427
      louise79427 krissy97585

      Posted

      It would be good as we are all different and what works for one person doesn't for another. I feel much more optimistic now as I was worried about going back to work feeling so flat and sedated. Am glad your son is doing so well, it sounds like a much better drug.
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