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Risperidone augmentation

Posted , 2 users are following.

ann55375
ann55375

i am very concerned that it has been suggested i try this with my mirtazapine. I have no signs of bipolar.  Can anyone let me know of their experiences of this?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Inmate88
    Inmate88 ann55375

    Posted

    Hi Ann. Risperidone is an antipsychotic and is mainly used to tream schizophrenia and yes, sometimes bipolar as well. However it is not uncommon for it to be used alongside an SSRI/SNRI to try and aleviate sysmptons of depression. Especially if the depression is proving difficult to treat, however that's not always the case. You're probably best of asking your Dr about why you have been prescribed it if you are concerned. It is a little alarming that they seem to have prescribed you something without explaining why!

    I hope you get some answers and that things start to improve for you.

    • ann55375
      ann55375 Inmate88

      Posted

      Thanks for info. Explanation is:

      Psychiatrist has been unable to lift anx/dep with monotherapy as i cannot tolerate much in the way of anti deps, suggestion is to try augmentation with low dose of risperidone or olanzapine or another in that group.

      because i am on anticoagulant a lot of meds are contra indicated

    • ann55375
      ann55375 Inmate88

      Posted

      Asked today. Told that low dose risperidone is useful augment to anti dep when remission not achieved. Wants me to take 2mg per day. I am not sure
    • ann55375
      ann55375 Inmate88

      Posted

      Still not sure whether to take this risperidone, i feel my depression and anxiety getting worse and wonder if it will help
    • johnkov
      johnkov ann55375

      Posted

      Hi Ann,

      SSRI/SNRI are used from time to time in addition to antipsychotics to treat the negative symptoms of schizoaffective disorders. I am aware of research demonstrating that the combination of aripiprazole and sertraline is more effective in treating depression symptoms in patients suffering from schizophrenia than aripiprazole alone. However, whether it works the other way around – it is difficult to say, the evidence is rather limited.

      Now, I am not a medical doctor, but if you have any doubts, the best thing to do would be to see another specialist and ask for a second opinion. Antipsychotics have side effects and should be used only in patients suffering from psychotic conditions. If you’re not psychotic, it is possible that a change of antidepressant (e.g. to a tricyclic antidepressant or a MAO inhibitor) could be more beneficial.

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