dramatic weight gain with Risperdol - Mental Health Message Board

momandthree · 07-10-2006, 11:58 PM

Hi, I am relatively new to this website. My son started taking Risperdol in January. He was always somewhat small for his age. He has had a dramatic growth spurt since January (height and weight) gaining aproximately 50 pounds. He has also gained some height during this period. He is 14 years old. I think some of this may be a normal growth spurt, however, I think some is related to the Risperdol. We have recently reduced his dose, but his doctor said the weight gain is not dose related. Our goal is to attempt to wean him off of this med entirely. I would like to know if the weight gain is reversible, will he lose some of this if the medication is discontinued? Thanks for any information regarding this.

GatsbyLuvr1920 · 07-11-2006, 06:33 AM

I hate to tell you this, but Risperdal, and other atypical anti-psychotics like it, are notorious for weight gain and causing diabetes. I'm not sure if it is reversible just by going off of the medication. May I ask what he's taking the Risperdal for? Maybe he'd be better off on some other type of medication altogether?
-GatsbyLuvr1920-

RiseAgainst · 07-16-2006, 12:46 PM

He wont lose the weight just by discontinuing the medication, but he wont put on any more. The best way to get rid of it is the slow way; excersise and healthy eating. Im on Risperdol and I have to keep an eye on what Im eating.