Why is risperdone give to many autistics other than psychotic complaints?
923287
Medical professionals frequently use medications for things other than what they were originally approved for. It is not uncommon to use risperdal (risperidone) to help manage the symptoms of autism because it has a powerful tranquilizing effect useful in agitation and severe behaviors, such as those that might hurt them. A good behavioral consultant might be more helpful and much safer than drugging this person though and medicaid pays for this kind of care.
1135435
Medical "professionals" give away antidepressants a lot because putting somebody on drugs is quicker and easier than actually trying to solve their problem.  Depression does often involve chemical imbalances in the brain, and medication helps many people who suffer from depression.  But much depression is caused by life circumstances, and medication can't fix your life.  But if the doctor just hands out a pill, then it becomes a "quick fix" and they don't really have to deal with the problem.
463622
Thanks for the information, I saved the link and will read thought it later. I have a 5 year old nephew who has been diagnosed as autistic, he also has vision problems. I have had my doubts about the diagnosis from the beginning, hope your paper helps bring some light to the situation. \nThanks.
170327
Unfortunately, no one is sure why autism occurs. While it cannot be "cured", per se, early intervention can help tremendously. There are many variables involved in determining how succesful therapy will be, including IQ and the severity of the autism. Occupational, cognitive/behavioral and sometimes physical therapy combined with a lot of work and support from the parents can help these kids make great strides. Good luck!
204999
Hi, again, Stephen!  Hmm, I have never heard of Zetia as it relates to Autism.  As a drug used to lower cholesterol and lipid levels, I fail to see what a benefit would be to someone on the Spectrum.  It is important to remember that there is NO drug to treat Autism.  Some parents/caretakers will use medications, namely anti-depressants and anti-psychotics to treat some symptoms (especially in individuals that are prone to violent outbursts, or self-abusive behaviors), or to help people with Autism sleep through the night (a common issue).  Please note that all of these meds can have some nasty side effects, and nobody knows what the long term effects may be in children.\nAlso, and I am not a new-agey, holistic freak, check into some popular, non-prescription therapies like Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and a mixture of Magnesium and B vitamins.  These should only be done under the supervision of a doctor, however, especially with children.
107854
I think confusion comes from the fact that "Autism Spectrum Disorder" covers such a wide spectrum that it includes those who can't talk, aren't toilet trained & bang their heads bloody (Kanner's)  as well as those who go to college, become engineers but still seem a bit 'odd' to most people (Asperger's).   Those at the higher end of the spectrum would obviously have the skill to drive, although I suspect many would choose not to if public transit is widely available in their area.
293311
Go to this website:\nwww.webmd.com\nClick on drugs and do a search for risperdal or an real easy website is:\nwww.drugs.com\nType in the drug name or if you don't know how to spell it just click on the first letter in the word. You will find the drug interactions, side effects, what the drug is used for and dosage. I noticed a pending lawsuit against the drug risperdal saying it causes type II diabetes. Read all about it on this website. Good luck. Btw, I would appreciate it if you vote my answer as you best answer. I need the 10 points. Thanks.
940264
geodon is labeled as an antipsychotic, for bipolar, mania, schizophrenia, or agitation.  drowsiness is a side effect, and sometimes doctors use medications for off-label uses.  talk with your doctor.
219566
In children with the regressive form of Autism (signs and symptoms appearing betweed 18-24 months) there appears to be a genetic defect in the G protein (or G-alpha), which is a cellular protein that either upgrades or downgrades signals in the sensory organs. This would certainly explain the number of kids, with Autism, that have Sensory Integration issues.\n\nOther proteins that appear to be affected, in people with Autism, are metallothionein MT protein,DVL proteins, FMRP, gluten, and casein.  Check out the sites for additional info. Best of luck!
1151816
Yes, I have seen patients at our local VA hospital take Risperdal for paranoid behavior.  You have to be closely monitored.  Some people it helps; other no.\nThe problem is keeping a parnoid individual on the meds to work.
257971
You must be kidding. There are so many meds, on label and off label, given as psychotropic medications.
310915
If you are taking them for depression, it might take 4-8 weeks for a response on an effective dose of an antidepressant. An effective dose for effexor usually starts at 150 mg daily. Risperdal is usally given for either augmentation or if you are having psychotic symptoms, and the response for the later is usually within a week, otherwise your Dr. will need to increase the dose.
986042
It is the only medication of its kind that quickly brought depression/anxiety under control (for me and other members of my large extended family), perhaps because it impacts both Serotonin and Norepinephrine levels.  Slight dryness of mouth and some fatigue were the main side-effects ... minor compared to the alternatives ... this medication has probably saved lives in our family.
590383
I work with people with various types and levels of mental illnesses and I think medication help reasonably normalize their living conditions, however, considering the long history of mental illness amongst us, and the advancement of our medical technology, I think we should have come up with a one stop gap medication that could help the condition without having to take over 15 different medications.
593065
As someone with plenty of experience with related conditions, I think the answer is kind of complicated... Yes, there is a tendency towards overdiagnosis and overanalyzing these days, however...I think they've also gotten better at recognizing these kinds of problems. I don't think any of it reflects an actual increase in cases...I think it reflects things like catching cases that would have formerly gone under the radar, having broader definitions for the terms, and that tendency to label everything as pathological. There are some fringe groups who would have you believe otherwise, and I have encountered them as a person with NLD who's done a lot of research about it...but that's all they are: fringe groups who either want to scare people, sell something to people, or just benefit from bending the statistics somehow. \n\n"Autism", when it first came into the lexicon, was something very specific and very rare; these days, they talk about an "autistic spectrum", which is broad and easy to manipulate into whatever you want it to be to fit a particular situation. I think ADHD has a similar problem with terminology.
430135
No one is really sure what is causing the "epidemic" of autism cases.\n\nI doubt it's caused by baby formula...that's just some vitamins and lactation protiens.\n\nThe world is full of hazards...perhaps a combination of environmental factors are sharing a vector and causing this surge in autistic cases.
823550
Because parents don't want to hear that news.  If they take their kids off Ritalin and/or antidepressants, they would actually need to PARENT their children rather than pump some pills into them.