Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by ATMC Clinical Review Team
Table of Contents:
- Risperdal Withdrawal Symptoms (risperidone)
- Videos: Risperdal Withdrawal
- Gradual Risperdal Withdrawal (risperidone)
- Risperdal and Dopamine
- Managing Risperdal Withdrawal Challenges
- What Risperdal (risperidone) Is Used For
- Risperdal Side Effects (risperidone)
- Risperdal (risperidone) Alternative Names and Slang
- Risperdal (risperidone) FAQs
- Removal of Neurotoxins
- Avoid Stimulants
- Risperdal Withdrawal Treatment at Alternative to Meds Center
“bluebg”]
Risperdal Withdrawal Symptoms (risperidone)
Please Note: Risperdal withdrawal is recommended to be done gradually rather than sudden cessation unless the latter is needed to avert death due to severe allergic or other life=threatening reactions.1,11-17
Risperdal withdrawal symptoms include:
- Supersensitivity rebound psychosis 13
- Catatonia, hallucination, illusion 17
- Nausea, vomiting 14
- Anxiety, agitation, restlessness 14,16
- Cholinergic symptoms — cramps, diarrhea, muscle weakness, paralysis, blurred vision, excessive salivation 15
- Paresthesia 16
- Fatigue 16
- Headache 17
- Insomnia, somnolence, sleeping for inordinately long periods or unusually deep sleep 14,16
- Akathisia, is a motor movement disorder where a relentless internal sensation of unease drives repetitive marching, rocking, pacing, or other compulsive motions 11,12,16
- Dystonia, spasms, or distorted muscle postures caused by drug therapy 16
- Parkinsonism looks like Parkinson’s disease but is drug-induced causing rigid muscles, slow movements, shuffling walk, etc.17
Coming off an atypical antipsychotic drug can be catastrophic if it’s not done carefully and slowly. Seek medical guidance and consult with your prescribing physician to help navigate through the process.
If your prescribing physician is unwilling or simply unable to guide you because of unfamiliarity with the problem, you may want to seek a second opinion. Such resistance is to be expected because physicians are typically not trained during their schooling in techniques of antipsychotic tapering. We must realize the problem needs expertise. Choosing the right medical help will be your best way forward.
Atypical antipsychotic medications are generally prescribed in a crisis situation. A crisis may have multiple contributors that were overlooked. Drug use, toxic dietary habits, toxic exposure, poor sleep, and genetic factors, are some issues that if never addressed, may have preceded an imperfect diagnosis and less than successful treatment.
Do Your Symptoms Require Risperdal?
Gradual Risperdal Withdrawal (risperidone)
As with all other psychoactive medications, gradual cessation of this medication is the FDA-recommended approach.1 In most cases, it has been found necessary for the safety of the patient to taper antipsychotic medications very slowly and always under careful medical observation. In addition, a number of research papers including a case study published in the Pharmacological Bulletin in 2019 reported the latent onset of akathisia and rebound psychosis some time after abrupt Risperdal cessation. 11,16
Medications can be tricky and can cause unpredictable reactions. So it is important to note that there are a few exceptions to this general standard rule, however.
When a patient on antipsychotic medication develops a severe or life-threatening adverse reaction such as tardive dyskinesia, NMS, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, organ failure, interactions with other drugs or substances, or other high-risk events, the drug must be withdrawn immediately which must be carried out in a clinical setting.18
Risperdal and Dopamine
According to Silvestri et al in their study published in the Berlin Journal of Psychopharmacology, it is believed that Risperdal has the ability to block or bind dopamine at the D2 dopamine receptors. The authors suggest that reducing dopamine availability reduces manic symptoms. Most psychiatric medications are limited due to the neuroadaptation of the synapse. The synapse, in response to a perceived dopamine deficiency, can then increase the receptor’s binding power to dopamine.9
This increased D2 dopamine binding and subsequent upregulation is thought linked to the development of tardive dyskinesia and other drug-induced reactions. Such responses can occur on initiating or discontinuing neuroleptic medications, and sometimes these can emerge long after an antipsychotic medication was stopped. Receptor upregulation is most likely a central component in the manifestations of Risperdal withdrawal. For some, antipsychotic withdrawal can be extremely challenging, more so than any of the drug classes including benzodiazepines and even opiates such as heroin.13-18
Managing Risperdal Withdrawal Challenges
As the antipsychotic medication is lowered during Risperdal withdrawal, dopamine flow will begin to return. This previously restricted dopamine coming into contact with upregulated (super-sensitive) receptors may clinically present as an abrupt onset of manic or psychotic symptoms.13 As a result, the patient may become enamored with what they are now feeling. The sense of reward they may experience could be compared to winning the lottery, In other words, it can be extreme. This newfound reward could leave them resistant to either increasing the medication to assist in regaining stability or slowing down the medication taper. This aversion to medical guidance can make this situation very hard to manage.
It is advised that when attempting Risperdal withdrawal, one should understand early in the process, that aversion to medical guidance is a very real possibility. Have a discussion with your medical caregivers and your support team about this. And, furthermore, one is encouraged to make a pact, sometimes called a “Ulysses Contract” that they will listen to at least one person without question should they become resistant to medical guidance.19 If they sign something saying that they will take this trusted person’s direction in the event that their own judgment cannot be trusted, it can be presented to them if things start to go awry. While this may not work in every case, for some, especially those with a strong family alliance, this can be successful protection for the patient and can be put in place early in the process.
Another form of preemptive strategy is to enlist a doctor or center that has hospital admitting privileges. Should things get to the point where restabilization is necessary, a doctor that has the ability to admit the patient to the hospital can help things go in a humanistic way so that future Risperdal withdrawal efforts may be safely resumed.
What Risperdal (risperidone) Is Used For
There are three uses for Risperdal.1
- Autistic children age 5 to 16 for irritability
- Teens aged 13-16 and adults with schizophrenia
- Adults and children aged 10 and older for manic or mixed episodes of Bipolar 1 disorder, excluding elderly dementia patients.
In September 2011 the government issued a review on what had become known as off-label uses for atypical antipsychotic medications, including OCD, ADHD, social phobias, anxiety disorders, mental retardation, insomnia, eating disorders, PTSD, addiction, Tourette syndrome, and others. The board concluded that none of these off-label uses were justified nor were they effective.21
Off-label uses for drugs can arise without clinical trials, or as a result of drug advertising claims to popularize uses that were not backed up by bonafide research or safety trials. As one example, in 2012 and again in 2013 the makers of Risperdal, Johnson & Johnson, and a subsidiary, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, were sued across 36 states for misleading claims promoting that Risperdal was effective for the treatment of anger management, and anxiety.
Other cases brought against the drug makers were settled after the company promoted Risperdal as effective in the treatment of dementia, a practice that is now banned by the FDA due to the dementia patient’s risk of death. Lawsuit claims resulted in fines of over $2.5 billion that J&J was forced to pay for their overreaching claims attributed to Risperdal. Even the sales of legal painkillers led to J&J lawsuits based on similar “sales over science” marketing techniques. Despite government advisory board disapproval, it appears the practice has remained systemic in the pharmaceutical industry.7
Risperdal Side Effects (risperidone)
Pre-sales trials for Risperdal oral tablets were 4 to 8 weeks long. Long-term (1-2 year) follow-ups are mentioned on the label, but no details are provided beyond a statement that schizophrenic participants experienced longer times between relapses compared to the participants who received a “comparative activator,” which is not identified.1
A “black box” warning is placed on Risperdal packaging against prescribing to elderly patients with dementia due to the risk of death, stroke, and other cerebrovascular adverse reactions. NAMI reports side effects for women to include loss of period, and for males, loss of sexual function.23
Many thousands of lawsuits are pending for Risperdal causing male breast enlargement.23
Additional FDA-issued warnings include these:
- Tardive dyskinesia, typically an irreversible loss of motor control, is characterized by distorted repeating muscle movements or fixed twisted postures, drooling, rolling tongue motions, facial spasms, grimaces, etc.
- Loss of consciousness
- Syncope – a brief loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood pressure
- Convulsions
- Tremors, shakiness, stiffness
- Cardiac disorders
- Anemia, low red blood cell count
- Pneumonia
- NMS, neuroleptic malignant syndrome: potentially fatal reaction to drugs characterized by sudden fever, rigid muscles, mental impairment, cardiac arrest, coma, etc.
- Orthostatic hypotension, sudden lowered blood pressure especially after rising from a sitting or lying position
- Hyperglycemia, high blood sugar
- Extrapyramidal effects, i.e., jerking or spasmodic muscle movements involving the eyes, limbs, hands, feet, facial muscles
- Hyperprolactinemia, breast growth in male patients
- Diabetes mellitus, a form of diabetes that prevents energy collection from food ingested
- Leucopenia, low white cell count
- Seizures
- Cognitive impairment
- Dysphagia, difficult or painful to swallow
- Priapism, a condition of persistent and painful penile erection
- Parkinsonism, drug-induced symptoms resembling Parkinson’s disease, i.e., shuffling walk, slowed motor control, rigid stiff muscles
- Akathisia, repetitive compulsive involuntary movements, accompanied by extreme internal unease, sometimes leads to suicide to get relief
- Dystonia, twisting and fixed abnormal postures in a muscle or group of muscles, or repetitive involuntary distorted and sometimes painful motions of certain muscles, caused by drugs or toxicity
- Tachycardia, racing heartbeat
- Asthenia, abnormal weakness in the muscles, over the entire body
The following are more common side effects of Risperdal: 1,22,23
- Respiratory infection
- Back pain, pain in joints and extremities, neck pain, myalgia (pain in groups of muscles)
- Upper abdominal pain
- Mood swings
- Drooling, difficulty swallowing;
- Sedation
- Drowsiness, fatigue, lethargy
- Dizziness, vertigo
- Urinary incontinence
- Fever
- Nausea, vomiting
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Increased appetite
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Rash
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Sensitivity to cold or heat
- Anxiety
- Nasal congestion
- Excess salivation (drooling)
- Increased irritability
- Tinnitus, ringing in the ears, ear pain
- Loss of libido, loss of menstrual periods
- Tongue spasm
- Toothache
- Abscesses
- Blurred vision
- Diarrhea
This is not an all-inclusive list. If you notice discomforts see your doctor without delay so that medical attention can be given in time to avert any potential health crisis.
Risperdal (risperidone) Alternative Names and Slang
Risperdal has not developed a reputation as a street drug, though because of its psychoactive effects, this can not be ruled out completely. No street names are known at this time.
There are several brand names for the generic drug, including:
- Risperdal Consta© (time release)
- Risperdal M-Tab©
- Risperdal Quicklets©
- Risperlet©
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Risperdal (risperidone) FAQs
Below is a collection of information about Risperdal and how it works, what it is and is not FDA approved for, and many other topics of interest on this atypical antipsychotic medication.
It is highly recommended to thoroughly research a drug before starting or stopping it so your health questions can be fully addressed. The work can be tedious, and it could be well worth enlisting others in your support group to help you with the task. Knowledge can increase your ability to reach the best solutions to mental health issues because such solutions are supported by science rather than perhaps overzealous advertising claims that may conflict with documented evidence.
Removal of Neurotoxins
At Alternative to Meds Center, we offer a Risperdal withdrawal program that is individually designed, for a minimum amount of discomfort and maximum health improvements, including neurotoxin removal in a safe and gentle way.
There are some studies that have found that chelation to remove heavy metals from the body has been beneficial in some cases of childhood autism, though published comprehensive studies on this subject are not easy to access.5 However, the chelation (removal) of toxic levels of heavy metals has been documented as helpful for many conditions in the adult population.6
We designed our program to address numerous health issues that may have been overlooked before a prescription of Risperdal. Protocols we use include is heavy metal toxicity removal. First, the presence of toxins is tested and analyzed. The offending contaminants are then gently removed as part of a series of cleansing steps that aim to clear the pathway to regain natural mental health. Cleansing steps include nebulized glutathione treatments, the therapeutic use of sauna, bentonite clay treatments, specific food-grade supplements, a clean, correct diet, mild exercise, and various other adjunctive therapies. The purpose of these steps is to improve overall health and well-being before, during, and after withdrawal is completed.
Avoid Stimulants
Stimulants such as caffeine should be restricted during Risperdal withdrawal. Stimulants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, and SNRIs may also pose challenges during antipsychotic medication withdrawal. If you will doing Risperdal withdrawal outpatient, discuss all the medications you are taking with the physician who will be assisting you.
Risperdal Withdrawal Treatment at Alternative to Meds Center
Our protocols include 24/7 care by professional caregivers and doctors, as well as a wide variety of treatments we have found effective in regaining natural mental health. These can be found on our services page, and include Equine-assisted therapy, CBT and other forms of counseling, Qi Gong, orthomolecular diet correction, neurotoxin removal, colon hydrotherapy, and many many others, all housed in our beautiful and pristine inpatient facility located in the heart of Sedona’s majestic Red Rocks.
We hope you have found the above information useful in understanding some important and useful information concerning Risperdal withdrawal. If you decide on outpatient treatment, feel free to share the information with your prescriber. In any case please call us for more information on our programs and protocols. You may also be interested in insurance coverage, and we can provide that to you as well as answer any other questions you may have about Risperdal withdrawal treatment at Alternative to Meds Center.
for Risperdal Withdrawal Help
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Originally Published Sep 13, 2018 by Diane Ridaeus
ATMC Clinical Review Team
The ATMC Clinical Review Team includes licensed physicians and experienced healthcare professionals dedicated to ensuring the accuracy, quality, and integrity of our medical content. The team reviews articles for clinical accuracy, evidence-based guidance, and relevance while supporting Alternative to Meds Center’s whole-person approach to mental health, recovery, and long-term wellness.
Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies. Diane received her medical writing and science communication certification through Stanford University and has published over 3 million words on the topics of holistic health, addiction, recovery, and alternative medicine. She has proudly worked with the Alternative to Meds Center since its inception and is grateful for the opportunity to help the founding members develop this world-class center that has helped so many thousands regain natural mental health.