- Risperdal To Gain Weight With ADHD?
QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
My 9-year-old has been diagnosed with ADHD and is taking time-released Adderall. Her M.D. has added Risperdal to stimulate her appetite (0.25 mg at bedtime). Is this common? I am a registered nurse and very anxious about this medication.
ANSWER:
Weight loss from stimulants is a huge problem, generally worse with Adderall than with Ritalin.
The antipsychotic Risperdal is great for aggressive behavior, and has weight gain as a side effect. I’m fearful of the long-term effects and only use it when violent or out of control behavior is a problem.
I usually look for anxiety disorders that may be worsened by stimulants and try Ritalin before adding Risperdal, unless violent behavior is a problem.
