I'm pissed! In an effort to minimize the use of controlled substances, especially in children, doctors like to prescribe powerful more stabilizers (Lamictal, risperidone/Risperdal, Seroquel, etcetera) for pain and sleep. I myself was a victim of this kind of inappropriate prescribing.
Now, I'm bombarded with reports that THESE MEDICATIONS (Risperdal/risperidone, Seroquel, Lyrica/pregabalin, and gabapentin/Neurontin/Gralise/Horizant) ACTUALLY CAUSE PAIN!!!
I've known for years that Risperdal/risperidone is responsible for the painful facial tics, but the idea that these medications are actually causing or exasperating the conditions that they treat. That's like prescribing high dose acetaminophen/paracetamol/Tylenol for the pain of liver failure!
Do I believe that Risperdal is responsible for 100% of my pain? No, but my doctors are constantly telling me that my tumor on it's own should not be causing the severe, crippling pain that I'm experiencing on a daily basis and there isn't a doubt in my mind that this illegally marketed drug is responsible.
Risperdal could have been replaced with the following safer, cheaper alternatives:
1) melatonin (OTC supplement)
2) Z-drugs- zolpidem/Ambien/Intermezzo, Sonata/zaleplon,eszopiclone/Lunesta, zopiclone/Imovane/Zimovane/Imrest (Rx, controlled substances)
3) benzodiazepines, like lorazepam/Ativan (Rx, C4)- ideal for stress induced insomnia where you can't quiet your brain (exactly what I experienced)
Rozerem (Rx, non-controlled substance) was not approved at the time, but is currently very useful.
So why was I given an antipsychotic? Because the manufacturer illegal advertised off-label use and bribed doctors into prescribing it.
That is why the anti-controlled substances environment that we are living in is so dangerous.
Steve