Here is a letter from V. about her son and Invega- also previosly known as extended release Risperdal.
Julie,
My son has been treated for bi-polar with a mix of medications which includes Invega. This is a newer version of risperdal which is supposed to have fewer side effects. I think my son is suffering from reduced cognitive functioning, like he is in a fog. It is hard to tell because he definitely had a real drop in IQ testing (about 20 points) which the doctors thought were due to his anxiety and depression at the time of the testing, but I think it might be the meds too.
He seems “dumber” than ever and complains about it. He used to be very sharp, although he had other emotional problems which are better controlled now. Do you have any experience with invega or has anyone heard of this? He also seems to have significantly thinning hair and I suspect the 2000 mg of depakote he takes. Any ideas?
Hi V,
First of all, I am not a doctor! I always say that because I truly believe a medications specialist is our best friend in managing this illness.
To answer your question, there is no doubt that Risperdal (Risperidone) can cause fuzziness! All anti psychotics are known for this, though Abilify is supposed to have less. A friend of mine is on Zyprexa and always says it dulls her. And yet it keeps her out of the hospital and able to work part time! There is a side effect called anhedonia that is described a lack of feeling- the official definition is without emotion. I definitely get it when my meds are off. It can definitely come with depression as well. There are quite a few meds that can cause thinning hair and some cause hair to fall out in clumps. Remember, bipolar meds are chemo therapy!
Having said this, it’s wonderful that his emotions are more under control. They can cause more trouble than being dull from medications. Anxiety and depression cause memory and focus problems- they can also make you feel emotionally dull, but the ‘dumb’ feeling sounds like meds.
I suggest you talk with the medications doctor and explain that you know the meds are helping and that it’s great for your son, but he feels dulled intellectually. At least it will start a discussion. It’s important that your son knows that what he’s going through may be a normal side effect of the meds and it’s not permanent. Once he is more stable, it may be he can reduce meds with the help of his HCP. Treatment of the illness comes first- when it is more managed- it’s a good time to work on side effects. It’s a trade off!
Say hi to your son for me. It’s great that he takes his meds!
Julie
I was reading your recent blog regarding V
I am taking depakoke for the my bi-polar(clinical diagnosis was Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder) and Effexor for my depression. After being on the depakote since August I noticed hair thinning in January and “freaked” out. I am hoping that everthing will level out and I’ll stop seeing strands of hair coming out in my hands when washing my hair. I have gained about 10lbs but with the warmer weather I’ll be out and about walking around. I have also done changes in eating habits and diet (changing the food I eat.
I was on invega and found that it really helped my anxiety right away. I liked it overall but over the course of a year I gained 40 lbs! I finally went off and went back to taking more geodon, only at night, lamictal and ritalin in the daytime, and ativan prn. I don’t feel as good as I did on the invega but I am not gaining weight anymore. I think Invega is a good drug but just makes you really hungry. If you can control that, you’re good.
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I love this blog. I was told about it after leaving the hospital stay in which I was diagnosed. I still read it almost every day.
I wanted to just add on the medications to be sure and stay in touch with your doctor. When I was stablized and out of the hospital, I was feeling good but I did notice losing more hair. When I saw my doctor, it didn’t look bad at all (I had thick hair) so we didn’t make a change.
Then maybe a couple of weeks later I called and asked again about the hair thinning and she put me on folic acid. THEN, two weeks later I had my appointment with her and took off my hat – she immediately said we have to STOP depakote! We put me on lithium and after losing 95% of my hair, it is back, thick and now it is CURLY! Just make sure you keep checking with your doctor!
Thanks – Robin
Hi Robin,
That is great advice! Just a check in even if you feel that things are fine can prevent a lot of future trouble. I am SO glad you got your hair back. I have lost hair as well and it’s upsetting- hair is important! Julie
I am stricken by the way you addressed this topic. It is not often I come across a blog with engrossing articles like yours. I will bookmark your feed to stay up to date with your approaching updates.Just amazing and do continue up the good work.