Reader Comment: Risperdal (Respiridone) and Cognitive Fuzziness!

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 [... Read More ...]