I was recently recently diagnosed with Bipolar disorder & my psychiatrist put me on Risperdone (0.5 mg BID). I tried it & I felt SO zonked out, like a zombie. All I wanted to do was sleep, I felt dizzy & I couldn't understand anything. I haven't took it since since I am a nurse & I need to think clearly to take care of my patients.
My questions, anyone out there suffering from Bipolar & what medication are you on?
If you are taking Risperdone did you feel this way & did the feeling go away?
Thanks, I appreciate your advice. How did you return to nursing after being out for 11 years? What was the transition like? I am hoping to return to work asap.
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
So after over a handful of phone calls to other psychiatrists, I got an appointment with one in little less than a month. Whew!
Just out of curiosity, why are you jumping ship so quickly? Sometimes the MAs don't get messages to the doctor in time......I've had that happen before, but then I have a psychiatrist who is extremely responsive to my calls, so if he doesn't call back within the same day, I tend to assume it's the fault of whoever was supposed to give him the message.
Still, a second opinion wouldn't hurt, especially if you have even the slightest doubt about your diagnosis.
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I still haven't received a call back. It makes me nervous & don't want to mess around with my mental health. If they can't return a call when they say they will, it worries me.
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
Can't say as I blame you there. You should have heard from your doctor by now unless he's out sick or at a conference or something, and even then they always have someone on-call. Sorry you're having such a tough time.
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Yeah, he's not out of the office or anything. I'm hoping this other psychiatrist & staff will be better or I don't know what I'm gonna do because most of them in my network weren't taking new patients. I guess I'll just have to suck it up. *sigh*
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
I still think you need to pursue a solution with your original p-doc while you wait to see the new one. He put you on the Risperdal and has a responsibility to help you deal with the side effects, have you try a different medication, or at least reassure you that the SEs will go away. Hold his feet to the fire.....it's one thing when a primary-care doctor doesn't call, and another thing entirely when the doctor you literally trust with your BRAIN doesn't respond to your concerns in a timely manner.
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Today was the same crap.
I'm getting really depressed. I've applied at a bunch of jobs, had 3 interviews & got rejected from all three of them. My best friend who just graduated from an ABSN program (with a 3.9 GPA) got offered a position on an ortho floor, was whining about it, now decides she doesn't think nursing is for her!!!!
I would DIE to already have my BSN, RN! I feel like giving up & going into another field. I can't get a job. I fill out countless applications, go on bunches of interviews only to get rejected. I don't know what to do but I just don't feel like doing this any more.
I'm now on the hunt for another psychiatrist. *sigh*
Sailnskinurse
29 Posts
Thanks, I appreciate your advice. How did you return to nursing after being out for 11 years? What was the transition like? I am hoping to return to work asap.