What Causes Visual Hallucinations After Taking Risperdal?

Posted on Mon, 7 Dec 2015

Question: I just recently started taking Risperidol and have had visual hallucinations every night since. I have never experienced this before and do not have a diagnosis that would likely cause this. I have severe depression at this time.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Thank you very much for your premium question. I will be happy to work with you!

Risperdal is a very effective antidepressant, and is frequently used to augment the other medications you list (citalopram and Wellbutrin). Visual hallucinations are a very, very rare side effect of Risperdal. I would contact your prescribing doctor immediately to discuss switching Risperdal to another medication in the same class in order to continue the antidepressant effects without this unusual side effect. I would also visit a primary care doctor to consider a medical workup, as visual hallucinations are sometimes associated with medical illness (such as a urinary tract infection).

In the future, I encourage you to reach out to me directly at my private link, for continuity of care. I would be happy to be your private physician on this website.

My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States. For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: XXXX

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj