Antipsychotic Drug Risperdal, Although Very Effective, Comes With Serious Side Effects

A new study has found that while Risperdal, an antipsychotic drug, works well when it comes to treating childhood bi-polar disorder, the drug’s metabolic side effects need to be taken seriously.

Risperdal is a newer atypical antipsychotic drug. It is manufactured by Jannsen Pharmaceuticals, a division of Johnson & Johnson. Risperdal has been known to cause irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness and spasms, high fever, constipation, weight gain and headaches.

Risperdal was originally approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 to treat schizophrenia in adults. Later, its approved uses were expanded to include bipolar disorder I in adults, as well as irritability associated with autistic disorders in children from 5 to 16 years of age. Then in August 2007, Risperdal was approved for treatment of schizophrenia in adolescents aged from 13 to 17, as well as the short term treatment of manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder in children aged between 10 and 17. It is not approved as a treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) though it is often prescribed off-label to treat children with the condition.

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