Risperidone, also known as Risperdal, is a medication prescribed to individuals with psychotic disorders. It is an atypical antipsychotic that works by blocking certain receptors in the brain. While it can be effective in treating symptoms, there are some risks associated with its use. This article will provide an overview of risperidone and discuss the pros and cons of taking it.
What Is Risperidone?
Is risperidone an addictive drug?
No, it is not an addictive drug. It is a psychiatric medication that is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. It belongs to a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics, which work by blocking certain receptors in the brain.
Risperidone is a prescription medication used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. It belongs to a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics.
It works by changing the actions of certain chemicals in the brain. It is believed to help correct the imbalance of communication among brain cells that occurs in these disorders. It also decreases the activity of dopamine, a chemical in the brain that is involved in causing agitation and hallucinations.
Risperidone was investigated in the late 1980s and approved for sale in the United States in 1993. It is on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines. It is sold under a brand name as well as a generic medication. It was the 149th most frequently prescribed drug in the United States in 2019, with over 4 million prescriptions written.
Usage in Medicine:
Risperidone is an antipsychotic medicine that has been prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability in autistic individuals.
It is effective in treating psychogenic polydipsia and the acute exacerbations of schizophrenia.
Studies evaluating the utility of this drug by mouth for maintenance therapy have reached varying conclusions. According to a 2012 systematic review, there is sufficient evidence that risperidone is more effective than all other first-generation antipsychotics except haloperidol, but the evidence for its superiority over placebo is equivocal. Risperidone is more effective in relapse prevention than other first- and second-generation antipsychotics, with the exception of olanzapine and clozapine, according to a 2011 study.
According to a 2016 Cochrane meta-analysis, the drug reduces the overall symptoms of schizophrenia, although firm findings are difficult owing to poor quality evidence. The majority of the trials we found are methodologically flawed, with few data and information to draw on. The studies were sponsored by drug manufacturers in many cases, and there was clear evidence of bias in favor of the drug.
Risperidone, for example, is a second-generation antipsychotic that can help with manic symptoms in acute manic or mixed bipolar disorder crises. In children and adolescents, it is more efficient than lithium or Divalproex in preventing manic episodes but has a higher incidence of metabolic issues. Long-acting injectable risperidone for long-term maintenance treatment is effective for the prevention of manic episodes but not depressive ones.
Long-acting injectable risperidone has advantages over long-acting first-generation antipsychotics in that it is more tolerable (fewer extrapyramidal effects) and because long-lasting injectable formulations of first-generation antipsychotics might increase the risk of depression.
The medication is more effective than a placebo in treating certain autistic children’s problematic behaviors, including violence toward others, self-injury, disobedience, and rapid mood swings. The evidence for its usefulness appears to be greater than that for other pharmacological therapies. Weight gain is a major disadvantage. In order to minimize the risk of drug-induced adverse effects, some researchers propose restricting risperidone and aripiprazole usage to those with the most severe behavioral problems. The evidence for the effectiveness of risperidone in autistic adolescents and young adults is presently less strong.
Side Effects:
It is a medication that is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Some of the common side effects of it include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, weight gain, and increased levels of prolactin in the blood. In rare cases, risperidone can cause serious side effects such as involuntary muscle movements, tardive dyskinesia, and Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. It is important to speak with a doctor if you are experiencing any adverse side effects while taking this drug.
Last Updated on March 12, 2022 by Lucas Berg
