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Risperdal
Risperdal, also known by its generic name Risperidone, is a prescription medication for the treatment of schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder that can cause delusions and hallucinations. It is also used for the short-term treatment of mania associated with bipolar disorder. Risperdal is in a class of medications called atypical anti-psychotics, also known as second generation anti-psychotics, which differ from other anti-psychotics in that they work by muting the impact of dopamine and serotonin, two of the brain's key chemical messengers. Some concern has arisen over Risperdal, as it appears the drug may be responsible for an increased chance of death in elderly persons. Elderly patients treated with atypical anti-psychotics, such as Risperdal, for dementia had a higher chance for death than patients who did not take the medicine, therefore elderly patients should not be prescribed Risperdal according to the Food and Drug Administration. Risperdal has also been connected in some patients with the onset of a life-threatening nervous system problem called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). NMS can cause a high fever, stiff muscles, sweating, a fast or irregular heart beat, change in blood pressure, and confusion. Anyone who has experienced these symptoms should consult their physician as soon as possible.
Fast Facts
| Name: | Risperdal |
| Generic: | Risperidone |
| Manufacturer: | Janssen Pharmaceutica |
| Date approved: | December 29, 1993 |
| Status: | Prescription only |
| Approved uses: | Treatment of schizophrenia, short-term treatment of mania associated with bipolar disorder |
| Off-Label uses: | None |
| Side effects: | May cause Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, increased chance of death in elderly persons and a movement problem called tardive dyskinesia as well as common side effects such as agitation, anxiety, constipation, dizziness, hallucination, headache, indigestion, insomnia, rapid or irregular heartbeat, restlessness, runny nose, sleepiness, vomiting, weight gain. |
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FDA Information Related to Risperdal
October 2006 Monthly Safety Labeling
March 2007 Monthly Safety Labeling Changes
View the Risperdal FDA Information page here
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Wikipedia Entries Related to Risperdal
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