Highlights on the effects of risperidone

Risperidone is an oral prescription drug which is sold under the brand name Risperdal and is generally used for the treatment of psychiatric conditions.

The drug falls in the class of atypical antipsychotics and works by changing the activity of dopamine along with the other naturally occurring chemicals in the brain. It affects the neurotransmitters which people with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism are believed to have a certain imbalance in their numbers.

FDA first approved the medication in 2002 for the treatment of schizophrenia in people older than thirteen years. It is used for:

• Schizophrenia: this is a mental disorder where the person is conditioned to hallucinate or see delusional images.

• Bipolar disorder: complimented with the drugs lithium or divalproex, Risperidone is often given to people with bipolar disorder to treat the intense mood episodes. 

• Autism: to treat the irritability associated with autism and to treat the symptoms of aggression, Risperidone is a popularly prescribed drug. 

More recently, FDA released a black box warning against the drug stating it may increase the risk of death in elderly patients who have dementia. The drug is not approved to treat psychosis in older patients with dementia.

• Tardive dyskinesia is a serious condition that might arise from risperidone's intake. It leads to unusual involuntary movement of the tongue, face and other body parts which can't be controlled. Unfortunately, this condition may not go away even if the dosage is stopped.

• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a serious condition but a rare side effect of risperidone. It can actually happen to any patient who takes antipsychotic drugs. The symptoms vary from heavy sweating, high fever, muscle stiffness, kidney failure, confusion, rapid heart rhythm and unusual blood pressure. NMS if not treated timely can prove fatal.

• Risperidone can cause metabolic changes leading to the risks of heart attack as well as stroke. Blood sugar, frequented urination, lessened hunger, weight gain as well as fluctuations in the cholesterol level in the body are some of the common risperidone side effects.

If you someone who has suffered from the above-discussed symptoms and side effects after taking Risperdal might be eligible for a financial compensation. For further details on the case and a free evaluation on the litigation, visit the website for risperdalsideeffect at http://risperdalsideeffect.com/. You can also dial 1(855)631-1491 for scheduling your appointment.