Risperdal Information

Approved in 1993, Risperdal is an anti-psychotic medication used to treat a variety of psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia. It has also recently been FDA approved for the treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, either used alone or in conjunction with mood stabilizers, such as lithium.

People with bipolar disorder suffer from chemical imbalances of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. These imbalances are thought to encourage the exaggerated feelings associated with mania, including: unrealistic beliefs in one's ability; exaggerated confidence; excessive energy, activity or restlessness; decreased need for sleep; racing thoughts or rapid talking; and uncharacteristically poor judgment, which may involve reckless driving, spending sprees and foolish business ventures.
Risperdal treats these imbalances by interfering with the communication between the nerves of the brain. The drug enters the brain and blocks the receptors of dopamine and serotonin to intercept them from making changes in the brain cells. By disallowing the chemicals from becoming imbalanced, Risperdal can prevent the manic, depressed and mixed episodes of bipolar disorder.

In addition, serious Risperdal side effects can occur. Risperdal may also cause a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in blood sugar, diabetes, the development of tardive dyskinesia, stroke, suicide, and even death. On April 10, 2003, Johnson & Johnson made an announcement that they would be sending out thousands of letters to doctors warning of the possibly increased risk of suffering stroke in elderly Risperdal patients.

The Risperdal announcement indicated that there was a more dangerous risk in treating a wider range of patients with the powerful psychotic drug. Various Risperdal clinical trials show that stroke or stroke-like events, including blood clots or hemorrhages can occur with Risperdal use, which is troubling. In October 2002, Risperdal makers issued a similar stroke warning to Canadian physicians. Cited in the Risperdal warning was 37 reports of stroke or stroke-like events, including 16 deaths. Risperdal makers say they will change Risperdal package-insert labels to include more specific Risperdal risks.