In the past, antipsychotic or brain altering medications were used. These included antidepressants, stimulants, and anticonvulsants. The antipsychotic drug category has been studied the most for autism treatment. “Risperdal is the most-studied medication of its class in children” (Janssen, 2007). Risperdal is an atypical antipsychotic commonly prescribed for schizophrenia, but is now one of the choice drugs in this category being used for aggression, hyperactivity, and irritability associated with autism (Drugs.com, 2008).   
 

Patient Prescribing and Safety Information

      Risperdal is available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, and 4 mg tablets. Risperdal is also available as an oral disintegrating tablet, Risperdal M-Tab, in 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, and 4 mg doses, and an oral solution in 1.0 mg/mL. Dosing is calculated according to patient’s weight. For less than 20kg, the patient is given a starting dose of 0.25mg/day for four days. Dosage is then increased to a target dose of 0.5mg/day for fourteen days. For patients weighing 20kg or more, a starting dose of 0.5mg for 4 days is used, and later increased to 1.0mg/day for 14 days. After the target dose has been maintained for at least 14 days, additional doses maybe considered if indicated (Janssen, 2008).

      The side effects reported while taking Risperdal include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, weight gain, and headache. Adverse effects include arrhythmias, hypotension, pulmonary embolism, cardiopulmonary arrest, and angioedema. Life threatening effects associated with taking Risperdal include tardive dyskinesia, hyperprolactinemia, seizures, hyperglycemia, suicide, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Certain medications taken with Risperdal cause problems as well (Rxlist.com, 2009).

Patient Education

      As with all other medications, Risperdal does have side effects as well as a few potentially fatal effects that should be explained to patient at the time the prescription is given. This enhances patient compliance as well as safety. Common side effects as well as adverse effects were previously listed. Parents and patients should be educated on what symptoms necessitate an emergency, calling the doctor, or discontinuing the use of Risperdal. Although some side effects are inevitable, some symptoms warrant life threatening emergencies. The doctor should also review any medications the patient is taking that may cause any kind of interactions with Risperdal (Janssen, n.d.).

Conclusion

      Autism is a mysterious mental illness without a cure or successful treatment. Until recently, medications or treatments were not known to help with autism.  Through much research, autism treatment includes behavior modification and education combined with medication. After a group study was done and showed success, Risperdal was FDA approved for symptoms often displayed by autistic children. The medication helped calm the child resulting in resolving temper tantrums, aggression to self and others, and frustration (United States Food and Drug Administration, 2006)

      Risperdal, although not a cure, can help autistic children. When prescribed, dosing is calculated according to patient’s weight. For less than 20kg, the patient is given a starting dose of 0.25mg/day for four days.  Dosage is then increased to a target dose of 0.5mg/day for fourteen days. The same is true for patients weighing 20kg or more with a starting dose of 0.5mg for 4 days and increased to 1.0mg/day for 14 days. After the target dose has been maintained for at least 14 days, additional doses maybe considered (Janssen, 2008).

<< Previous    1  [2]  3    Next >>