Risperdal (Risperidone) for Autism

Overview
Risperdal is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of irritability associated with autistic disorder. Risperdal is also known by its drug name, Risperidone.

Risperdal is an antipsychotic, a drug that is used to manage psychiatric problems such as delusions and disordered thoughts. Risperdal is believed to work by blocking dopamine in certain pathways of the brain.

How do I take it?
Risperdal is prescribed to be taken once or twice a day.

Risperdal is available in tablet, disintegrating oral tablet, and oral solution forms.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Risperdal lists common side effects including drowsiness, dizziness, cold symptoms, blurred vision, dry mouth, drooling, jerky movements, tremor, increased appetite, weight gain, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, abdominal pain, and constipation.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Risperdal can include blood disorders, seizures, and motor and cognitive impairment.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Risperdal highlights of prescribing information (PDF) – Janssen
http://www.janssen.com/us/sites/www_janssen_com...