Risperdal is approved by the FDA to treat irritability in children and young adults with autism. The FDA first approved this use in 2006 and was the first drug used to treat behaviors associated with autism.
At that time, the FDA released results from controlled-trials which found that children on Risperdal showed improvement for some behavioral symptoms versus those on the placebo.
The side effects reported by the FDA included weight gain, constipation, drowsiness, and fatigue.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
There are over 2 million people affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the U.S. It is a common term for complex disorders of brain development. This can affect motor coordination, attention, intellectual disabilities, and/or physical health issues.
It is important to note that those on the spectrum are affected by the disorder in different ways. The disorder is more common among boys than girls.
Its not entirely clear what causes autism spectrum disorder, and there is no one single cause. Research shows that environmental factors such as illness during pregnancy, and genetic factors, such as mutations can both contribute to different types of autism. Women can help reduce this risk by getting enough folic acid before and during pregnancy.
Doctors recommend different types of treatment for autism including occupational and physiotherapy, psychological help, speech therapy, and drug treatment if necessary. Risperdal Linked to Serious Side Effects
Several studies have linked Risperdal to serious side effects. A study by Duke University in 2006 showed that adolescents who took the drug showed higher levels of prolactin which is a hormone that stimulates breast development in women.
Another study in 2007 found similar results, with a four-fold increase in prolactin levels in children. The Wall Street Journal reported on cases of breast development among men in a 2008 article.
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Risperdal Use Approved for Irritability Treatment in Children, Adolescents with Autism