RISPERIDONE

Bazzoni M.;Adragna C.;Carucci S.

Last

Conceptualization

2023-01-01

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Abstract

Risperidone is one of the most common pharmacological treatments for psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. Although over the last decades its efficacy and its relatively safe and easy use have been confirmed for several psychiatric disorders, its indication remains confined to the treatment of severe irritability in subjects over 5 years with disruptive behavioural disorders and intellectual disability. Recently, its use has been approved under Italian Law 648/96 for autism related irritability, Tourette disorder and as an add-on therapy to methylphenidate. The most common adverse effects include increased appetite and weight, somnolence, hyperprolactinaemia, glucose as well as lipid profile alteration and need an appropriate baseline and follow up assessment. The paper reports treatment indications, information about the mechanism of action, the Italian indications and the answers to the most frequent queries for a correct clinical and pharmacological monitoring of such patients.