Risperdal – Case Review – Focus Blocks

 Risperdal – Drug information:

Risperdal contains risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic belonging to the chemical class of benzisoxazole derivatives. It is used to treat schizophrenia and acute mania, or mixed episodes of bipolar disorders and autism spectrum disorders in children and adolescents.

The drug is also used “off label” for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, sleep difficulties and depression.

Risperdal cause a number of complications brought on by the abnormal levels of hormones in the body

  • Risperdal cause a number of complications brought on by the abnormal levels of hormones in the body

  • Development of Gynecomastia (Male breast growth), swollen breast tissue or nipple discharge Hyperprolactinemia

  • Galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, and impotence

  • Other Complications

  • Movement disorder – Increased risk of movement disorders such as Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and tardive dyskinesia

  • Orthostatic Hypotension

  • Leukopenia, Neutropenia, and Agranulocytosis

  • Somnolence

  • Seizures

  • Dysphagia

  • Priapism

  • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

  • Cerebrovascular events, including stroke, in elderly patients with dementia related psychosis

Liposuction, mastectomy or other surgical procedures are needed to remove excess breast tissue due to Risperdal gynecomastia

Case Review Focus Areas:

  • Whether the patient was prescribed Risperdal?
  • Reason for prescription? Is the patient really in need of Risperdal? Is it an off label use?
  • Did the patient have any preexisting conditions, allergies or contraindications for the Risperdal drug?
  • Dosage and Intake details (to be included under pharmacy log)
  • Did the patient develop Gynecomastia or lactation after Risperdal intake?
  • When and where was the injury diagnosed?
  • Treatment/management – Such as liposuction, Operative procedure (Mastectomy), indications, complications.
  • Follow-up visits for Surgical treatment/management
  • Outcome/prognosis
  • Any recurrence of breast growth?
  • Any prior significant history?

Other common Risperdal Side Effects

Risperdal is associated with the following adverse health complications:

  • Production of prolactin
  • Pituitary tumors
  • Tardive Dyskinesia
  • Stroke
  • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
  • Increased risk of sudden death from heart attack
  • Diabetes, hyperglycemia and other blood sugar side effects
  • Weight gain, potentially rapid and extreme
  • Suicide, suicidal thoughts
  • Pancreatitis
  • Bone loss
  • Cellulitis
  • Neutropenia
  • Increased mortality in the elderly with dementia and related psychosis

Submit Case

If you have a case to be reviewed and summarized, please reach out to us at 610-674-6901 or email us at [email protected]

Published On: February 23, 2021 / Categories: Dangerous Drugs /