Risperidone for Autism: Side effect, Benefits, and Success Stories

Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat various mental health conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), Dementia, Schizophrenia, and Bipolar disorder. It is important to seek expert medical advice before using risperidone. This medication is often prescribed to manage repetitive behaviors, irritability, aggression, and self-harming behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder. Risperidone for Autism is typically recommended by doctors for cases of severe behavioral symptoms associated with autism.

Risperidone in List of Essential list of Medicine

Benefits of Risperidone

• The primary benefit of risperidone is that it helps manage sensory issues in children with autism.
• Studies indicate that children who are given risperidone show reduced aggression, fewer tantrums, less self-injurious behavior, and improved performance in daily activities.
• Over time, they also tend to become more focused.

Name of Risperidone in the Market

Risperidone is available in the market under different brand names. Some of its brand names are as follows:

Risperdal

Risnia

Risdone

Sizodon

Ridal

These brand names are marketed by different pharmaceutical companies but the active ingredient in all of them is Risperidone.

Side effects of Risperidone

Like every medicine, there are some side effects of Risperidone. some of risperidone side effects are as follows:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Elevated prolactin levels
• Sedation
• Restlessness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weight gain
• Anxiety
• Difficulty urinating
• Stomach pain
• Blurred vision

some of serious side effects are:

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• High blood sugar levels
• Tardive Dyskinesia
• Seizures
• Sweating
• Confusion

Dosage of Risperidone

The dosage of risperidone depends on the child’s age, behavior, and individual needs. It should never be altered without a doctor’s guidance. For children with autism, treatment usually begins with a low dose, such as 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg, and is gradually increased based on the child’s response. If the child experiences side effects that worsen behavior, parents should promptly discuss this with the doctor. The doctor who will adjusts the dosage accordingly. The final dose is carefully determined based on the child’s weight, age, and the severity of autism symptoms.

How Risperidone Acts

By acting on these receptors, risperidone helps improve symptoms of autism in children and gradually plays an important role in enhancing their life skills. Risperidone acts on the following receptors:

Dopamine D2 Receptors

1. Action: block these receptors.
2. Effect: reduces irritability, aggression, and repetitive behaviors.

Serotonin 5-HT2A Receptors

1. Action: blocks serotonin activity.
2. Effects: improves mood and reduces anxiety.

Alpha-2 Adrenergic Receptors

1. Action: slightly blocks these receptors.
2. Effects: providing a calming effect.

Histamine H1 Receptors

1. Action: blocks histamine receptors.
2. Effects: causes mild sedation, helping with sleep and hyperactivity.

Success Stories

An 8-year-old boy has now become completely self-independent thanks to risperidone. His mother shared that he was diagnosed with severe autism at the age of 2 years and 5 months. After nearly 5 years of using risperidone, her son has successfully developed self-independence skills.

My Experience with Risperidone

My son is 5 years old and was diagnosed with moderate autism in 2021. He had several behavioral challenges initially, including sleep issues where he slept very little and often stayed up all night, laughed and cried a lot for no reason, could not make eye contact, did not respond to his name, so many sensory difficulties, could not speak and had severe gastric issues like diarrhea and stomach pain. He also displayed repetitive behavior, crowd aversion, no social interactions, aggression, self-harm, stereotypical behavior, and biting others, among several other problems.

Due to his behaviour, the doctor prescribed Risperidone for my son. I have been giving him Risperidone orally for the past three years, and almost all of these behaviours have gradually improved. Although he has not fully recovered, the improvement has been significant. Based on my experience, risperidone has been the best option for my son.

Conclusion

Before using risperidone for your child, it is essential to seek expert advice. Risperidone is a medication that should only be administered to autistic children under a doctor’s supervision. The doctor monitors the child’s behavior and adjusts the dosage as needed. While many families have experienced success with risperidone, some parents have also reported side effects. Therefore, proper dose adjustment is crucial to managing the child’s behavior effectively and minimizing potential side effects.

You can also read this blog in Hindi Risperidone in Autism: दुष्प्रभाव, फ़ायदे, और Success Stories.

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