Risperdal is a highly effective drug in the treatment of schizophrenia and moderate to severe manic episodes. However, risperdal has also been used for some time to treat other disorders in the short term, such as behavioral problems and especially ADHD when it is coupled with intellectual disability. So far, the results that have been obtained in children over 5 years of age have been very positive, the drug has managed to reduce the symptoms of impulsiveness and restlessness and improve inattention, which are precisely the most annoying symptoms of ADHD.

In fact, the results of a recent study evaluating the effectiveness of risperdal for this type of disorder showed that the benefits are not only sustained in the short term but also over time. In addition, the treatment was safe and well tolerated, the dropout rate due to Adverse effects were only 13%, but no unusual reactions were observed throughout the study, indicating that the drug has high tolerability when used at recommended doses. The best thing was that its sedative effects were able to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD, significantly improving the attention span of children.

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What are the recommended doses?

In children under 50 kilos of body weight specialists recommend an initial dose of risperdal of 0.25 mg per day, which can be adjusted according to the peculiarities of each case. The ideal dose is 0.50 mg daily, although there are children who may require higher doses, up to 0.75 mg daily. The dose will depend on the symptoms that each child manifests, the intensity of the disorder, how it works in combination with other therapeutic techniques, and the body’s physiological response to risperidone, which is the active ingredient in this drug.

For children weighing more than 50 kilos, it is It is advisable to start treatment with an initial dose of 0.50 mg per day, up to 1 mg per day, which is the dose recommended by specialists. In the same way, the dose will depend on the peculiarities of the disorder in the child.

However, the best alternative is to combine risperdal with behavioral therapy or other psychotherapeutic techniques. In fact, experts recommend that treatment be part of a comprehensive therapeutic program that also includes educational and psychosocial measures.

The negative effects of risperdal

It was only a few years ago that risperdal began to be used to treat children with hyperactivity and the results, in general, have been positive. However, the first effects of the short-term treatment have already begun to come to light. In fact, it is known that risperdal can have repercussions on learning capacity mainly due to its sedative effects.

Furthermore, risperdal has been associated with some metabolic alterations such as increase in body weight and its influence on height, sexual development, movement disorders and other extrapyramidal symptoms that could appear in the long term is still being studied.

However, what is known What is certain is that when the dose of risperdal is excessive, dangerous adverse reactions such as intense drowsiness, dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, upset stomach, rapid and irregular heartbeat, and seizures can occur. These effects are currently being studied, to assess whether they can also appear in the long term.

However, experts say that if risperdal is consumed under medical prescription for a maximum period of 6 months, the The risks are minimal and the benefits it brings are great.

Important note: The information you have read in this article is indicative, so before using any type of medication you should Always go to your doctor so that he can inform you exactly depending on your particular case. This information should in no case be taken as medical advice.