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Risperidone (Risperdal): clinical experience with a new antipsychosis drug.
1Monash University, Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria, Alfred Hospital, Prahran 3181, Australia. N.Keks@alfred.org.au
Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
|July 5, 2005
Summary
Risperidone effectively treats psychosis with fewer side effects than older drugs. This atypical antipsychotic offers improved tolerability and cost savings, making it a recommended first-line treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Risperidone is a benzisoxazole derivative targeting serotonin 5-HT2 and dopamine D2 receptors.
- It exhibits no anticholinergic effects, differentiating it from older neuroleptics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of risperidone in treating psychotic symptoms.
- To compare risperidone's pharmacoeconomic profile with older antipsychotic medications.
Main Methods:
- Review of early studies and extensive post-marketing experience with risperidone.
- Analysis of pharmacoeconomic studies and comparative efficacy trials.
Main Results:
- Risperidone demonstrates efficacy for both positive and negative psychotic symptoms, with dose-dependent extrapyramidal side effects (EPS).
- Favorable tolerability is noted due to minimal sedation, limited weight gain, and absence of anticholinergic effects.
- Associated with hyperprolactinemia, potentially causing amenorrhea and sexual dysfunction.
- Pharmacoeconomic studies indicate reduced hospitalization and cost savings compared to older neuroleptics.
- Equivalent efficacy to clozapine in treatment-resistant patients was observed.
Conclusions:
- Risperidone is a well-tolerated and effective first-line treatment for psychoses.
- Its favorable efficacy, tolerability, and cost-effectiveness support its widespread recommendation.