Related Experiment Videos
[Risperidone-induced priapism]
S Maizel1, L Umansky, H Y Knobler
1Eitanim Psychiatric Center, Jerusalem.
Harefuah
|June 2, 1996
Summary
Priapism, a prolonged erection, is a rare side effect of psychotropic medications like risperidone due to alpha-adrenergic blockade. This case highlights the importance of monitoring for this adverse effect in patients prescribed risperidone.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Urology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Priapism is a prolonged erection, a rare adverse effect of psychotropic medications.
- This condition is often linked to alpha-adrenergic receptor blockade.
- Risperidone is a novel antipsychotic medication.
Observation:
- A case of priapism in a 44-year-old male patient receiving risperidone is described.
- The patient experienced urinary retention, which was managed with catheterization and saline irrigations.
- Priapism resolved after surgical evacuation of a penile hematoma.
Findings:
- This report may represent the first documented instance of priapism solely associated with risperidone use.
- Previous reports have involved patients taking multiple psychotropic medications concurrently.
- The mechanism is attributed to alpha-adrenergic receptor blockade by risperidone.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be vigilant for priapism in patients treated with risperidone.
- Early recognition and management of priapism are crucial.
- This case underscores the potential for risperidone monotherapy to induce priapism.