Can
you tell me if Risperidone is useful for bipolar disorder?
The treatment of bipolar disorder is not very satisfactory
and the majority of individuals are constantly switched on a variety of drugs.
One drug which is commonly used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder is
Risperidone. Review of studies indicate that Risperidone whether used alone or
in combination with lithium or valproate, was effective in reducing symptoms of
mania.
However, the drug is also associated with undesirable side effects like weight
gain, lethargy, sedation and breast
engorgement (due to excess prolactin secretion). At the moment, because of its
side effects, Risperidone is used in people who have failed to respond to other
anti-manic drugs. Anyone who takes Risperidone is well advised to start an exercise
program and reduce intake of calories
