About Side Effects of Risperdal in Young Children

Risperdal is a brand name for the drug risperidone, mainly prescribed to treat schizophrenia and the mania phase of bipolar disorder. Some doctors also prescribe it to children for behavior problems related to autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Many side effects are possible.

Tardive Dyskinesia

• Risperdal may cause tardive dyskinesia, a disorder resulting in twitching and involuntary muscle spasms in the face and body. Tardive dyskinesia often is permanent. Although the effect is rare and occurs more in older women, it has been documented in children as well.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is another condition associated with Risperdal use. This severe disorder is characterized by muscle stiffness or rigidity, high fever, rapid or irregular heartbeat, increased perspiration and confusion.

Symptom Masking

• Risperdal can hide symptoms of certain illnesses, allowing them to progress and worsen. These include brain tumors, intestinal obstruction and Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome is a sometimes-fatal condition that most commonly develops in children after a viral infection (and is also associated with aspirin use).

High Blood Sugar

• Young children taking Risperdal may develop high blood sugar. Signs include unusual thirst, increased urination and fatigue. Risperdal use also is associated with weight gain, a risk factor for diabetes.

Other Side Effects

• Risperdal can cause many other side effects in children, including agitation, anxiety, restlessness, constipation, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sleeping problems, rapid or irregular heartbeat and greater sensitivity to temperature extremes.