Risperdal (risperidone) associated with weight gain of 4.6 pounds after two-and-one-half months

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Saturday, August 28, 2004 9:40 am Email this article
Risperdal (risperidone) is estimated to cause an average weight gain of 4.6 pounds after two-and-one-half months according to a recent review paper. Weight gain NOT dose related: 5.9 mg per day causes gain of 4.4 lbs; 7.5 mg per, 4.5 lbs; 10 mg, 4.6 lbs

Weight gain is not dose related. A dose of 5.9 mg per day causes an average weight gain of 4.4 pounds after two-and-one-half months, whereas a dose of 7.5 mg per day causes an average weight gain of 4.5 pounds, and a dose of 10 mg per day causes an average weight gain of 4.6 lbs.

Risperdal is used to treat schizophrenia

Risperdal (risperidone) is in a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics.

Risperdal (risperidone) is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions) according to MedlinePlus.

It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.

REFERENCE(S)

Allison D, Mentore J, Heo M, Chandler L, Cappelleri J, Infante M, Weiden P. Antipsychotic-induced weight gain: a comprehensive research synthesis. Am J Psychiatry. 1999 Nov, 156(11):1686-96.

AUTHOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION

D. Allison
Obesity Research Center
St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
New York, NY 10025, USA
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