What is one of the key adverse effects of Risperdal?

Risperdal, also known as risperidone, is an atypical antipsychotic medication commonly used for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. One of the well-documented adverse effects of risperidone is the elevation of prolactin levels.

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, and its levels can increase as a result of risperidone's action on dopamine D2 receptors in the brain. When dopamine activity is blocked, it leads to increased secretion of prolactin. Elevated prolactin levels can have several consequences, including galactorrhea (milk production), amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), and gynecomastia (breast tissue development in men). This is a significant concern when managing patients on risperidone, as the side effects associated with increased prolactin can impact adherence to the medication and quality of life.

In contrast, increased energy, weight loss, and decreased heart rate are not typical side effects of risperidone; patients often experience sedation or fatigue, and weight gain is more commonly observed than loss. These factors highlight the importance of monitoring patients for prolactin-related side effects when prescribing