http://cbs13.com/health/local_story_279183526.html

Oct 6, 2006 3:33 pm US/Pacific

Feds Approve Drug To Treat Symptoms Of Autism

(AP) WASHINGTON A Johnson & Johnson drug received expanded federal approval Friday to treat aggression and other symptoms of autism in children.

The new use for Risperdal is to treat irritability associated with autistic disorder, including temper tantrums, deliberate self-injury and aggression in children and adolescents, ages 5 to 16.

The approval is the first for the use of a drug to treat behaviors associated with autism in children, the Food and Drug Administration said.

Risperdal, first approved by the FDA in 1993, has been used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in adults.

The antipsychotic drug is not a cure for autism, nor does it treat the condition itself, but it may provide relief for some children, according to Johnson & Johnson.

Autism is a complex developmental disability. It typically appears during a child's first three years of life, and it affects communication, social interaction and creative or imaginative play.

In 2005, the FDA declined to expand its approval of Risperdal, also known as risperidone, to include autism.

The most common side effects of Risperdal include drowsiness, constipation, fatigue and weight gain.


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i can say it does seem to help calm the tantrums and the feelings of utter confusion. i like how it slows the feelings of confusion and helps me relate my words a little better because of that. but i have been on it for around 3 months or 2 months.

i do know i have gained 50 pounds, but it is okay cause i use to weigh 175 and i am 6 foot 2 or 3ish so i needed to fill in a little, but now i have to get new jeans cause of my fat bottom and tire rounded hips darn it. but now i weight 225ish and i have been remembering to eat more with resiprodal! seems it helps in a multitude of ways, and i know my wife tells me she has seen a big difference. and if i have a temper or an issue it seems to pass faster with less things to upset myself and or my wife.

seems i would like to know if anyone has had long term tollerance issues. seems over the last few weeks i have had more times of confusion and having an argument. i was wondering if i should shift my perscription soon to a comparable antiphsycotic. i heard something about albify on the braintalk 1. i wonder if i could flop between the two? plus albify doesn't have a high weight gain side effect i think? i wonder if a tolerance can be built up in 2 or 3 months? maybe i should get my dosage adjusted. right now it is at 2 mg or 2 of what ever measurement or unit. maybe a 2.5 or 3 would be a good idea if i am building up a tolerance. but i know it does make me tired throughtout the day too so i don't think i want more weight gain and more tiredness?

oh well i think that is my ramble for now, i have to go jump in the shower now.