Unsafe Drugs: Risperdal: A New Drug for Autism

Risperdal, manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceutica, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat the symptoms of autism in children and adolescents ages 5 to 16. This is the first drug that the FDA has approved to treat behaviors such as self-injury, aggression, and severe temper tantrums in autistic children. "This approval should benefit many autistic children as well as their parents and caregivers," said Dr. Steven Galson, the director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

However, not everyone is so optimistic about the drug's approval. Many doctors warn that the drug should be used only after other non-medication treatments have been tried. The National Autism Association has concerns over Risperdal because it can have side effects including drowsiness, fatigue, constipation, and weight gain. Risperdal has been on the market since 1993 and is used to treat adults with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.