title: Risperidone. A review of its pharmacology and therapeutic potential in the treatment of schizophrenia.
abstract: Risperidone, a benzisoxazol derivative, is a novel antipsychotic agent which combines potent serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) 5-HT2 and dopamine D2 receptor antagonism. Development of the drug was stimulated by reports that the selective serotonin 5-HT2 antagonist ritanserin improved the negative symptoms of schizophrenia and decreased extrapyramidal symptoms when combined with haloperidol. The relatively low incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms with risperidone may reflect a preferential action on mesolimbic rather than nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways. Recent clinical investigation suggests that risperidone is of at least comparable efficacy to haloperidol and perphenazine in improving the symptoms of acute and chronic schizophrenia on short term administration. Advantages offered by risperidone over haloperidol include a faster onset of antipsychotic action, a lower incidence of extrapyramidal effects and possibly greater efficacy against the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. If these benefits prove to be maintained during long term therapy, risperidone is likely to make a significant contribution to the treatment of schizophrenia.
authors.affiliation: Adis International Limited, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grant
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fitton
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000187:drug effects; D010880:Piperidines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018967:Risperidone; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects; D014018:Tissue Distribution
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D007555:Isoxazoles; D010880:Piperidines; D018967:Risperidone