title: Use of risperidone in children with epilepsy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although the atypical antipsychotic medications appear to be safe in patients with epilepsy, few studies have specifically addressed the use of risperidone in children with seizures. The objective of this study was to evaluate behavior improvement and seizure outcome in children with epilepsy and behavioral disorders (self-injurious, aggressive, or destructive behavior) after introduction of risperidone.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this prospective study, 54 patients were evaluated, 38 boys and 16 girls, aged 2-18 (mean=10). The dose of risperidone ranged from 0.01 to 0.14 mg/kg/day (mean=0.038 mg/kg/day). Risperidone was introduced gradually. The titration rate was determined by clinical response. The data were collected from patients' follow-up visits and clinical files. Exacerbation of seizures was established as an increase in seizure frequency after introduction of risperidone, with return to baseline seizure frequency after risperidone withdrawal.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seizure frequency was not affected by risperidone in 51 patients (94.5%). Only two (4%) patients experienced seizure exacerbation after the introduction of risperidone. In one patient, the effect of risperidone on seizure control could not be established. After introduction of the risperidone, 38 (70.4%) patients manifested improvement in behavior.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our data suggest that risperidone can be used in pediatric patients with epilepsy and that seizure outcome is not changed in most children with epilepsy and psychiatric comorbidity. In addition, behavior improvement is usually achieved in most patients.
authors: Department of Neurology, State University of Campinas, FCM/Unicamp, PO Box 6111, 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors: Stefan Padial Ferri
authors: SP
authors: Holzhausen
authors: Marilisa Mantovani
authors: MM
authors: Guerreiro
authors: Carlos Eduardo
authors: CE
authors: Baccin
authors: Maria Augusta
authors: MA
authors: Montenegro
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018967:Risperidone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D018967:Risperidone