Efficacy and safety of risperidone long-acting injection in elderly people with schizophrenia.
Antipsychotic medication is the mainstay of treatment in elderly patients with psychosis. In recent years, second generation antipsychotics have come to be preferred. Long-acting risperidone is the first such antipsychotic available for use in this vulnerable group of patients and offers an attractive alternative to traditional medications. The available literature revealed that long-acting risperidone is generally well tolerated and is effective in treating both the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Despite a lack of randomized trials and head-to-head studies, it appears to be a useful addition to the treatment armory for patients with chronic psychosis who require a depot preparation. Further research into its endocrine and metabolic side effects is needed.
Singh
Dhiren
D
Department of Psychological Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. dsingh@phcn.vic.gov.au
O'Connor
Daniel W
DW
D000368:Aged; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D018967:Risperidone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D018967:Risperidone