title: Efficacy and safety of risperidone long-acting injection in elderly people with schizophrenia.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. dsingh@phcn.vic.gov.au
authors.forename: Dhiren
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Daniel W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: O'Connor
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D018967:Risperidone