The Food and drug administration has given the go-ahead for a schizophrenia drug to be used in management of autism in children.
The Food and drug administration has given the go-ahead for a schizophrenia drug to be used in management of autism in children. The drug in question, Johnson & Johnson's 'Risperdal', holds promise in effectively managing irritability, aggression, self-injury and temper tantrums that might show up in autistic children.
Risperdal, an oral drug, holds a niche position as Johnson & Johnson's acclaimed product and has been in circulation since 1993, for treatment of schizophrenia. The approval by the FDA follows a detailed study undertaken in two phases, with 156 autistic patients aged 5 to 16. The study spanning 16 weeks involved administration of either Risperdal or a placebo to the study subjects. The finding revealed that patients who had consumed Risperdal portrayed measurable improvements in behavioral symptoms as compared to subjects who had consumed the placebo.Further, Johnson & Johnson have communicated that Risperdal is not the answer for main autism symptoms that deal with communication problems and social behavior. Nevertheless, the drug shows positive results in 'treating the associated behavioral disturbances that can interfere with school, learning and family life.'
Source-Medindia
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