Learn about Risperdal and Schizophrenia

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Schizophrenia has been recognized as a mental disorder for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks and Romans recognized a set of symptoms that caused people to disassociate themselves from reality, and used the generalized term “madness” to describe what modern psychiatry would call schizophrenia.

Modern doctors discovered that schizophrenia was primarily caused by an imbalance of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine has many functions, but it primarily functions as a pleasure motivator, motor controller, and cognitive reasoning aid. It is unclear exactly how schizophrenia develops, but it is clear that drugs such as Risperdal can correct the dopamine imbalance and help some people live a normal life.

Unfortunately Risperdal is an antipsychotic medication, and these types of treatments are notorious for causing serious physical and medical side effects. Because Risperdal affects the dopamine levels in the body, it can cause conditions called extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia. These afflictions cause the body to spasm and move uncontrollably. A more serious side effect is called neuroleptic malignant disorder. This potentially fatal consequence can cause death in as little as three days after symptoms develop.

Risperdal is an atypical antipsychotic, which means it should cause fewer side effects than traditional drugs, but they still can occur. If you or someone you love was taking Risperdal for schizophrenia and suffered serious side effects you may have cause to seek compensation for your injuries. Contact an experienced Risperdal attorney today.