Risperdal and Diabetes

An Overview of Risperdal and Diabetes

Risperdal^® (risperidone) is a prescription medication used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or irritability due to autism. While many Risperdal side effects are merely annoying or bothersome, there are a few side effects of Risperdal that should be taken very seriously. One of these serious side effects is diabetes. Newer "atypical" antipsychotic medications (such as Risperdal) appear to increase the risk of diabetes. Risperdal may also make pre-existing diabetes worse.

 

Risperdal and Diabetes Research

In clinical studies conducted before Risperdal was approved, between 1 in every 100 and 1 in every 1,000 people taking Risperdal developed high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Since Risperdal was approved, there have been a few cases of extremely high blood sugar that have led to coma or even death.

 

It is not entirely clear if Risperdal was the cause of these cases of diabetes. People with schizophrenia (whether they are taking Risperdal or not) may be at a higher risk of developing diabetes. Also, diabetes is on the rise in the general population. These factors combined make it difficult to determine whether there is a relationship between Risperdal and diabetes. However, studies suggest that people taking Risperdal may be at a higher risk of developing diabetes.

 

Why Risperdal May Cause Diabetes

It is not entirely clear why Risperdal might lead to diabetes. Weight gain is a significant risk factor for diabetes (see Diabetes Risk Factors), and weight gain is a common side effect of Risperdal (see Risperdal and Weight Gain). Risperdal may also have direct effects on blood sugar through unknown mechanisms. Risperdal also might make diabetes more obvious in people with previously undiagnosed diabetes.