Initial Experience With Long-Acting Risperidone Microspheres Injection

Abstract

Objective: To report initial clinical experience with the injectable long-acting microspheres formulation of the atypical antipsychotic risperidone. Methods: Case reports. Results: The seven patients described have had good outcomes to date. A patient who has received the drug for 2 years has improved from a state of severe deterioration to full-time employment and participation in a relationship; he has reported mild erectile difficulties but is keen to continue. In all cases extrapyramidal side-effects have been uncommon and brief; weight gain or other physical adverse events have not been observed. Conclusion: Initial use of long-acting injectable risperidone suggests that the first ‘atypical depot’ is a welcome therapeutic development likely to provide significant clinical benefits, particularly for patients who have previously had unsatisfactory experiences with conventional antipsychotics.