Richard:

You're question can only be answered by compatent psychiatrist.  Ask you child's psychiatrist.

Most neuroleptic medications have not been tested for use with children largely because it is seen as an ethical issue by the FDA and drug developers [and if these drugs were to be tested in children in addition to adults it would probably add another $250,000,000 to $500,000,000 to the cost of developing the drug.]

When most of these medications are prescribed for children, the doctor is doing so "off label," i.e., with the tacit approval of the FDA.  I developed schizophrenia at the age of thirteen, some fifty years ago.  I thank my lucky stars that my doctor had the courage to use these medications with me.  If he had not done so, I would have died in the streets many years ago.

Robin

Hello Richard,

I can understand your hesitancy in placing your 12-year old son or daughter on Risperdal or any other medication.

As I've "answered" in other "Ask" questions before, no medication is 100 percent safe.  One person could be on the same medication as another person, and not have a side effect, whereas the other person will develop one.

My answer to you is to examine the reasons the doctor wants to put the child on the Risperdal, which is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia.

A recent NAMI study, which I'm going to write about in detail on this Connection Web site shortly, states that there is an average delay of 8.5 years between onset of symptoms and treatment for schizophrenia.

This delay is a contributing factor to a poor prognosis, as a lack of functioning and brain deterioration could result.  Schizophrenia strikes often in a person's early twenties, yet he or she may not get treatment until nearly a decade later.

The NAMI study looks at adults with schizophreni.

Childhood schizophrenia is also possible.

Like Robin said, the use of Risperdal in kids isn't entirely commonplace or accepted, though the FDA "greenlighted" it for the treatment of schizophrenia starting at age 13. 

Of course, what the FDA allows and what you want to do are two different things, and I understand why you would want to weigh your decision carefully.

The bottom line is, question, question, question and ask more questions about why the drug is being prescribed, what symptoms it's being used for, and why the doctor would prescribe it for a 12-year old when it hasn't been OK'd for anyone under 13 years old.

Should all roads lead to the need to medicate, as I said, there is no guarantee that any medication is 100 percent safe.  You have to decide if the benefits of medicating outweigh the risks.

Best regards,

Chri