“Is Risperdal safe for young kids?”

Most psychotropic medications are not FDA-approved for children, but these are the only medications available. My question is, are you sure about the diagnosis of ADHD? Because Risperdal is an antipsychotic and also could work as a mood stabilizer for patients with bipolar disorder. I am curious as to why this is the choice of medication if the diagnosis for sure is ADHD. And for the question of whether this is a safe medication for children - it is commonly used in children and I have not heard much if any adverse effect on children. But like any medication, there is always potential for side effects...it’s a matter of weighing the pros and con when it comes to children taking psychotropic medications. If your child’s diagnosis is truly ADHD, meds are usually Ritalin, adderall, straterra. Sometimes Wellbutrin, clonidine, and guanfacine also have been used.

Risperdal is approved for use in children. However, there are no safe medications. All medications have side effects. But if benefits of medications is greater than the chance of having side effects, then we can prescribe meds. Risperdal has specific indications in kids. It is not FDA approved for pure ADHD without any other psychiatric conditions. If the doctor wants to prescribe it for ADHD then you have to ask the rationale for using it. However, I can’t comment on it since I did not see the child and don’t know all the symptoms. If you want a second opinion, you can see another psychiatrist and address those questions after the doctor sees the child.