Risperidone Approved for Bipolar Mania

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the schizophrenia drug risperidone (marketed in the U.S. as Risperdal) for treatment of the manic phase of bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression).

Risperidone is already used to treat schizophrenia, and the exteme mania sometimes seen in bipolar disorder can strongly resemble schizophrenia in some patients. This medication is unlikely to replace lithium or similar mood stabilizers for long-term use in bipolar disorder.

For more information read the full press release here.