Risperidone use in people with dementia: what do the new restrictions mean?

Risperidone use in people with dementia: what do the new restrictions mean?

A video recording of a seminar presentation by Dr Andrew Stafford, Director of WA Dementia Training Study Centre and Pharmasist, on 16 February 2016, for WA DTSC.

Overview of presentation:
Antipsychotic medications have been used in the management of changed behaviour associated with dementia (also referred to as behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, BPSD) for many years. This is despite their limited effectiveness and increasing evidence of adverse effects, such movement disorders, excessive sedation and an increased risk of stroke.

Risperidone is the only antipsychotic currently licensed for use in the management of changed behaviour in Australia, and it is the most commonly used antipsychotic for this purpose. However, in 2015 new restrictions upon the use of risperidone for symptoms associated with dementia were introduced because of concerns about these adverse effects.

This presentation will outline the role of medications in managing changed behaviour in people living with dementia, with a focus on the tightened restrictions upon the use of risperidone. It is aimed at health professionals working within acute and residential aged care settings.

View the video presentation

Download the presentation (PowerPoint as pdf – 920 Kb)