okay.....more internet peeking:
Apparently Resperdal is also BOTH and anti-psychotic and is used for treating bipolar I disorder
Here's what This Web site says:
www.risperdal.com
Now approved for bipolar mania
RISPERDAL® (risperidone) is a prescription medication that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of bipolar I disorder or to treat acute to manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. It is approved for use as therapy alone or in combination with drugs called mood stabilizers, such as lithium or valproate.
Although RISPERDAL has recently been approved for treating bipolar mania, it's reassuring to know that RISPERDAL has been around for more than 10 years and is used worldwide.
How does RISPERDAL work?
Symptoms of bipolar mania are thought to be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. These chemicals are called dopamine and serotonin. Exactly how RISPERDAL works is unknown. However, it seems to readjust the balance of dopamine and serotonin. While it's not a cure, RISPERDAL may help control your symptoms so it may help you reconnect with your life.
When does RISPERDAL start working?
For some people, RISPERDAL can start working as soon as the third day. However, it will take several weeks to get the full benefit of your medication. So please be patient and give RISPERDAL a chance to take effect.
How long do I need to take RISPERDAL?
Keep on taking RISPERDAL every day as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
What about improvement of symptoms?
In a clinical trial, almost twice as many people who took RISPERDAL and a mood stabilizer (depakote or lithium) had symptom improvement compared to people who took a placebo (sugar pill) and a mood stabilizer. Two different scales confirmed this improvement in the clinical trial.
Important Safety Information
Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death compared to placebo. RISPERDAL® (risperidone) is not approved for the treatment of patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis.
The most common side effects that may occur with RISPERDAL, in the treatment of BIPOLAR MANIA either alone or in combination with a mood stabilizer (Valproate or Lithium) are: sleepiness, muscle stiffness, restlessness, tremor, indigestion, nausea, abnormal vision, muscle aches, dizziness, runny nose, diarrhea, increased saliva, stomach pain, and urinary incontinence. In the treatment of SCHIZOPHRENIA: anxiety, sleepiness, restlessness, tremors, and muscle stiffness; dizziness, constipation, nausea, indigestion, runny nose, rash and rapid heartbeat.
Studies suggest an increased risk of elevated blood sugar-related side effects, and sometimes potentially fatal, in patients treated with this class of medications, including RISPERDAL. Some people may need regular blood sugar testing.
You may have heard the term "tardive dyskinesia." These are potentially irreversible, uncontrollable, slow or jerky facial or body movements that can be caused by all medications of this type. If you have these symptoms, talk to your health care professional.
A rare but serious side effect that has been reported with this kind of medicine, including RISPERDAL, is known as NMS or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. NMS is characterized by muscle rigidity, fever and can be serious.