Are tumors in the pituitary gland caused by Risperidone (atypical antipsychotic) reversible

[nicky]

My initial concern with this drug was the possibility of tardive dyskinesia, extrapyramidal symptoms and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, but their risks are highly negligable in the atypical class. However, non-cancerous tumors in the pituitary gland appear to be more frequent, but nothing is mentioned about their reversibility. I'm aware that TD may be irreversible if it occurs, especially with time, but what about EPS and NMS? Thank you

[hojoseph99]

As far as I know, there are no studies in humans that demonstrate the formation of tumors (including pituitary). These are all in animals, and it is not always easy to extrapolate these results. I don't think enough is known about this phenomenon, but I would theoretically believe they would be reversible by stopping the drug or, if need be, through surgery.

The risk of EPS is very low with Risperdal, especially compared to the older conventional antipsychotics, but they are all treatable with the exception of tardive dyskinesia.

NMS is also very rare, and is treatable, generally by stopping the drug and treating whatever symptoms appear.