FDA Approves Drug for Autism Irritability

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Risperdal to treat irritability in autistic children and adolescents.

This is the first time the FDA approved a drug to treat behavior-related problems associated with autism in children, the FDA said in a news release. The drug can be used to treat aggression, deliberate self-injury and temper tantrums, all of which are classified under irritability.

Risperdal is an anti-psychotic drug used to treat adults with schizophrenia, the FDA said. In 2003, it was also approved as a short-term treatment for adults with acute manic episodes or extreme mood swings.

Risperdal is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V. in Beerse, Belgium.