Laboratory Monitoring for Adolescents on Risperidone

Baseline Laboratory Assessment

• The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends baseline liver function tests, including hepatic transaminases, to be checked before starting risperidone treatment, due to the risk of transient hepatic transaminase elevations and potential fatty liver changes associated with weight gain 1
• A complete blood count is recommended to screen for baseline hematological abnormalities, such as agranulocytosis and leukocytopenia, which have been reported in adolescents on risperidone 1
• Renal function tests may be indicated for specific monitoring in adolescents on risperidone 2
• An electrocardiogram is recommended due to concerns about QT prolongation with atypical antipsychotics, particularly in youth who may be more susceptible to cardiac medication effects 1