Combination Therapy With Risperidone and High-Dose Melatonin Is Effective Despite Reversible Side Effects Including Breast Budding
2024

Effective Treatment for Sleep Disorders in a Child Using Risperidone and Melatonin

publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Nakamura Akihiro

Primary Institution: Child and Parents Support Clinic, Ebina, JPN

Hypothesis

Can the combination of risperidone and high-dose melatonin effectively treat sleep disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders?

Conclusion

The combination of risperidone and high-dose melatonin effectively reduced restlessness and improved sleep disorders, although it may cause reversible breast budding.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient showed improvement in daytime concentration after increasing melatonin dosage.
  • Breast budding was reversible upon discontinuation of melatonin.
  • Prolactin levels were elevated during treatment but returned to normal after stopping melatonin.

Takeaway

A 10-year-old boy with sleep problems got better after taking two medicines, but one of them made him grow breast tissue, which went away when he stopped taking it.

Methodology

The patient was treated with risperidone and melatonin, with dosages adjusted over time, and monitored for side effects and sleep improvement.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the lack of a control group and reliance on subjective reports from the patient and family.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

A 10-year-old Japanese boy diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.7759/cureus.74607

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