Low-dose risperidone-induced facial edema in a child with conduct disorder

Risperidone, a benzisoxazole derivate, is a widely prescribed antipsychotic agent that binds with high affinity to dopamine D2, serotonin type 2 (5-HT2) and α1-adrenergic receptors, and causes antagonism at these receptor sites. Although risperidone has several side effects such as weight gain and sedation, edema is a very rarely observed side effect in children and adolescents. Here, we report a case of facial edema in a child with conduct disorder (CD) who was receiving low-dose of oral solution risperidone. Three days after risperidone discontinuation, the facial edema resolved entirely. Because a plausible mechanism of risperidone-induced edema remains unknown, further investigation is warranted to elucidate the risk factors and potential mechanisms of the edema.