Risperdal is an antipsychotic medication that is primarily used to treat the side effects of schizophrenia, including hallucinations and extreme paranoia. Doctors also may prescribe Risperdal for the depression and mania episodes that occur in patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder, as well as for symptoms of irritability in autistic children. However, doctors also have used Risperdal for unapproved uses, such as for treating older Americans with dementia, which led to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issuing a warning regarding potentially deadly side effects of Risperdal, particularly when used to treat dementia, and requiring the addition of warning labels to the drug. As a result, there have been many lawsuits filed against Janssen, L. P., the manufacturer of Risperdal, as well as against other manufacturers of antipsychotic medications, claiming that the company failed to disclose and/or warn consumers of the dangers of the drug, including the possibility of developing serious medical conditions, which can lead to death.