Risperidone is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics. It is used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia in adults and teenagers. It is also used to treat manic episodes and behavior problems such as self-injury, aggression, and sudden mood changes. In this 3-minute article, we discuss the uses, brand names, side effects, warnings, and interactions of risperidone. Learn more about this antipsychotic medicine.
What is Risperidone?
Risperidone is an antipsychotic medicine that works by altering chemicals in the brain to regulate mood and emotion.
Risperidone Brand Names
Risperidone is available as the brand name drugs Risperdal, Risperdal Consta, and Risperdal M-Tab.
How Does Ripseridone Work?
Risperidone works by altering chemical messengers in the brain, such as dopamine. It does not cure psychotic conditions but rather works to keep symptoms under control. It can sometimes take several days for symptoms to improve while taking risperidone.
Risperidone Dosage
Risperidone is available as an oral tablet as an oral solution and disintegrating tablet. The recommended dosage for risperidone can vary based on a variety of factors including:
- Your age
- Your weight
- Your condition
- Your response to your first dose
Risperidone Dosage For Bipolar Disorder
Adults: At first, 2 to 3 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 6 mg per day.
Older adults: At first, 0.5 mg 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 6 mg per day.
Children 10 to 17 years of age: At first, 0.5 mg once a day, in the morning or evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 6 mg per day
Children younger than 10 years of age: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Risperidone Dosage For Irritability Associated With Autistic Disorder
Children 5 to 16 years of age weighing 20 kilograms (kg) or greater—At first, 0.5 milligrams (mg) per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
Children 5 to 16 years weighing less than 20 kg—At first, 0.25 mg per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
Children younger than 5 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Risperidone Dosage For Schizophrenia
Adults: At first, 2 milligrams (mg) per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. The dose is usually not more than 16 mg per day.
Older adults: Initial dosage is 0.5 mg 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
Children 13 to 17 years of age: At first, 0.5 mg once a day, in the morning or evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 6 mg per day.
Children younger than 13 years of age: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Risperidone Uses
Risperidone is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children over the age of 13. It can also be used to help decrease irritability in autistic children between the ages of 5 and 16. Risperidone may also be useful in treating bipolar disorder in adults.
Side Effects of Risperidone
Risperidone does have a few associated side effects, some of which are more serious and less common than others.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of risperidone include the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain
- Weight gain
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Vision problems
- Muscle or joint pain
- Dry or discolored skin
- Difficulty urinating
- Dizziness
- Late or missed menstrual periods
Serious Side Effects
Other side effects of risperidone are more serious. Contact a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious symptoms. Call 911 immediately if you think any your symptoms are life threatening.
- Fever
- Confusion
- Muscle stiffness
- Seizures
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Unusual movements of the face and body
- Fast or irregular pulse or heartbeat
Disclaimer: Here Manifest Pharmacy, our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.
Risperidone Dementia Warning
Older adults with dementia who take risperidone may be at risk for serious, possibly fatal side effects such as stroke, heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat and pneumonia. This medication is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related behavior problems. You should discuss the risks and benefits of taking risperidone, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for dementia-related behavior problems, with your doctor.
Risperidone Interactions
Risperidone can cause serious reactions if taken in conjunction with other antipsychotic and neuroleptic medications. Consult your doctor if you currently take an antipsychotic or neuroleptic medication and are considering taking risperidone.
Summary
Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia, manic episodes, and behavior problems. It can be purchased as the brand name drugs Risperdal, Risperdal Consta, and Risperdal M-Tab.
Risperidone works by altering chemical messengers in the brain. It does not cure psychotic conditions but rather works to keep symptoms under control. When taking risperidone, it can sometimes take several days for symptoms to improve.
