
Precautions
The efficacy of risperidone has already been compared to conventional drugs, but it remains unclear how risperidone compares with other atypical antipsychotic drugs such as clozapine. Objectives: To determine the effects of risperidone compared with other atypical antipsychotic drugs for schizophrenia.
What other medication can risperidone be compare to?
While risperidone and atypical antipsychotic drugs won’t cause a “high” or they won’t be addictive, they can be abused. That said, an individual may experience deep sleep after taking a large dose and the sleep is very refreshing. Being a dopamine antagonist, risperidone causes a zombifying effect, which may feel the opposite of a “high.” 1
What is considered a high dose of risperidone?
- fever
- muscle stiffness
- falling
- confusion
- fast or irregular pulse
- sweating
- unusual movements of your face or body that you cannot control
- faintness
- seizures
- slow movements or shuffling walk
What are the side effects of risperidone?
Most of these signs of a Risperidone overdose vary in severity, but health care professionals generally agree that even the mildest of overdose symptoms be taken seriously. Lethargy may be a sign of a Risperidone overdose. While an overdose may occur at varying dosages, those typically reported have been between 20 and 360 milligrams.
What is the lethal dose of Risperdal?
See more

What are the benefits of risperidone?
Risperidone is a medication that works in the brain to treat schizophrenia. It is also known as a second generation antipsychotic (SGA) or atypical antipsychotic. Risperidone rebalances dopamine and serotonin to improve thinking, mood, and behavior.
What are the most common side effects of risperidone?
Risperidone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:nausea.vomiting.diarrhea.constipation.heartburn.dry mouth.increased saliva.increased appetite.More items...•
What does risperidone do to normal people?
Risperidone can cause metabolic changes that might increase your risk for having a stroke or heart attack. You and your doctor should watch your blood sugar, symptoms of diabetes (weakness or increased urination, thirst, or hunger), weight, and cholesterol levels.
Is risperidone used to treat anxiety?
Risperidone at low dosage is often used as treatment of acute anxiety symptom.
Does risperidone cause anger?
“It has pretty big effects on tantrums, aggression and self-injury,” says Lawrence Scahill, professor of pediatrics at the Marcus Autism Center at Emory University in Atlanta, who has conducted clinical trials of risperidone. The change can be dramatic, he says, taking effect in a matter of weeks.
How does risperidone make you feel?
Risperidone does not work straight away. It can take several days or even months for some symptoms to get better. Common side effects include feeling sleepy, problems with your movement and headaches. It can make you feel more hungry than usual, so you may put on weight.
What medications Cannot be taken with risperidone?
Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.Bepridil.Bromopride.Cisapride.Dronedarone.Levoketoconazole.Levomethadyl.Mesoridazine.Metoclopramide.More items...•
Why is risperidone taken at night?
Splitting the daily dose into a morning and evening dose may help reduce symptoms of drowsiness in people with persistent drowsiness. Risperidone may cause drowsiness and you should not drive or operate machinery if risperidone has this effect on you.
How long does it take for risperidone to kick in?
How long does risperidone take to start working? It can take four to six weeks for risperidone to have its full effect, but some people get good effects right from the first week. You should stay in touch with your doctor to see how it goes over the first few weeks. They might do some tests to check your symptoms.
Does risperidone help with depression and anxiety?
Additionally, risperidone has been shown to be effective in the treatment of anxiety arising in a variety of clinical settings: depression with comorbid anxiety [24, 25], treatment resistant anxiety in the elderly [26], generalized anxiety disorder [27], obsessive-compulsive disorder [28–31], and post-traumatic stress ...
Is risperidone good for depression?
Supplementing these first-line medications with an atypical antipsychotic can sometimes improve depression symptoms. Risperidone (Risperdal), an atypical antipsychotic used in bipolar mania and schizophrenia, has been studied in patients with depression who are resistant to antidepressant monotherapy.
Does risperidone help you sleep?
Antipsychotics don't help much. These drugs are known as atypical antipsychotics. They include aripiprazole (Abilify), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), risperidone (Risperdal), and others. The drugs often make people drowsy, but there is little evidence that they actually help you fall or stay asleep.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use risperidone if you are allergic to it.Risperidone is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. It may in...
How Should I Take Risperidone?
Take risperidone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or sma...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, fast heart rate, f...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Risperidone?
Risperidone may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.Avoid getting up too fast f...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Risperidone?
Taking risperidone with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask your doct...
What is risperidone used for?
Uses. Risperidone is used to treat certain mental/ mood disorders (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, irritability associated with autistic disorder). This medication can help you to think clearly and take part in everyday life.Risperidone belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics.
How to report risperidone side effects in Canada?
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Precautions. Before taking risperidone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to paliperidone; or if you have any other allergies.
What to tell your doctor before taking risperidone?
Before using risperidone, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems ( heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG ), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
Can risperidone cause tardive dyskinesia?
Risperidone may rarely cause a condition known as tardive dyskinesia. In some cases, this condition may be permanent. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any unusual/uncontrolled movements (especially of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, arms or legs).
Can risperidone make you dizzy?
This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics /" water pills ") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using risperidone safely. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana ( cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy.
How does risperidone work?
Risperidone works by affecting the amount of certain chemicals called neurotransmitters that occur naturally in your brain. It’s thought that people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism have an imbalance of certain neurotransmitters. This drug may improve this imbalance.
What is atypical risperidone?
How it works. Risperidone belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
What is the name of the medication that is given to people with schizophrenia?
Brand name: Risperdal. Risperidone comes as a regular tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet, and an oral solution. It also comes as an injection that’s given by a healthcare provider. Risperidone oral tablet is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, and irritability associated with autistic disorder.
What is a boxed warning for a drug?
This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. This drug may increase the risk of death in seniors who have dementia.
Can risperidone interact with other medications?
Risperidone oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully.
Is risperidone a prescription drug?
Risperidone is a prescription drug. It comes as an oral tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet, and an oral solution. It also comes as an injection that’s only given by a healthcare provider. Risperidone oral tablet is available as the brand-name drug Risperdal. It’s also available as a generic drug.
Can risperidone cause falls?
Risperidone oral tablet may cause drowsiness and the feeling of being unstable. This may lead to falling, which can cause broken bones or other health problems. You may be at a higher risk for falls if you’re an adult who’s over age 65 years and taking other medications that cause drowsiness.
What is risperidone used for?
Risperidone is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions) in adults and teenagers 13 years of age and older.
What are the side effects of risperidone?
Risperidone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: 1 nausea 2 vomiting 3 diarrhea 4 constipation 5 heartburn 6 dry mouth 7 increased saliva 8 increased appetite 9 weight gain 10 stomach pain 11 anxiety 12 agitation 13 restlessness 14 dreaming more than usual 15 difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep 16 breast enlargement or discharge 17 late or missed menstrual periods 18 decreased sexual ability 19 vision problems 20 muscle or joint pain 21 dry or discolored skin 22 difficulty urinating 23 dizziness, feeling unsteady, or having trouble keeping your balance
What to tell your doctor before taking risperidone?
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
How long does it take for risperidone to work?
Risperidone may help control your symptoms but will not cure your condition. It may take several weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of risperidone. Continue to take risperidone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking risperidone without talking to your doctor.
How often should I take risperidone?
It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. Take risperidone at around the same time (s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take risperidone exactly as directed.
Can I take risperidone with water?
Take risperidone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Use the dropper provided to measure your dose of risperidone oral solution. You can take the oral solution with water, orange juice, coffee, or low-fat milk.
Can you chew risperidone?
Immediately take out the tablet and place it on your tongue. The tablet will quickly dissolve and can be swallowed with or without liquid. Do not chew or crush the tablet. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of risperidone and gradually increase your dose to allow your body to adjust to the medication.
What is a risperidone injection?
Risperidone injection is used to treat schizophrenia and symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression ). Risperidone injection is sometimes given with lithium or valproate (Depakene). Risperidone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What are the side effects of risperidone?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement); ...
How often is risperidone given?
Risperidone is injected under the skin or into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. Risperdal Consta is usually given once every 2 weeks. Perseris is usually given once every month. If you use risperidone injections long-term, your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.
How to avoid risperidone?
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how risperidone will affect you. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.
Can you change your risperidone dose?
Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice. You may need to take risperidone by mouth (in pill or liquid form) before you start receiving risperidone injections. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. Risperidone is injected under the skin or into a muscle.
Can you take risperidone with other medications?
Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time.
Can you take risperidone if you are allergic to it?
You should not be treated with risperidone if you are allergic to risperidone or paliperidone. Risperidone may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use. if you are dehydrated. Some people with mental illness have thoughts about suicide.
What is risperidone used for?
Risperidone tablets are indicated for the treatment of irritability associated with autistic disorder, including symptoms of aggression towards others, deliberate self-injuriousness, temper tantrums, and quickly changing moods. Efficacy was established in 3 short-term trials in children and adolescents (ages 5 to 17 years) [see Clinical Studies ( 14.4 )].
What receptors does risperidone target?
Risperidone is a selective monoaminergic antagonist with high affinity (Ki of 0.12 to 7.3 nM) for the serotonin Type 2 (5HT 2 ), dopamine Type 2 (D 2 ), α 1 and α 2 adrenergic, and H 1 histaminergic receptors. Risperidone acts as an antagonist at other receptors, but with lower potency. Risperidone has low to moderate affinity (Ki of 47 to 253 nM) for the serotonin 5HT 1C, 5HT 1D, and 5HT 1A receptors, weak affinity (Ki of 620 to 800 nM) for the dopamine D 1 and haloperidol-sensitive sigma site, and no affinity (when tested at concentrations >10 -5 M) for cholinergic muscarinic or β 1 and β 2 adrenergic receptors.
How long does it take for risperidone to reach steady state?
Steady-state concentrations of Risperidone are reached in 1 day in extensive metabolizers and would be expected to reach steady-state in about 5 days in poor metabolizers. Steady-state concentrations of 9-hydroxyRisperidone are reached in 5 to 6 days (measured in extensive metabolizers). Food Effect.
What is the difference between a 0.5 mg and a 1 mg risperidone?
Risperidone tablets 0.5 mg are brown, capsule shaped, film-coated tablets, debossed with "W" on one side and "554" on another side. Risperidone tablets 1 mg are white, capsule shaped, film-coated tablets, debossed with "W555" on one side and plain on other side.
How long should a patient stay on risperidone?
While it is unknown how long a patient with schizophrenia should remain on Risperidone tablets, the effectiveness of Risperidone tablets 2 mg per day to 8 mg per day at delaying relapse was demonstrated in a controlled trial in adult patients who had been clinically stable for at least 4 weeks and were then followed for a period of 1 to 2 years [ see Clinical Studies (14.1) ]. Both adult and adolescent patients who respond acutely should generally be maintained on their effective dose beyond the acute episode. Patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for maintenance treatment.
Where is risperidone metabolized?
Risperidone is extensively metabolized in the liver. The main metabolic pathway is through hydroxylation of Risperidone to 9-hydroxyRisperidone by the enzyme, CYP 2D6. A minor metabolic pathway is through N-dealkylation. The main metabolite, 9-hydroxyRisperidone, has similar pharmacological activity as Risperidone. Consequently, the clinical effect of the drug results from the combined concentrations of Risperidone plus 9-hydroxyRisperidone.
Is rosperidone contraindicated?
Risperidone is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to either Risperidone or paliperidone, or to any of the excipients in the Risperidone formulation. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic reactions and angioedema, have been reported in patients treated with Risperidone and in patients treated with paliperidone. Paliperidone is a metabolite of Risperidone.
What is risperidone used for?
Risperdal is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children who are at least 13 years old.
How long does it take for risperdal to work?
It may take up to several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not liquid medicine to freeze. Detailed Risperdal dosage information.
How to avoid risperidone?
While you are taking risperidone, you may be more sensitive to temperature extremes such as very hot or cold conditions. Avoid getting too cold, or becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise.
Can you take risperidone if you are allergic to it?
Before taking this medicine. You should not use Risperdal if you are allergic to risperidone. Risperidone may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
Can you give a child risperdal?
Do not give Risperdal to a child without a doctor's advice. While you are taking this medicine, you may be more sensitive to temperature extremes such as very hot or cold conditions. Avoid getting too cold, or becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise.
Can you take risperidal without food?
Risperdal can be taken with or without food. Remove the Risperdal M-Tab orally disintegrating tablet from the package only when you are ready to take the medicine. Place the tablet in your mouth and allow it to dissolve, without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.
Can alcohol cause risperidone to be swollen?
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of risperidone. Stop using Risperdal and call your doctor at once if you have fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, restless muscle movements in your face or neck, tremor (uncontrolled shaking), trouble swallowing, feeling light-headed, or fainting.
What is risperidone used for?
Uses of Risperidone Tablets: It is used to treat schizophrenia . It is used to treat bipolar problems. It is used to treat irritation that happens with autistic disorder. It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
How long does it take for risperidone to work?
It may take several weeks to see the full effects. Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions. Take with or without food. Keep taking this medicine (risperidone tablets) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
Can risperidone interact with other drugs?
This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (risperidone tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems.
Can you share risperidone with others?
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs. Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (risperidone tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Does risperidone go away?
This problem may lessen or go away after stopping this medicine (risperidone tablets), but it may not go away. The risk is greater with diabetes and in older adults, especially older women. The risk is greater with longer use or higher doses, but it may also occur after short-term use with low doses.
Can risperidone cause dementia?
There is a higher chance of death in older adults who take this medicine (ris peridone tablets) for mental problems caused by dementia. Most of the deaths were linked to heart disease or infection. This medicine is not approved to treat mental problems caused by dementia.
Can you drink alcohol while taking risperidone?
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine (risperidone tablets). Dizziness, sleepiness, and feeling less stable may happen with this medicine (risperidone tablets). These may lead to falling, which can cause broken bones or other health problems. Low white blood cell counts have happened with drugs like this one.
What is dementia?
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are two conditions that can be mistaken as being only the same. And it’s not surprising at all, since their symptoms may overlap. However, there are key differences between the two.
When is risperidone used for dementia?
Aside from memory loss, dementia can also be characterized by behavioral symptoms. These symptoms are thought to be targets for antipsychotic drugs.
How effective is it in managing the condition?
A 2020 study summarized findings from systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses of clinical trials that pitted risperidone against other atypical antipsychotics or placebo.
Are there other antipsychotics used for dementia?
Risperidone is currently the only atypical antipsychotic approved in some countries for the management of severe BPSD. It’s worth noting, however, that positive clinical evidence has also been observed for other antipsychotics, including aripiprazole and quetiapine.
What does the research say?
Despite growing safety concerns, risperidone remains a go-to choice for treatment in patients with AD and behavioral symptoms. In particular, the medication has been approved for this indication especially in people with more severe aggressive behaviors.
JAMA Study
A 2020 study published in JAMA revealed that nearly three-quarters of older adults with dementia have filled prescriptions for medicines that carry several risks for them.
Harvard Medical School Research
Researchers from Harvard Medical School found that other antipsychotic drugs are riskier than others when used in elderly patients with dementia. Before the study, the FDA warned that treatment with antipsychotic medications can cause increased mortality in the particular patient population.

Medical uses
Risperidone is used to treat a certain mental/mood disorder called schizophrenia.
May Treat: Infantile autism · Mania associated with bipolar disorder · Mixed bipolar I disorder · Schizophrenia
Brand Names: Perseris · Risperdal · Risperdal M-TAB
Drug Class: Antipsychotic - Atypical Dopamine-Serotonin Antag- Benzisoxazole Deriv · Bipolar Therapy Agents - Atypical Antipsychotics
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Infantile autism · Mania associated with bipolar disorder · Mixed bipolar I disorder · Schizophrenia
Brand Names: Perseris · Risperdal · Risperdal M-TAB
Drug Class: Antipsychotic - Atypical Dopamine-Serotonin Antag- Benzisoxazole Deriv · Bipolar Therapy Agents - Atypical Antipsychotics
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
Administration
Treatment
Results
Diet
- Risperidone is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions) in adults and teenagers 13 years of age and older. It is also used to treat episodes of mania (frenzied, abnormally excited, or irritated mood) or mixed episodes (sym...
Risks
- Risperidone comes as a tablet, a solution (liquid), and an orally disintegrating tablet (tablet that dissolves quickly in the mouth) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. Take risperidone at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do no…
Prevention
- Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of risperidone and gradually increase your dose to allow your body to adjust to the medication.
Diagnosis
- Risperidone may help control your symptoms but will not cure your condition. It may take several weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of risperidone. Continue to take risperidone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking risperidone without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking risperidone, your symptoms may return and your illness may become harder to treat.
Preparation
- Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.