Risperidone (Risperdal) | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness (2023)

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Generic name: risperidone (ris PER i done)

  • Oral tablet: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg
  • Orally disintegrating tablet: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 m
  • Oral solution: 1 mg/mL

Brand names:

  • Risperdal®
    • Oral tablet: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg
    • Oral solution:1 mg/mL
  • Risperdal Consta®
    • Extended-release injectable suspension: 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg, 50 mg
  • ​Perseris®
    • Extended-release injectable suspension: 90mg, 120 mg

All FDA black box warnings are at the end of this fact sheet. Please review before taking this medication.

What Is Risperidone And What Does It Treat?

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.

Symptoms of schizophrenia include:

  • Hallucinations - imagined voices or images that seem real
  • Delusions - beliefs that are not true (e.g., other people are reading your thoughts)
  • Disorganized thinking or trouble organizing your thoughts and making sense
  • Little desire to be around other people
  • Trouble speaking clearly
  • Lack of motivation

Risperidone may help some or all of these symptoms.

Risperidone is also FDA approved for the following indications:

  • Acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes of bipolar disorder
  • Maintenance (long-term) treatment of bipolar disorder
  • Irritability associated with autistic disorders

This medication sheet will focus primarily on schizophrenia. You can find more information about bipolar disorder and autism spectrum disorders here.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your health care provider for more information.

What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Risperidone?

Schizophrenia requires long-term treatment. Do not stop taking risperidone, even when you feel better.

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With input from you, your health care provider will assess how long you will need to take the medication.

Missing doses of risperidone may increase your risk for a relapse in your symptoms.

Do not stop taking risperidone or change your dose without talking with your health care provider first.

For risperidone to work properly, the tablet form should be taken every day as ordered by your health care provider. One of the long-acting injectable forms, known as Risperdal Consta®, should be received every 2 weeks as ordered by your health care provider. The other long-acting injectable form, known as Perseris®, should be received every month. Both long-acting injections are the same medication as in the tablet form.

Are There Specific Concerns About Risperidone And Pregnancy?

If you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your health care provider to best manage your medications. People living with schizophrenia or certain other mental illness who wish to become pregnant face important decisions. This is a complex decision since untreated schizophrenia or other mental illness has risks to the fetus, as well as the mother. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and caregivers.

Antipsychotic use during the third trimester of pregnancy has a risk for abnormal muscle movements (extrapyramidal symptoms [EPS]) and/or withdrawal symptoms in newborns following delivery. Symptoms in the newborn may include agitation, feeding disorder, hypertonia, hypotonia, respiratory distress, somnolence, and tremor; these effects may be self-limiting or require hospitalization.

It is advised not to breastfeed when taking risperidone since risperidone does pass into breast milk.

What Should I Discuss With My Health Care Provider Before Taking Risperidone?

  • Symptoms of your condition that bother you the most
  • If you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
  • Medications you have taken in the past for your condition, whether they were effective or caused any adverse effects
  • If you ever had muscle stiffness, shaking, tardive dyskinesia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or weight gain caused by a medication
  • If you have phenylkentonuria (PKU) talk with your doctor. Some products have phenylalanine.
  • If you experience side effects from your medications, discuss them with your provider. Some side effects may pass with time, but others may require changes in the medication.
  • Any psychiatric or medical problems you have, such as heart rhythm problems, long QT syndrome, heart attacks, diabetes, high cholesterol, or seizures
  • If you have a family history of diabetes or heart disease
  • All other medications you are currently taking (including over the counter products, herbal and nutritional supplements) and any medication allergies you have
  • Other non-medication treatment you are receiving, such as talk therapy or substance abuse treatment. Your provider can explain how these different treatments work with the medication.
  • If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
  • If you smoke, drink alcohol, use or ever used recreational drugs , or ever used prescription medications

How Should I Take Risperidone?

Risperidone may help control your symptoms but will not cure your condition.

It may take two to three months before you feel the full effect of risperidone.

Risperidone tablets and solution are usually taken 1 or 2 times per day with or without food.

Typically, patients begin at a low dose of medication and the dose is increased slowly over several weeks.

The oral dose usually ranges from 1 mg to 6 mg. The dose of the injection usually ranges from 12.5 mg to 50 mg. Only your health care provider can determine the correct dose for you.

Use a calendar, pillbox, alarm clock, or cell phone alert to help you remember to take your medication. You may also ask a family member a friend to remind you or check in with you to be sure you are taking your medication.

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Risperidone orally disintegrating tablets must remain in their original packaging. Open the package with clean dry hands before each dose. Do not try to put tablets in a pillbox if you take the orally disintegrating tablets.
Risperidone orally disintegrating tablets will dissolve in your mouth within seconds and can be swallowed with or without liquid.

Risperidone liquid should be measured with a dosing spoon or oral syringe, which you can get from your pharmacy.

Risperdal Consta® (risperidone long-acting injection) should be received every 2 weeks. It should be administered by your health care professional through an injection into your upper arm or buttocks area. The medication effects last for approximately 2 weeks. If you are new to taking Risperdal Consta® (risperidone long-acting injection), your health care provider may want you to take the tablet form or risperidone daily for up to 3 weeks.

Perseris®(risperidone long-acting injection) should be received every month. It should be administered by your health care professional through an injection under the skin of your abdominal area. After establishing tolerability with oral risperidone, you may be switched to Perseris® (risperidone long-acting injection). Supplemental oral risperidone is not recommended after receiving your first Perseris® (risperidone long-acting injection) dose. After receiving the injection, you may have a lump for several weeks that will decrease in size over time. It is important that you not rub or massage the injection site and to be aware of the placement of any belts or clothing waistbands.

What Happens If I Miss A Dose Of Risperidone?

It is important to take your medication everyday as directed by your health care provider. Do not miss or skip a dose.

If you miss a dose of risperidone, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose. Discuss this with your health care provider. Do not double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed. If you miss a dose of Risperdal Consta® or Perseris® (risperidone long-acting injections), see your health care provider to receive your dose as soon as possible.

What Should I Avoid While Taking Risperidone?

Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking risperidone. They may decrease the benefits (e.g., worsen your confusion) and increase adverse effects (e.g., sedation) of the medication.

What Happens If I Overdose With Risperidone?

If an overdose occurs call your doctor or 911. You may need urgent medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

A specific treatment to reverse the effects of risperidone does not exist.

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Risperidone?

This is not a complete list. Talk with your health care provider for more information.

Common side effects

Sedation, drowsiness, extrapyramidal symptoms, insomnia, fatigue, headache, anxiety, dizziness, drooling, restlessness, increased prolactin, weight gain, Increased appetite, vomiting, constipation, upper abdominal pain, nausea, urinary incontinence, tremor, cold symptoms, cough, runny nose, fever

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Risperdal Consta® (risperidone long-acting injection): injection site pain

Perseris® (risperidone long-acting injection): injection site pain, redness, and a lump that may be present for several weeks

Rare/serious side effects

Risperidone may increase the blood levels of a hormone called prolactin. Side effects of increased prolactin levels include females losing their period, production of breast milk and males losing their sex drive or possibly experiencing erectile problems. Long term (months or years) elevated prolactin levels can lead to osteoporosis, or increased risk of bone fractures.

Some people may develop muscle related side effects while taking risperidone. The technical terms for these are “extrapyramidal symptoms” (EPS) and “tardive dyskinesia” (TD). Symptoms of EPS include restlessness, tremor, and stiffness. TD symptoms include slow or jerky movements that one cannot control, often starting in the mouth with tongue rolling or chewing movements.

Temperature regulation: Impaired core body temperature regulation may occur; caution with strenuous exercise, heat exposure, and dehydration.

Second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) increase the risk of weight gain, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol. This is also known as metabolic syndrome. Your health care provider may ask you for a blood sample to check your cholesterol, blood sugar, and hemoglobin A1c (a measure of blood sugar over time) while you take this medication.

SGAs have been linked with higher risk of death, strokes, and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) in elderly people with behavior problems due to dementia.

All antipsychotics have been associated with the risk of sudden cardiac death due to an arrhythmia (irregular heart beat). To minimize this risk, antipsychotic medications should be used in the smallest effective dose when the benefits outweigh the risks. Your doctor may order an EKG to monitor for irregular heartbeat.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare, life threatening adverse effect of antipsychotics which occurs in <1% of patients. Symptoms include confusion, fever, extreme muscle stiffness, and sweating. If any of these symptoms occur, contact your health care provider immediately.

All antipsychotics can cause sedation, dizziness, or orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing up from sitting or lying down). These side effects may lead to falls which could cause bone fractures or other injuries. This risk is higher for people with conditions or other medications that could worsen these effects. If falls or any of these symptoms occur, contact your health care provider.

Are There Any Risks For Taking Risperidone For Long Periods Of Time?

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a side effect that develops with prolonged use of antipsychotics. Medications such as risperidone have been shown to have a lower risk of TD compared to older antipsychotics, such as Haldol® (haloperidol). If you develop symptoms of TD, such as grimacing, sucking, and smacking of lips, or other movements that you cannot control, contact your health care provider immediately. All patients taking either first- or second-generation antipsychotics should have an Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) completed regularly by their health care provider to monitor for TD.

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Second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) increase the risk of diabetes, weight gain, high cholesterol, and high triglycerides. (See “Serious Side Effects” section for monitoring recommendations).

What Other Medications May Interact With Risperidone?

Tell your health care provider about all medications that you take, have recently taken or plan to take including prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, herbal products, and nutritional supplements. This medication may affect the way other medications work, and other medications may affect how this medication works.

Risperidone may block the effects of agents used to treat Parkinson’s disease such as levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet®), bromocriptine, pramipexole (Mirapex®), ropinirole (Requip®), and others.

Risperidone may lower your blood pressure. Medications used to lower blood pressure may increase this effect and increase your risk of falling. Propranolol (Inderal®) is an example of this type of medication.

The following medications may increase the levels and effects of risperidone: divalproex sodium (Depakote®), fluoxetine (Prozac®), paroxetine (Paxil®), and verapamil (Calan®).

The following medications may decrease the levels and effects of risperidone: carbamazepine (Tegretol®, Equetro®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), phenobarbital, or rifampin (Rifadin®).

How Long Does It Take For Risperidone To Work?

It is very important to tell your doctor how you feel things are going during the first few weeks after you start taking risperidone. It will probably take several weeks to see big enough changes in your symptoms to decide if risperidone is the right medication for you. If you take Risperdal Consta® (risperidone long-acting injection), it will take about three weeks before risperidone is fully absorbed and at an adequate level to begin treating your symptoms. After starting Risperdal Consta® (risperidone long-acting injection) for the first time, or re-starting it after a time of no medication, it is important to continue taking risperidone tablets for at least three weeks. If you take Perseris® (risperidone long-acting injection), it is not recommended to take oral risperidone after the first injection.

Antipsychotic treatment is generally needed lifelong for persons with schizophrenia. Your doctor can best discuss the duration of treatment you need based on your symptoms and illness.

  • Hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and delusions may improve in the first 1-2 weeks
  • Sometimes these symptoms do not completely go away
  • Motivation and desire to be around other people can take at least 1-2 weeks to improve
  • Symptoms continue to get better the longer you take risperidone
  • It may take 2-3 months before you get the full benefit of risperidone

Summary of FDA Black Box Warnings

Increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia related psychosis

  • Both first generation (typical) and second generation (atypical) antipsychotics are associated with an increased risk of mortality in elderly patients when used for dementia related psychosis.
  • Although there were multiple causes of death in studies, most deaths appeared to be due to cardiovascular causes (e.g., sudden cardiac death) or infection (e.g., pneumonia).
  • Antipsychotics are not indicated for the treatment of dementia related psychosis.

Provided by

Risperidone (Risperdal) | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness (1)

(January 2023)

©2022 The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). AAPP and NAMI make this document available under the Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivatives 4.0 International License. Last Updated: January 2016.

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This information is being provided as a community outreach effort of the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists. This information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This information contains a summary of important points and is not an exhaustive review of information about the medication. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding medications or medical conditions. Never delay seeking professional medical advice or disregard medical professional advice as a result of any information provided herein. The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists disclaims any and all liability alleged as a result of the information provided herein.

FAQs

What does risperidone do for mental health? ›

Risperidone is medicine that helps with symptoms of some mental health conditions such as: schizophrenia (where you may see, hear or feel things that are not there or you believe things that are not true or you feel unusually suspicious or have muddled thoughts)

What does Risperdal do to the brain? ›

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 reviews on risperidone? ›

Risperidone has an average rating of 5.4 out of 10 from a total of 680 reviews on Drugs.com. 39% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 38% reported a negative experience.

What are the long term side effects of risperidone? ›

The biggest disadvantages of Risperdal are the potential long-term side effects, which can include tardive dyskinesia, increased blood sugar, high triglycerides, and weight gain.
...
Common side effects of Risperdal can include:
  • Weight gain.
  • Restlessness.
  • Agitation.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Increased saliva.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
Sep 21, 2022

What is the success rate of risperidone? ›

Weight gain was the most common side effect in both groups, followed by somnolence. Somnolence was the most robust predictor of nonsuccess. In our clinic-referred sample, the short-term success rate of risperidone was more than 50%, and side effects limited its use.

How long can you be on risperidone? ›

If you take risperidone for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, you should think about taking it for a few years, otherwise your old symptoms can come back. Young people taking risperidone for conduct disorders will usually only take it for six weeks.

Is risperidone high risk? ›

Increased risk of stroke or heart attack

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.

What can you take instead of risperidone? ›

Risperidone belongs to a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics, also known as second-generation antipsychotics.
...
Top 5 risperidone alternatives
  • Abilify (aripiprazole) ...
  • Haloperidol. ...
  • Zyprexa (olanzapine) ...
  • Seroquel (quetiapine) ...
  • Invega (paliperidone)
Jul 12, 2022

Can Risperdal cause permanent damage? ›

Risperdal can also cause movement disorders that worsen over time. The disorders may be permanent, even after the person stops taking Risperdal.

What should be avoided when taking risperidone? ›

This medicine may cause drowsiness, trouble with thinking, or trouble with controlling body movements, which may lead to falls, fractures or other injuries. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

Can risperidone improve thinking? ›

Use of long-acting injectable risperidone seemed to be associated with improved performance in the domains of attention/vigilance, verbal learning and memory, and reasoning and problem solving, as well as psychomotor functioning.

Is risperidone a powerful drug? ›

Risperdal (risperidone) is a powerful second generation antipsychotic initially approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and adolescents.

Is there a class action lawsuit against risperidone? ›

There is not currently an active class action lawsuit against Risperdal at this time.

What are the negative effects of Risperdal? ›

Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, drooling, nausea, weight gain, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Dizziness and lightheadedness can increase the risk of falling.

What is the lawsuit for risperidone side effects? ›

Patients who developed gynecomastia after taking a prescription for Risperdal may also have grounds for a lawsuit against the manufacturer for failure to warn both physician staff and patients about the potential for developing gynecomastia. Symptoms of gynecomastia include: Enlarged or swollen nipples. Breast pain.

Does risperidone make you unhappy? ›

agitation, anxiety, restless feeling; depressed mood; dry mouth, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation; weight gain; or.

How long does it take to feel normal after quitting risperidone? ›

With all this in mind, it still might take a few weeks or even months to see a return to normal brain function after you stop your use of this medicine.

Does risperidone calm the nerves? ›

Risperidone is a medication taken by mouth, widely used for treating people manage the symptoms of psychosis. As well as being an antipsychotic (preventing psychosis), it also could calm people down or help them to sleep.

Why take risperidone at night? ›

Conclusions: Risperidone dosed at 1–2 mg at night may be a pharmacologic alternative for the symptoms of sleep terrors with sleepwalking.

How does risperidone make you feel? ›

Taking risperidone may make you feel tired or make it hard to fall asleep at night. It can also give you headaches or affect your eyesight. You should talk to your doctor about any future exams if you are starting risperidone.

Does risperidone calm you down? ›

Risperidone is a medication taken by mouth, widely used for treating people manage the symptoms of psychosis. As well as being an antipsychotic (preventing psychosis), it also could calm people down or help them to sleep.

Is risperidone a mood enhancer? ›

Risperidone (Risperdal) is considered a mood stabilizer, along with lithium, certain anticonvulsants (anti-seizure medications), and some other antipsychotics. Risperidone (Risperdal) can help minimize episodes of mania, depression, and psychosis by helping to keep mood and behavior stable.

Does risperidone help with depression and anxiety? ›

Risperdal (risperidone) and Xanax (alprazolam) are used to treat anxiety. Risperdal is used off-label in the treatment of anxiety. Risperdal is typically prescribed to treat schizophrenia, bipolar mania, and autism. Xanax is primarily prescribed to treat panic attacks and anxiety disorders.

Why would a doctor prescribe risperidone? ›

Risperidone is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or irritability associated with autistic disorder. This medicine should not be used to treat behavioral problems in older adults who have dementia. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Does risperidone help with stress? ›

Atypical antipsychotics such as quetiapine, aripiprazole, olanzapine, and risperidone have been shown to be helpful in addressing a range of anxiety and depressive symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders, and have since been used in the treatment of a range of mood and anxiety disorders ...

Does risperidone help with intrusive thoughts? ›

Risperidone proved to be an effective augmenting agent in a significant sub-set of patients with OCD. The drug may be less beneficial in patients with 'forbidden thoughts' (sexual, religious, or aggressive obsessions).

Does risperidone help with social anxiety? ›

Risperidone has an average rating of 6.2 out of 10 from a total of 5 ratings for the off-label treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder. 40% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 40% reported a negative experience.

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