Risperidone

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Risnia, Rispacor, Risperdal, Risperlet

Drug group:

Antipsychotic drug

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic used in the treatment of:

• Acute psychiatric disorders
• Schizophrenia - relieves “positive” symptoms (hallucinations, thought disturbances, hostility) and “negative” symptoms (emotional and social withdrawal); also helps with associated depression and anxiety
• Mania

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Tablets: starting dose 2mg daily, increasing to 4–6mg daily (usual maintenance dose); maximum 16mg daily; taken 1–2 x daily
• Injection: starting dose 25mg every 2 weeks, increasing to 50mg every two weeks (maximum maintenance dose)

How quickly will it start to work?

Tablets 2–3 days (may take up to 6 weeks for full effect); injection up to 3 weeks before onset of effect

How long will the effects last?

About 2 days         

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor. 
                

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Long-term use can cause permanent movement disorders (tardive dyskinesia) – but this is more likely with other antipsychotic drugs.                       

What are the possible side effects?

Risperidone is generally well tolerated - it is less sedating and is less likely to cause movement disorders than some other antipsychotics.

The following have been reported:

• More common: insomnia, anxiety, agitation, headache, difficulty concentrating, weight gain, shakiness, tremor
• Less common: sexual dysfunction, dizziness, drowsiness
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: high fever, rigid muscles

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney problems, heart/circulation problems, diabetes, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, stroke
• Other medicines: Sedatives, lithium, drugs for parkinsonism, fluoxetine, paroxetine, verapamil, carbamazepine, other liver-enzyme inducing drugs (e.g. phenytoin)
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: May not be safe, discuss with your doctor
• Children: Not recommended <15 years
• Over 60: Reduced dose may be necessary
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, the drug may cause difficulty in concentrating and slowed reactions
• Alcohol: Avoid, enhanced sedative effects