Risperdal Dosage

The recommended Risperdal dosage will depend on several factors, such as your age and weight, the medical condition being treated, existing medical conditions, and other medications you may be taking. Risperdal comes in the form of a tablet that is usually taken once or twice a day. A liquid, orally disintegrating tablets, and a long-acting injectable form of Risperdal are also available for people who have difficulty swallowing tablets.

 

An Introduction to Risperdal Dosage

The dose of Risperdal® (risperidone) your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age and weight
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may currently be taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your Risperdal dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
Risperdal Dosing for Schizophrenia
The recommended starting Risperdal dose for schizophrenia in adults is Risperdal 1 mg twice daily (or Risperdal 2 mg once daily). Usually, the dose can be increased slowly in the next few days, up to Risperdal 3 mg twice daily (or 6 mg once daily) by the third day. If necessary, your healthcare provider may increase your dose up to Risperdal 16 mg total per day.
 
The recommended Risperdal dose for treating schizophrenia in children age 13 to 17 years old is Risperdal 0.5 mg once daily. Your child's healthcare provider may slowly increase the Risperdal dose if necessary.
 
Risperdal Dosing for Bipolar Disorder
The recommended starting Risperdal dose for bipolar disorder in adults is Risperdal 2 mg to 3 mg once daily. Your healthcare provider may increase your dose up to a maximum of Risperdal 6 mg once daily if necessary.
Elderly people, or those with liver or kidney disease, should be started at a lower dose (Risperdal 0.5 mg twice daily).
 
The recommended Risperdal dose for treating bipolar disorder in children age 10 to 17 years old is Risperdal 0.5 mg once daily. Your child's healthcare provider may slowly increase the Risperdal dose if necessary.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;