Risperdal for Schizophrenia

Risperdal^® (risperidone) is a prescription medication approved to treat several conditions, including autism, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Risperdal is a medicine that belongs to a group of drugs called atypical (or second-generation) antipsychotic medications and is approved for use in adults and children.

 

Although it is not entirely clear how using Risperdal works for schizophrenia or other conditions, it is known that the medication blocks or lessens the effects of several chemicals in the brain. These brain chemicals (such as dopamine and serotonin) may be elevated in people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression), or autism.

 

This medication is not a cure for bipolar disorder, autism, or schizophrenia; Risperdal only helps to control symptoms and may help prevent relapses.