Risperdal

Risperdal is a drug that is licensed to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. Although it is not entirely clear as to how the medication works, it is known that Risperdal blocks or lessens the effects of several chemicals in the brain. Risperdal comes in various forms, including a tablet, orally disintegrating tablets, a liquid, and as an injection. As with any medication, there are possible side effects with Risperdal. Some of the more common side effects seen with this drug include insomnia, anxiety, and an increased appetite.

 

What Is Risperdal?

Risperdal® (risperidone) is a prescription medication that is used to treat the following conditions:
 
 

Who Makes Risperdal?

Risperdal is manufactured by Janssen, L.P.
 
(Click Risperdal Uses for more information on what Risperdal is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does Risperdal Work?

Risperdal belongs to a group of medications called atypical (or second-generation) antipsychotic medications. It is not entirely known how Risperdal works for the treatment of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, it is known that Risperdal 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.
 
Risperdal is not a cure for bipolar disorder, autism, or schizophrenia. It only helps to control the symptoms of these conditions (see Symptoms of Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder Symptoms, or Autism Symptoms).
 

Risperdal Effects

In previous clinical studies of Risperdal for the treatment of schizophrenia, people taking Risperdal experienced improvements in their symptoms of schizophrenia (including hallucinations and suspiciousness), compared to those not taking Risperdal. Longer studies also showed that Risperdal can help symptoms from returning.
 
Previous clinical studies have also shown Risperdal to be effective at treating bipolar disorder. In these studies, Risperdal was effective at treating episodes of mania or mixed episodes (which involve symptoms of both mania and depression). Risperdal was effective when used alone or in combination with other bipolar disorder medications.
 
Several studies have shown Risperdal to also be effective at treating the emotional symptoms of autism. Children taking Risperdal experienced fewer behavior problems, including aggression, self-harm, temper tantrums, and quickly changing moods. Longer studies also showed that Risperdal can help these symptoms from returning.
 

When and How to Take Risperdal

The following are some general considerations for when and how to take Risperdal:
 
  • Risperdal comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once or twice a day.
     
  • Risperdal can be taken with or without food. If Risperdal bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Risperdal also comes in a liquid form and in orally disintegrating tablets that dissolve rapidly in the mouth (Risperdal M-Tabs®). These products are helpful for people who have difficulty swallowing tablets. A long-acting injectable form (Risperdal Consta®) is also available.
     
  • Risperdal M-Tabs should be kept in their original foil blister until just before use. Carefully peel back the foil, as pushing the tablet through the foil can crush the delicate tablet. These tablets will dissolve rapidly in your mouth, without any need for water. These tablets should not be chewed, split, or crushed.
     
  • Risperdal should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For Risperdal to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Risperdal will not work if you stop taking it.
 

Risperdal Dosing

The dose of Risperdal 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 be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Risperdal Dosage for more information about dosing for Risperdal.)
 

Side Effects of Risperdal

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Risperdal. However, not everyone who takes Risperdal will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. When Risperdal side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Risperdal include, but are not limited to:
 
(Click Risperdal Side Effects to learn about specific side effects of Risperdal, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider. You can also read about possible Risperdal side effects by going to:
 
 

Drug Interactions With Risperdal

Risperdal can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
 
(Click Risperdal Drug Interactions for more information about Risperdal and other medicines.)
 

Risperdal: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Risperdal if you have:
 
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Risperdal Warnings and Precautions for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take Risperdal.)
 

Overdose With Risperdal

People who take too much Risperdal may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Shakiness, uncontrollable muscle contractions, or other unusual body movements
  • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Seizures
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to overdose on Risperdal, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Risperdal Overdose for more information.)
 

Risperdal: Storage Methods

Risperdal should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Risperdal tablets and liquid should be stored in an airtight container. Keep Risperdal M-Tabs in their original foil packaging until just before use.
 
Keep Risperdal and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

Risperdal: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Risperdal as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Risperdal.
 

Risperdal: Strengths

Risperdal tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Risperdal 0.25 mg
  • Risperdal 0.5 mg
  • Risperdal 1 mg
  • Risperdal 2 mg
  • Risperdal 3 mg
  • Risperdal 3 mg.
     
Orally disintegrating Risperdal M-Tabs are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Risperdal M-Tab 0.5 mg
  • Risperdal M-Tab 1 mg
  • Risperdal M-Tab 2 mg
  • Risperdal M-Tab 3 mg
  • Risperdal M-Tab 4 mg.
     
Risperdal liquid comes in one strength -- Risperdal Oral Solution 1 mg per mL.
 
A long-acting injectable form (Risperdal Consta) is also available and is approved to treat schizophrenia.
 

Risperdal Alternatives

There are several alternatives to Risperdal for the treatment of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or irritability due to autism. Other atypical antipsychotic medications include:
 
Older, "typical" antipsychotics are also approved to treat schizophrenia. Haloperidol (Haldol®) and thioridazine (Mellaril®) are examples of typical antipsychotics.
 
Mood stabilizer bipolar medications (which are alternatives to Risperdal for treating bipolar disorder) can include:
 
Not all of the medications listed above are approved to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or autism. However, they are commonly used "off-label" for the treatment of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. In fact, Risperdal is the only medication approved to treat irritability due to autism.
 
(Click Risperdal Alternatives for more information, including non-medication alternatives to Risperdal.)
 

Risperdal Generic

There is currently no generic Risperdal licensed for sale.
 
(Click Generic Risperdal for more information.) 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;