If you have bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or irritability due to autism, your healthcare provider may prescribe Risperdal^® (risperidone). In clinical studies of Risperdal for schizophrenia, people taking Risperdal experienced improvements in their schizophrenia symptoms (including hallucinations and suspiciousness), compared to those not taking Risperdal. In previous studies, Risperdal was also shown to be effective for bipolar disorder treatment. In these studies, Risperdal was shown to be effective when used alone or with other bipolar disorder medications. Children with autism who were taking Risperdal experienced fewer behavior problems, including aggression, self-harm, temper tantrums, and quickly changing moods. As with any drug, there are possible side effects with Risperdal, such as insomnia, anxiety, and an increased appetite.