Risperidone is a prescription medicine that can help symptoms of certain mental health conditions.

It’s used to treat schizophrenia in adults and teenagers who are 13 or older.

Risperidone is also given to help symptoms of bipolar disorder in adults and kids who are age 10 or older.

Additionally, this medicine may improve behavior problems in children with autism who are 5 to 16 years old.

Risperidone is in a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. It works by altering the activity of certain substances in the brain.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medicine in 1993.

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Risperidone (Risperdal)?

You should not use risperidone if you are allergic to it.

Risperidone may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, stroke or heart attack;
diabetes (or risk factors such as obesity or family history of diabetes);
low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
liver or kidney disease;
seizures;
breast cancer;
low bone mineral density;
trouble swallowing;
Parkinson's disease; or
if you are dehydrated.

The risperidone orally disintegrating tablet may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Taking antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking risperidone, do not stop taking it without your doctor's advice.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of risperidone on the baby.

This medicine may temporarily affect fertility (ability to have children) in women.

Risperidone can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the baby. If you breast-feed while using this medicine, tell your doctor if the baby has symptoms such as drowsiness, tremors, or involuntary muscle movements.

Do not give this medicine to a child without a doctor's advice.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Risperidone (Risperdal)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
breast swelling or tenderness (in men or women), nipple discharge, impotence, lack of interest in sex, missed menstrual periods;
severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out;
low white blood cells--sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing;
low levels of platelets in your blood--easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or
penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

Common side effects may include:

headache;
dizziness, drowsiness, feeling tired;
tremors, twitching or uncontrollable muscle movements;
agitation, anxiety, restless feeling;
depressed mood;
dry mouth, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation;
weight gain; or
cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Risperidone (Risperdal) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Risk cannot be ruled out

Based on FDA pregnancy categories

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of risperidone on the baby.

This medicine may temporarily affect fertility (ability to have children) in women.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Risperidone (Risperdal)?

Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

While you are taking risperidone, you may be more sensitive to very hot conditions. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls, fractures, or other injuries.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Risperidone (Risperdal)?

Use Risperidone (Risperdal) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Risperidone can be taken with or without food.

Remove an orally disintegrating tablet from the package only when you are ready to take the medicine. Place the tablet in your mouth and allow it to dissolve, without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Do not mix the risperidone liquid with cola or tea.

It may take up to several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not liquid medicine to freeze.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Risperidone (Risperdal)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Risperidone (Risperdal)?

Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting, and restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck.

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Risperidone (Risperdal), call your doctor or the Poison Control center

(800) 222-1222

If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Risperidone (Risperdal), call 911

911

What to Expect

You’ll probably have to take risperidone for several weeks before you notice the full effects.

Missing a dose of risperidone may cause your symptoms to return. Stopping this medication without appropriately tapering (gradually lessening) may also cause symptoms of withdrawal.

Keep taking this medicine, even if you feel better.

Let your doctor know if you experience any severe or unusual side effects.