Risperidone (Risperdal): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & More - GoodRx (2024)

What are the risks and warnings for Risperidone (Risperdal)?

People over the age of 65 who also have dementia sometimes have some of the symptoms of schizophrenia, like hallucinations and delusions. This is called dementia-related psychosis, and it should not be treated with risperidone (Risperdal). If risperidone (Risperdal) is used for dementia-related psychosis, it can cause death. In clinical studies, the cause of death is often linked to stroke or other blood vessel problems. Let your provider know if you or your loved one has dementia before starting risperidone (Risperdal).

Taking antipsychotic medications like risperidone (Risperdal) can cause a rare, but life-threatening condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Symptoms include fever, sweating, stiff muscles, confusion, not aware of your surroundings, and fast or irregular heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking risperidone (Risperdal), get medication attention as soon as possible. Your provider will likely have you stop taking risperidone (Risperdal) and switch you to something else.

Risperidone (Risperdal) can cause uncontrolled and possibly permanent muscle movements in the tongue, face, mouth, lips, neck, hands, arms, legs, and feet (tardive dyskinesia). To lower your risk of tardive dyskinesia, take the lowest dose possible for the shortest period of time for your symptoms. Stop taking risperidone (Risperdal) and talk to your provider right away if you notice any unusual movements you can't control.

Risperidone (Risperdal) can raise your blood sugar and cholesterol levels as well as raise your appetite, all of which can lead to weight gain. Your provider will likely order blood tests regularly throughout treatment with risperidone (Risperdal) to make sure your blood sugar and cholesterol aren't too high. Make sure to have a healthy and balanced diet low in fat and sugar and maintain a regular exercise routine while receiving risperidone (Risperdal).

Risperidone (Risperdal) can cause prolactin hormone levels in your blood to go up. High prolactin levels can lead to symptoms such as milky substances being released from the nipple, enlarged breasts, and absent or irregular menstrual periods. Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience or have any concerns about these symptoms.

Risperidone (Risperdal) can make you tired, lower your blood pressure, or cause you to lose your balance, which can lead to falls. When standing from a sitting or lying position, make sure to get up slowly and hold onto something. If you experience a fall while taking risperidone (Risperdal), contact your provider.

Though rare, risperidone (Risperdal) can lower your white blood cell counts (WBCs) and put you at risk for developing infections. You might need to get blood tests done regularly during the first few months of taking risperidone (Risperdal) so your provider can make sure your WBCs are in a safe range. If your WBC count drops too low, you'll likely need to stop taking risperidone (Risperdal). If you develop any signs of infection, such as fever, tiredness, chills, cough, or trouble breathing, and they don't go away, contact your provider right away.

Risperidone (Risperdal) can cause extreme sleepiness and lower your ability to think, react, and focus. Your risk is higher if you're also taking other medications that can cause drowsiness, such as benzodiazepines, anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, and sleep medications. Make sure you know how this medication affects you before driving a car or doing activities that require your concentration. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you feel too sleepy from risperidone (Risperdal).

Risperidone (Risperdal) can potentially cause seizures. Before starting this medication, let your provider know if you have a history of seizures or have a medical condition that puts you at risk for getting seizures.

Although rare, risperidone (Risperdal) can cause prolonged and painful erections, which sometimes requires surgery to treat. If you develop a prolonged erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, get medical attention right away.

The risperidone (Risperdal M-Tab) orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) contain phenylalanine, a component of the artificial sweetener aspartame. If you have a genetic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU), taking the ODTs can be dangerous for you. Let your provider know if you have PKU so they can prescribe a different formulation of risperidone (Risperdal) that might be safer for you.

Risperidone (Risperdal) dosage forms

Oral risperidone (Risperdal) is available as oral solution, dissolvable tablets, and tablets.

Your provider will determine you dose of risperidone (Risperdal) based on your condition and whether you have kidney or liver problems. They'll adjust your dose over time, if needed.

• Schizophrenia

  • Adults: The typical starting dose is 2 mg by mouth daily. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 4 mg to 8 mg daily. The maximum daily dose is 16 mg.

  • Children (ages 13 to 17 years old): The typical starting dose is 0.5 mg by mouth daily. The typical maintenance dose is 3 mg daily. The maximum daily dose 6 mg.

• Bipolar I disorder

  • Adults: The typical starting dose is 2 mg to 3 mg by mouth daily. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 1 mg to 6 mg daily. The maximum daily dose is 6 mg.

  • Children ages (10 to 17 years old): The typical starting dose is 0.5 mg by mouth daily. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 1 mg to 2.5 mg daily. The maximum daily dose is 6 mg.

• Irritability associated with autism

  • Children ages (5 to 17 years old): Your child's provider will calculate the dose based on their body weight. The typical starting dose is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg by mouth daily. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 0.5 mg to 1 mg daily. The maximum daily dose is 3 mg.