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Risperidone

Supportive Care

Brand names:

Perseris®; RisperDAL®; RisperDAL Consta®; Rykindo®; Uzedy®

Often used for:

Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, Autistic disorder irritation, Delirium, Tourette syndrome, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

What is risperidone?

Risperidone is a medicine used to treat the symptoms of some mental health problems and mood disorders. It can also be used to treat irritability associated with autistic disorder. Risperidone works by changing the activity of certain natural chemicals in the brain.

This medicine may be given in the clinic, hospital, or at home. It is usually used along with other medicines.

May be given as a tablet by mouth

May be given as a dissolvable tablet by mouth

May be given as a liquid by mouth

May be given as a shot under the skin (subcutaneous injection)

Possible side effects

High blood sugar
High cholesterol
Dry Mouth
Constipation
Feeling tired or weak
Increased appetite and weight gain
Headache
Sleep problems
Anxiety and restlessness
Aggressive behavior
Involuntary muscle contractions
Nausea and vomiting
Urinary accidents
Upper abdominal (belly) pain
Cough
Fever
Dizziness
Drooling
Runny nose

Allergic reaction – Call your care team right away if your child has symptoms of an allergic reaction. These may include:
- Rash, hives, or itching
- Flu-like symptoms such as chills, aches, headache, or fever 
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath, coughing, or tightness in the throat  
- Swelling of the face or neck

Not all patients who take risperidone will have these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Report any symptoms or side effects to your health care provider or pharmacist.

Find more information on side effects.

Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Watch for changes in your child’s mood or mental health, such as worsening depression, anxiety, agitation, irritability, panic attacks, and trouble sleeping. 
Seek medical help right away if your child has any suicidal thoughts or actions or signs of self-harm. 
This medicine may make your child dizzy, drowsy, or have blurred vision. Do not let your child do anything that could be dangerous until you see how this medicine affects them.
This medicine can cause blood pressure changes. Have your child get up slowly if they have been sitting or lying down and use care when going up and down stairs.
Stopping this medicine too fast can result in unwanted side effects. Your care team will monitor and plan if the medicine must be stopped.   
Let your care team know if your child has a decrease in urine (pee). 
This medicine can cause weight gain, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. Have your child’s weight and labs checked as directed by your health care team.
This medicine may reduce your child’s ability to regulate body temperature. Talk to your health care provider about precautions needed in hot weather or during physical activity. 
To help with constipation have your child drink plenty of fluids, exercise, and eat foods high in fiber.
It may take several weeks to see the full effects of this medicine. Contact your health care provider or pharmacist if symptoms get worse or do not improve.
It is important that patients tell the care team if they are sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Risperidone at home:

This medicine can be taken with or without food. Take with food if stomach upset occurs. Taking the medicine with meals may lessen stomach problems.
Liquid: Use the measuring device that comes with the medicine. The liquid medicine can be taken with a small amount of water, orange juice, or low-fat milk. Do not take this medicine with tea or cola.
Oral dissolving tablets: Allow to melt on the tongue completely before swallowing. Do not swallow the tablet whole, crush, or chew.
Finish all doses of the medicine as instructed.
Do not give more often or in greater amounts than recommended.
In case of a missed dose, give the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.
Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place.
Do not use the medicine past the expiration date.
Follow instructions for safe handling, storage, and disposal.

Learn more about risperidone

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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency.

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

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Reviewed: July 2024