What is Risperidone: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Risperidone overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • risperiDONE M-Tab, RisperDAL, risperiDONE M-Tab

Generic Names:

  • Risperidone

Uses:

  • Treats schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability caused by autistic disorder.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antipsychotic

Forms:

  • Liquid, Tablet, Dissolving Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Risperidone used for?

Risperdal is used to help treat the symptoms of schizophrenia. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder, Asperger syndrome, autism, and other conditions as prescribed by your doctor. Risperdal is an atypical antipsychotic that restores the balance of certain natural substances in the brain so that you can take part in regular, everyday tasks. It is indicated for use by adults and children 10 years and older and is available as a tablet.

What form(s) does Risperidone come in

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

  • Dissolving Tablet

What are common Risperidone doses?

  • Tablet 0.25MG

  • Tablet 0.5MG

  • Tablet 1MG

  • Tablet 2MG

  • Tablet 3MG

  • Tablet 4MG

  • Bottle 30ML of 1MG/ML

  • Tablet Disintegrating 0.25MG

  • Tablet Disintegrating 0.5MG

  • Tablet Disintegrating 1MG

  • Tablet Disintegrating 2MG

  • Tablet Disintegrating 3MG

  • Tablet Disintegrating 4MG

  • Box 28 Tablets Disintegrating

Common Risperidone prescriptions

  • risperiDONE
    30ml of 1mg/ml bottle

  • risperiDONE
    28 tablets disintegrating box

  • risperiDONE
    0.25mg tablet

  • risperiDONE
    0.5mg tablet

  • risperiDONE
    1mg tablet

  • risperiDONE
    2mg tablet

  • risperiDONE
    3mg tablet

  • risperiDONE
    4mg tablet

  • risperiDONE
    0.25mg tablet disintegrating

  • risperiDONE
    0.5mg tablet disintegrating

  • risperiDONE
    1mg tablet disintegrating

  • risperiDONE
    2mg tablet disintegrating

  • risperiDONE
    3mg tablet disintegrating

  • risperiDONE
    4mg tablet disintegrating

How to take Risperidone

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You may mix your dose with water, coffee, low-fat milk, or orange juice. Do not mix it with cola or tea.

  • Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the disintegrating tablet. Peel back the foil from the blister pack, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. After it has melted, swallow or take a drink of water.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

  • Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the disintegrating tablet. Peel back the foil from the blister pack, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. After it has melted, swallow or take a drink of water.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You may mix your dose with water, coffee, low-fat milk, or orange juice. Do not mix it with cola or tea.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Risperidone

Risperidone contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to risperidone or paliperidone.

Risperidone warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, Parkinson disease, trouble swallowing, or a history of breast cancer or seizures. Tell your doctor if you have heart failure, low blood pressure, or a history of a heart attack or stroke.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of strokeNeuroleptic malignant syndrome (a nerve disorder that could be life-threatening)Tardive dyskinesia (a muscle disorder that could become permanent)High blood sugar levels or high cholesterol levelsIncreased levels of prolactin hormoneIncreased risk of seizures

  • This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or have trouble with thinking or controlling body movements, which may lead to falls, fractures, or other injuries. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine may change how your body regulates temperature. Avoid activities that could cause you to become very cold, hot, or dehydrated.

  • Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some women who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).

  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

  • Risperdal® M-Tab® contains aspartame (phenylalanine). If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Swelling of the breasts, breast soreness, nipple discharge (in both women and men)

  • Trouble swallowing

Risperidone interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how risperidone works. Tell your doctor if you are using carbamazepine, clozapine, fluoxetine, furosemide, levodopa, paroxetine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, quinidine, rifampin, or blood pressure medicine.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • This medicine may change how your body regulates temperature. Avoid activities that could cause you to become very cold, hot, or dehydrated.

  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

  • Risperdal® M-Tab® contains aspartame (phenylalanine). If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Risperidone side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Fever, sweating, confusion, muscle stiffness

  • Increased hunger or thirst, change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Jerky muscle movements you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw)

  • Seizures or tremors

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

  • Trouble swallowing

  • Painful, prolonged erection

  • Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Swelling of the breasts, breast soreness, nipple discharge (in both women and men)

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Drowsiness, trouble sleeping

  • Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach

  • Dry mouth, skin rash, runny or stuffy nose

  • Weight gain

  • Drooling

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