Risperidone is a prescription antipsychotic commonly used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability linked to autism. It can reduce hallucinations, stabilize mood, and help thinking become clearer. This page gives practical info on how it works, common side effects, safety tips, and where to find related articles on GenMedicare.
Risperidone blocks certain brain receptors for dopamine and serotonin. That action calms overactive signaling that can cause psychosis or mood swings. Doctors may prescribe it for schizophrenia, manic or mixed episodes in bipolar disorder, and behavioral problems such as severe aggression or irritability in autism. It comes as tablets, a liquid, or a long-acting injection that a clinic gives every few weeks. Dosing varies a lot by condition, age, and other medicines, so follow your prescriber's plan.
Common side effects include drowsiness, weight gain, increased appetite, dry mouth, and tremor. Some people notice restlessness or changes in sleep. Less common problems can be movement issues, metabolic changes like higher blood sugar or cholesterol, and hormonal shifts such as raised prolactin. If you feel unusually sleepy, dizzy, have trouble breathing, sudden muscle stiffness, or signs of infection, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Practical tips: start at the dose your doctor recommends and don't stop suddenly - that can cause withdrawal or symptom return. Tell your prescriber about all other drugs, supplements, and medical conditions, especially diabetes, heart problems, seizures, or Parkinson's disease. Check weight, blood sugar, and lipids as advised. If using the injectable form, attend every scheduled appointment to keep symptoms controlled.
Drug interactions and monitoring: Risperidone can interact with many medicines, including certain antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, and medications that affect heart rhythm. Combining drugs that also sedate or lower seizure threshold raises risks. Tell every provider and your pharmacist about risperidone so they can check interactions. Your doctor may recommend blood tests, ECG, or metabolic checks before starting and at intervals after. Keep a list of current medicines and carry it to appointments or emergencies. Ask for a written plan.
Questions to ask your prescriber: What should I expect in the first weeks? How long before benefits appear? Which side effects should prompt a call? Are there lifestyle steps to reduce weight gain or metabolic risk? Simple answers from your care team make treatment safer and more effective.
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