Uses of Risperidone

It is used in the treatment of schizophrenia and mania and aggression in adult patients with non-responsive Alzheimer’s dementia also used to treat aggression in intellectually disabled children (at least 5 years of age) and adolescents with conduct disorder. 

Therapeutic Category

Risperidone: Anti-psychotics

How Risperidone works

Risperidone is an anti-psychotic agent which helps to alleviate the symptoms of various mood disorders by affecting the levels of chemical messengers such as dopamine and serotonin. It also stops your symptoms from coming back. It works by inhibiting the activity of dopaminergic D2 and serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors, which leads to decrease in dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission, and therefore decreasing positive symptoms of schizophrenia (such as delusions and hallucinations), mania or aggression and improves your mood, thoughts or behaviour.

Common side effects of Risperidone

• Difficulty in sleeping, depression and anxiety
• Symptoms of Parkinsonism (such as dyskinesia (slow or impaired movement), sensation of stiffness or tightness of the muscles, tremor or drooling)
• Headache, dizziness, abnormal heart rate, high blood pressure, shortness of breath
• Infection of respiratory tract (such as pneumonia, bronchitis, common cold symptoms)
• Urinary tract infection, ear infection
• Symptoms of hyperprolactinemia (such as swelling of breast in men, erectile dysfunction, decreased sexual desire, breast discomfort and leakage of milk in females or missed menstrual periods)
• Weight gain, increased or decreased appetite
• Dystonia (slow involuntary contraction of muscles of the body, abnormal movements of the eyes, mouth, tongue or jaw)
• Blurred vision or eye infection
• Nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain
• Dry mouth, toothache
• Skin rash or redness
• Back pain, joint pain and muscle pain
• Urinary incontinence
• Swelling of the body, arms or legs, chest pain, fatigue and pain

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• if you experience dementia and feel a sudden change in your mental state or sudden numbness or weakness involving your face, arms, or legs, especially on one side, or slurred speech (even for a short period of time)
• if you experience tardive dyskinesia (uncontrollable twitching or jerking movements in your face, tongue, or other parts of your body)
• if you experience blood clots in the veins, particularly in the legs (symptoms include swelling, pain, and redness), which can travel through blood vessels to the lungs leading to chest pain and breathlessness
• Rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle fibres making the muscles weak and sores)
• High temperature, muscle stiffness, sweating or a lowered level of consciousness (Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome)
• If you are a man and experience prolonged or painful erection (priapism)
• in case of accidental overdose or ingestion

Health Tips for Risperidone

• Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking risperidone as it may increase its side effects
• Try taking healthy balanced diet and do not increase your food portions
• Avoid high calorie food such as cakes, crisps, biscuits, sweets
• Regular exercise is recommended while taking risperidone
• Do not drive or use any tools and machines if you feel dizziness, tiredness, and vision problems after taking risperidone
• Inform your doctor, if you are pregnant or are planning to have a baby