Risperidone
Also sold as: Risperdal, Risdone
Prescription neededAntipsychotics
Comes as:TabletOral solution
Usual adult dose
Dose is set by your doctor. For schizophrenia or mania it is usually started low and kept between 2 mg and 6 mg a day.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- drowsiness
- weight gain
- restlessness
- stiffness or shaking
- breast swelling or milk from the breast
- missed periods
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- high fever with stiff muscles and confusion
- uncontrolled movements
- fainting or fast heartbeat
- very high blood sugar (great thirst
- passing a lot of urine)
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Older people with dementia
- Parkinson's disease (use with caution)
- Diabetes (blood sugar should be checked)
- Heart disease or low blood pressure (use with caution)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (ask your doctor)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Moderate4 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine lowers risperidone levels, so it may work less well.
- Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine raises risperidone levels and its side effects.
- Levodopa + Carbidopa
Risperidone can reduce the effect of levodopa.
- Paroxetine
Paroxetine raises risperidone levels and its side effects.