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Risperidone

Brand names: Risperdal, Perseris, Uzedy, Rykindo

Risperidone is an antipsychotic for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and for irritability with autism in children.

Brand namesRisperdal, Perseris, Uzedy, Rykindo
Type of medicineAntipsychotic
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It comes as pills, dissolving tablets, liquid, and long-acting shots.

What it's used for

  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar mania
  • Irritability and aggression with autism

How to take it

  • Take it with or without food.
  • Stand up slowly at first.
  • Don't stop suddenly.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Sleepiness
  • Weight gain
  • Restlessness or stiffness
  • Breast swelling or milk discharge, missed periods
  • Dizziness
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.
Call 911High fever, stiff muscles, confusion, and sweating (rare reaction called NMS)
Call your provider todayUncontrolled movements of the face, tongue, or body
Call your provider todayExtreme thirst, peeing a lot, or very high blood sugar
Call 911An erection that lasts more than 4 hours

Warnings

  • Boxed warnings: higher risk of death in older adults with dementia, and suicidal thoughts in young people.
  • It can raise blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight; your provider will check these.
  • It can raise prolactin, a hormone that affects periods and breasts.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Carbamazepine lowers its level; fluoxetine and paroxetine raise it.
  • Alcohol and sedating medicines add to drowsiness.
  • Blood pressure medicines add to dizziness.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider about benefits and risks. Don't stop on your own.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.