Risperidone
Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder. It works by blocking dopamine D2 and serotonin 5HT2 receptors in the brain, helping to reduce psychotic symptoms and stabilize mood.
Risperidone is an antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and other mood disorders by blocking dopamine and serotonin receptors.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05AX08
- RxNorm
- 35636
- Generic
- Risperidone
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- Risperdal, Perseris, Uzedy, Rykindo
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- prefilled syringe, tablet, solution, injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 2mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once or twice daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits significantly outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring including ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid abrupt discontinuation, monitor for neonatal extrapyramidal symptoms
neonatal monitoring for withdrawal symptoms and EPS
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
monitor infant for sedation, feeding difficulties, and developmental changes
observe infant for adverse effects, consider infant serum levels if symptoms occur
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at 0.25mg twice daily, titrate slowly
use with extreme caution in elderly with dementia, increased stroke and mortality risk
regular monitoring of blood pressure, weight, metabolic parameters, and cognitive function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children and adolescentsweight-based dosing, start low
approved for schizophrenia (13+), bipolar disorder (10+), autism irritability (5-16), monitor growth and prolactin
monitor weight, height, prolactin levels, metabolic parameters, and EPS
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose by 50%
reduce initial dose to 0.5mg daily, titrate slowly, monitor renal function
regular monitoring of renal function and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentreduce initial dose by 50%
reduce starting dose to 0.5mg daily, monitor liver function tests
regular monitoring of liver function tests and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents, bipolar I disorder (manic and mixed episodes), and irritability associated with autistic disorder in children and adolescents.
Blocks dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5HT2 receptors, reducing psychotic symptoms and helping to regulate mood and behavior.
May cause weight gain, metabolic changes, drowsiness, and orthostatic hypotension. Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis have increased mortality risk. Can cause movement disorders with long-term use.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy