Risperidone
Also known as: Risperdal
What it's for
Risperidone treats schizophrenia, bipolar mania, and sometimes behavioural problems. It affects dopamine and serotonin in your brain.
Comes as: Tablets, liquid, or orodispersible tablets
How to take it
- Adults: Usually 2mg to 6mg daily for schizophrenia.
- May be taken once or twice daily.
- Start at a low dose and increase gradually.
- Take at the same time each day.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Weight gain
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Headache
- Movement problems (tremor, stiffness)
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Can cause weight gain - monitor your diet
- May raise prolactin levels (causing breast changes or missed periods)
- Get up slowly to avoid dizziness
- Do not stop suddenly
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have a high temperature with muscle stiffness and confusion
- You have uncontrolled muscle movements
- You have thoughts of harming yourself
- You have signs of blood clots (leg pain, breathing difficulty)
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.