Risperidone is second-generation antipsychotic. It works by balancing the chemicals in your brain and hence improves your mood, mind, and behaviour. Risperidone is therefore used to treat different mood disorders, including schizophrenia, mania in bipolar disorder, and depression.
Risperidone can be taken by mouth as conventional tablets, orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) or solution, or by intramuscular injection. For ODTs, you should dissolve the tablets on your tongue instead of swallowing whole. The oral doses for different uses and age groups are listed below:
For schizophrenia
Adult
Day 1: 2 mg daily in 1-2 divided doses
Day 2: 4 mg daily in 1-2 divided doses
The doses can be increased gradually. The usual dose is 4-6 mg daily and the maximum daily dose is 16 mg. Doses higher than 10 mg should only be considered if benefits outweigh risks.
For mania in bipolar disorder
Adult
Start with 2 mg once daily and may increase 1 mg every day if necessary. The usual dose is 1-6 mg daily.
Elderly
Start with 500 micrograms (0.5 mg) twice daily and may increase 0.5 mg twice a day up to 1-2 mg twice daily.
Common side effects of Risperidone include irregular heart rhythms, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, erectile dysfunction, high prolactin levels, low white blood cell count, movement disorders, parkinsonism, rash, seizure, tremor, urinary retention, vomiting, and increased weight. Metabolic changes may also be observed including high blood pressure, high sugar levels, and high lipid levels.
People allergic to Risperidone or any component of the formulation.
Common dosing schedule:
You can take Risperidone with or without food.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Risperidone may interact with:
This medication interacts with a number of drugs, please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Risperidone is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Risperidone in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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