Risperidone

Risperidone is an antipsychotic used for schizophrenia and bipolar mania. It is also used short term for aggression in dementia and in some children with autism.

Type of medicine

Atypical antipsychotic

Also known as

Risperdal, Okedi, Rykindo

Comes as

tablets, orodispersible tablets, liquid, long-acting injection

How you get it

Started by a specialist, then sometimes prescribed by a GP

What it is used for

Schizophrenia
Mania in bipolar disorder
Short-term treatment of persistent aggression in Alzheimer's dementia
Short-term treatment of persistent aggression in children with conduct disorder or learning disability

Read our guides:

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Irritability in autism
Tourette's syndrome

How it works

Risperidone blocks dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain, which reduces psychosis, mania and aggression.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Risperidone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

feeling sleepy
weight gain
feeling restless
stiffness or shaking
headache
raised prolactin levels which can cause breast changes or missed periods
sexual problems

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

a high temperature with stiff muscles and confusion (neuroleptic malignant syndrome). Call 999
uncontrolled movements of the face, tongue or body
signs of a stroke in older people with dementia. Call 999

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

In older people with dementia, it increases the risk of stroke. It should only be used for a short time when other approaches have not worked.
Your weight, blood sugar and cholesterol will be checked regularly.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.