Risperidone: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia. It is a medicine that requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and is available in oral and extended-release injectable forms. Treatment is reviewed according to the person's response and tolerability, and the label describes continued treatment for people with schizophrenia who respond during an acute episode.

Risperidone is indicated for schizophrenia in adults and adolescents. It is also indicated for acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, either as treatment on its own or alongside lithium or valproate. The label also lists irritability associated with autistic disorder in children and adolescents.

This includes aggression towards others, deliberate self-injury, temper tantrums and quickly changing moods. For schizophrenia, the label describes both treatment during an acute episode and continued treatment in people who respond. Risperidone is not approved for dementia-related psychosis.

Risperidone belongs to the atypical antipsychotic class. These medicines affect the activity of chemical messengers in the brain, particularly dopamine and serotonin. They block certain receptors, which are the sites where these messengers pass signals between nerve cells.

Changing this signalling can help reduce psychotic symptoms and manage manic symptoms. Effects on these and other receptors can also contribute to unwanted effects, including movement problems, sleepiness and changes in hormone levels.

The label lists oral tablets, film-coated tablets and orally disintegrating tablets in strengths of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg and 4 mg, and an oral solution of 1 mg/mL. The label lists extended-release subcutaneous injection strengths of 50 mg/0.14 mL, 75 mg/0.21 mL, 100 mg/0.28 mL, 125 mg/0.35 mL, 150 mg/0.42 mL, 200 mg/0.56 mL and 250 mg/0.7 mL. The usual starting dose is 2 mg per day for adult schizophrenia.

The label lists a recommended adult schizophrenia dose of 4 to 8 mg per day, with slower adjustment appropriate for some patients. The usual starting dose is 2 mg to 3 mg per day for adult bipolar mania.

The usual starting dose is 0.5 mg once daily for adolescent schizophrenia and for bipolar mania in children and adolescents. The label lists a lower starting dose of 0.5 mg twice daily for adults with severe renal or hepatic impairment.

For a missed oral dose, follow the medicine leaflet or ask a pharmacist for advice, particularly if the next scheduled dose is near. A double dose should not be used to make up for a missed dose. After an interval off treatment, the label recommends restarting through the initial dose-adjustment schedule, so a prescriber should advise on restarting.

Available pregnancy studies have not established a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Babies exposed during the third trimester may develop movement-related or withdrawal symptoms after delivery, including agitation, altered muscle tone, tremor, sleepiness, breathing difficulties and feeding problems. Untreated schizophrenia or bipolar disorder also carries risks during pregnancy.

Discuss treatment with a doctor. The label does not specify human breastfeeding information.

The label specifies storage of the oral solution at 20° to 25°C. Protect it from light and freezing, and keep it out of the reach of children. Follow the storage directions on the packaging for other formulations.