Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Risperdal (risperidone)

Atypical antipsychotic that antagonizes dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Risperidone (Risperdal) is an atypical antipsychotic developed by Janssen, approved in 1993. First-line for schizophrenia with oral and long-acting injectable formulations. Available generically.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Risperidone was one of the first atypical antipsychotics, offering effective symptom control with fewer extrapyramidal side effects than first-generation antipsychotics at low doses. The long-acting injectable (Risperdal Consta) was the first long-acting atypical antipsychotic. Notable for hyperprolactinemia as a common side effect.

Approved indications

• Bipolar affective disorder, current episode manic
• Bipolar disorder in remission
• Infantile autism
• Mixed bipolar I disorder
• Schizophrenia

Boxed warnings

• WARNING: INCREASED MORTALITY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA-RELATED PSYCHOSIS Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Risperidone tablets are not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] WARNING: INCREASED MORTALITY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA-RELATED PSYCHOSIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Risperidone tablets are not approved for use in patients with dementia-related psychosis. ( 5.1 )

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Dyspepsia
• Parkinsonism
• Akathisia
• Dystonia
• Tremor
• Sedation
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Vomiting

Key clinical trials

• A 2-year, Prospective, Blinded-rater, Open-label, Active-controlled, Multicenter, Randomized Study of Long-term Efficacy and Effectiveness Comparing Risperdal® Consta® and Abilify® (Aripiprazole) in A (Phase 4)
• A Study on the Preference of Risperidone Dosage Forms (N/A)
• Haloperidol vs Olanzapine for the Management of ICU Delirium: A Randomized Clinical Trial (NA)
• Is Premorbid Functioning a Predictor of Outcome in Patients With Early Onset Psychosis Treated With Risperdal Consta? (Phase 4)
• Risperidone in the Treatment of Psychotic-like and Deficit Symptoms of Schizotypal Personality Disorder (NA)
• The Efficacy And Safety Of Flexible Dosage Ranges Of Risperidone Versus Placebo In The Treatment Of Manic Or Mixed Episodes Associated With Bipolar I Disorder (Phase 3)
• A Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Depakote ER Plus an Atypical Antipsychotic Vs. an Atypical Antipsychotic Alone in the Treatment of Schizophrenia (Phase 2)
• Six Week Double Blind, Randomized Trial of Escitalopram Add On for Treatment Resistant Bipolar Depression (Phase 1)

Patents

Primary sources

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