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Risperdal (risperidone) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating bipolar 1 disorder in adults and children ages 10 to 17 years.
These insights are based on 97 comments about Risperdal from MyDepressionTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Risperdal is a type of medication called an antipsychotic that may impact dopamine and serotonin signals in the brain. The exact way it works in bipolar disorder is not fully known.
Doctors prescribe Risperdal to adults and children ages 10 to 17 years with acute manic or mixed episodes linked to bipolar 1 disorder. It may be used alone or with lithium or valproate.
Risperdal is given as a tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet (dissolves rapidly on the tongue), or an oral solution taken by mouth, typically once daily. Doctors may start with a lower dose and raise it over time based on response.
Typical Dosing for Bipolar 1 Disorder
The recommended starting dose of Risperdal for bipolar 1 disorder is 2 milligrams to 3 milligrams per day for adults, or 0.5 milligrams once daily for children and adolescents ages 10 to 17 years.
For individuals who respond to treatment, the recommended maintenance dose is 1 milligram to 6 milligrams per day for adults, or 1 milligram to 2.5 milligrams per day for children and adolescents ages 10 to 17 years.
Doctors may raise the dose in steps of 1 milligram per day for adults, or 0.5 milligrams to 1 milligram per day for children and adolescents.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
These insights are based on 97 comments about Risperdal from MyDepressionTeam members.Members who use Risperdal often say it helps some symptoms, but they also describe trade-offs that are important to watch closely. Across the community, members most often mention keeping in touch with their doctor about side effects, being careful with dose changes, and paying attention to how the medication affects sleep, energy, weight, and mood.
Tell your doctor about side effects early.
“Have twitching all over. Saw my doctor today, and he said it was a side effect from Risperdal. He wants me to stop it right away.”
Keep track of fatigue, grogginess, or feeling too sedated.
“I did fairly well on 1 milligram, but anything higher knocked me out where I couldn’t function.”
Talk to your doctor before changing or stopping Risperdal.
“Stepping down from 1 milligram daily of Risperdal to 0.75 milligrams daily ... having some cognitive effects that are troublesome. Last week I tried stepping from 1 milligram to 0.5 milligrams and also had some delusions, so I had to be brought back up to 1 milligram for a few days before trying the 0.75-milligram dose.”
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In clinical studies of Risperdal for bipolar 1 disorder, the most common side effects occurred in 11 percent to 42 percent of people. They include:
Risperdal can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Risperdal, offers the J&J withMe Savings Program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $10 per dose.
To learn more, visit the J&J withMe website or call 866-562-6177.
Before starting Risperdal, doctors may check your blood sugar levels, body weight, and blood counts.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to risperidone, paliperidone, or any ingredients in Risperdal. Do not take Risperdal if you have had a serious allergic reaction to risperidone or paliperidone, or to any ingredients in Risperdal.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. Risperdal and other medicines may affect each other, causing serious side effects.
Since sedation (sleepiness) has been reported with Risperdal, you should not participate in activities such as driving or operating machinery until you know that you can do so safely. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated while taking Risperdal. Avoid alcohol while taking Risperdal.
Do not stop taking Risperdal without talking to your doctor. Stopping Risperdal suddenly may cause side effects.
If you miss a dose of Risperdal, take it as soon as you remember. If you are close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time unless your doctor tells you to.
Risperdal is also FDA approved to treat schizophrenia and irritability associated with autistic disorder.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Risperdal, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Risperdal may cause muscle problems or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn baby.
If you become pregnant while receiving Risperdal, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics.
If you are breastfeeding while taking Risperdal, watch your baby for signs like sleepiness, poor feeding, shakiness, or unusual muscle movements. Contact a doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Risperdal in bipolar 1 disorder?
Risperdal has been shown to help treat manic and mixed episodes in adults and children ages 10 to 17 years with bipolar 1 disorder. In studies lasting about three weeks, it worked better than a placebo (an inactive treatment) when used by itself. In another study in adults, adding Risperdal to lithium or valproate worked better than lithium or valproate alone.
How long does Risperdal take to work for bipolar 1 disorder?
In studies, people took Risperdal for about three weeks, and their symptoms improved during that time. The exact time when the medicine starts to work is not known.
Can Risperdal cause weight gain with bipolar 1 disorder?
In studies on Risperdal for bipolar disorder, weight gain was not reported as a common side effect. However, increased appetite was seen in 4 percent to 7 percent of children and adolescents. People are advised to monitor weight during treatment.
Can Risperdal cause tremor, twitching, or other movement problems with bipolar 1 disorder?
Yes. Common movement-related side effects include parkinsonism, akathisia, dystonia, and tremor, which were seen in more than 5 percent of people. People are also advised to watch for abnormal movements and contact their healthcare provider if they happen.
On MyDepressionTeam, people share their experiences with bipolar disorder, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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