Rykindo (Risperidone) for Schizophrenia

Rykindo (risperidone) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating schizophrenia in adults.

How Rykindo Works and How It’s Taken

Rykindo is a type of medication called an antipsychotic that works by blocking certain brain signals, mainly dopamine and serotonin. In schizophrenia, this may help reduce symptoms linked to unbalanced brain signaling, such as confused thinking and changes in perception. The exact way it works is not fully known.

Doctors prescribe Rykindo for adults who need treatment for schizophrenia.

Rykindo is given as an extended-release injection into a buttock muscle, typically every two weeks. Each injection is given by a healthcare professional. The first injection is given along with seven days of oral risperidone.

Another long-acting injectable form of risperidone, Risperdal Consta, is also available. Unlike Rykindo, Risperdal Consta typically requires a longer period of overlap with oral risperidone after the first injection.

Typical Dosing for Schizophrenia

The recommended starting dose of Rykindo for schizophrenia is 25 milligrams every two weeks.

For people who respond to treatment, the recommended maintenance dose is 25 milligrams every two weeks.

If needed, a doctor may raise the dose to 37.5 milligrams or 50 milligrams every two weeks. The maximum dose is 50 milligrams every two weeks, and dose changes should not be made more often than every four weeks.

This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.

Rykindo Side Effects

In clinical studies of Rykindo for schizophrenia in adults, the most common side effects occurred in 2 percent to 21 percent of people. They included:

Headache
Parkinsonism (movement symptoms such as stiffness, tremor, or slowed movement)
Dizziness
Akathisia (feeling restless and unable to sit still)
Fatigue (feeling unusually tired)
Constipation
Dyspepsia (upset stomach or indigestion)
Sedation (sleepiness)
Weight gain
Pain in an arm or leg
Dry mouth

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

Rykindo can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:

Increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis — Rykindo is not approved for this use.
Stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA, sometimes called a ministroke) — These have been reported in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) — This rare, life-threatening reaction can cause very high fever, severe muscle stiffness, confusion, and unstable blood pressure or heart rate.
Tardive dyskinesia — Uncontrolled, repeated movements may not go away.
Metabolic changes — These can include high blood sugar or diabetes, unhealthy cholesterol or triglyceride levels, and weight gain.
Hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels) — This can cause missed periods, breast milk production, sexual problems, and lower bone density over time.
Orthostatic hypotension and syncope — A drop in blood pressure when standing can cause dizziness or fainting.
Falls — These can lead to fractures or other injuries.
Low white blood cell counts, including neutropenia and agranulocytosis — These can raise the risk of serious infections.
Seizures — These can occur with Rykindo.
Dysphagia and aspiration — Trouble swallowing can lead to food or liquid going into the lungs.
Priapism — A painful erection that lasts a long time is a medical emergency.
Body temperature problems — Overheating or getting too cold can occur.
Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema — These can cause swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and trouble breathing.

Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.

How To Save on Rykindo

There’s no longer a manufacturer’s website for this drug or a savings program.

What To Know Before Taking Rykindo

Before starting Rykindo, your doctor will check that you can tolerate oral risperidone.

Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to risperidone, paliperidone, or any ingredients in Rykindo.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements.

Do not take Rykindo if you have had a serious allergic reaction to risperidone, paliperidone, or any of the ingredients in Rykindo.

Rykindo is also FDA-approved for the maintenance treatment of bipolar 1 disorder in adults, alone or with lithium or valproate.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Rykindo, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Community FAQs

These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

How effective is Rykindo?

In a study of adults with schizophrenia, people who received risperidone long-acting injection every two weeks at doses of 25 milligrams, 50 milligrams, or 75 milligrams had significantly greater improvement in total PANSS scores than people who received placebo (an inactive treatment). PANSS is a rating scale used to measure schizophrenia symptoms.

Can Rykindo cause weight gain in people taking it for schizophrenia?

Yes. In people with schizophrenia, weight increase was one of the most common side effects, reported in at least 5 percent of patients. Metabolic changes, including weight gain, high blood sugar, and changes in lipids, can happen and should be monitored.

Can Rykindo cause movement-related side effects in people taking it for schizophrenia?

Yes. Common side effects in schizophrenia include parkinsonism, akathisia, dizziness, and sedation. Tardive dyskinesia, which causes involuntary movements and may be irreversible, has also been reported with antipsychotic drugs, and people should contact their healthcare provider if any abnormal movements occur.

Can Rykindo be used with other medicines for schizophrenia?

Rykindo can interact with some medicines. Fluoxetine and paroxetine can raise risperidone levels, and carbamazepine can lower them, so the dose may need to be adjusted. Caution is also advised with alcohol, other centrally acting drugs, blood pressure medicines, dopamine agonists, and methylphenidate, and people should tell their healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines they take.