Risperdal (risperidone)

Brand name: Risperdal® and Risperdal® M‑Tab®

Active ingredient: Risperidone

Type: Atypical antipsychotic

Available in Canada from: Janssen Inc.

Form: Oral tablets, oral solution, orally disintegrating tablets

Generic: Yes — Apo‑Risperidone, CO Risperidone, JAMP‑Risperidone, Mar‑Risperidone, Mint‑Risperidone, Mylan‑Risperidone, PMS‑Risperidone, RAN‑Risperidone, Sandoz‑Risperidone, Sanis‑Risperidone, Teva‑Risperidone, Sivem‑Risperidone

Listed on Ontario formulary: Yes

OHIP+ coverage: Yes
Note: Also available as long‑acting injection Risperdal Consta®.

What is Risperdal used for?

Used to treat schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders in adults.
Also used for bipolar disorder.
Your doctor may prescribe it for other mental health conditions.

How should I take Risperdal?

May be taken with or without food.

Oral solution may be mixed with water, coffee, orange juice, or low‑fat milk (not tea or cola).

Available as:

0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg tablets
1 mg/mL oral solution
Orally disintegrating tablets in 0.5–4 mg

Typical dose range:
2–16 mg/day, depending on condition and response.

Common side effects

Drowsiness
Extrapyramidal symptoms
Restlessness (akathisia)
Dizziness
Headache
Constipation
Weight gain
Menstrual changes
Sexual dysfunction
Breast swelling/milk production (both sexes)

Rare but serious side effects

Agranulocytosis
Stroke
Severe allergic reaction
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)

Warnings/Precautions

Not approved for dementia‑related psychosis.
Higher stroke risk in mixed/vascular dementia; now approved only for severe Alzheimer‑type dementia.

Medication interactions

Possible interactions with:

Diphenhydramine
Lorazepam, zopiclone
Fentanyl
Parkinson’s medications

Avoid alcohol or illegal drugs.