Risperidone

"ris-PER-i-doan"

Medication type:

Second generation antipsychotic medicine

Other names:

The key with any medication is it has to be reviewed regularly and you need to be educated as to its purpose

18 & Over

If you are 18 or over, the doctor can prescribe risperidone for you as a Licensed medicine for psychosis, mania and aggression. Risperidone is also sometimes prescribed off label for other conditions (usually combined with other medicines) including obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, tics and Tourette’s syndrome.
Under 18

If you are under 18, there is less research about its use and effectiveness in young people. Even so, specialists might prescribe it off label if it is the best medicine for you. Risperidone is licensed for children and young people over 5 years old for conduct disorder (serious problems with behaviour and emotions), but the license only covers 6 weeks of use.

Tablets

0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg, 3mg, 4mg, and 6mg strengths The ordinary tablets may not be suitable for you if you have problems eating some sugars or dairy (milk-based) foods, as they contain lactose. They may also have a colour called ‘Sunset Yellow’ (also known as E110) which causes an allergic reaction in some people. If you are allergic to aspirin you may be more likely to be allergic to E110.
Tablets

Orodispersible (‘melt in your mouth’) Tablets (0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg, 3mg, and 4mg strengths) – these may be called ‘Risperdal Quicklets®’(one of the brands available) Orodispersible tablets may contain gelatine. They may also contain aspartame, which can be a problem for people who have a condition called phenylketonuria.
Liquids

Oral solution (1mg/ml – one 5ml spoonful is like a 5mg tablet)
Injections

Long-acting injection (LAI) that goes into the muscle and releases risperidone slowly – this is called ‘Risperdal Consta®’