What Is Risperidone?

For those dealing with unbalanced hormone levels, such as serotonin and dopamin, knowing which medications to use and how to find them is vital.

Risperidone is a type of antipsychotic medication currently used for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is also used to reduce irritability in patients with autism. The prescription medication is often taken by mouth as a tablet or liquid, though it can also be given as an intramuscular injection. Risperidone is approved for use as a schizophrenia treatment in patients who are at least thirteen years old, and it can be taken by children with autism who are between the five and sixteen years old. Doctors may prescribe it for patients with bipolar disorder who are at least ten years old. The medication is sometimes considered for 'off-label' use for patients with other health conditions. Before prescribing this medicine, doctors will take the patient's health history and ask about the patient's use of any prescription or over-the-counter medicines and about any use of vitamins or herbal supplements.

The uses, benefits, side effects, and precautions associated with risperidone are discussed below.

How It Works

Risperidone is categorized as an atypical antipsychotic medication. It works by balancing levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, both of which may be elevated in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism. Dopamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters that play a role in regulating behavior and mood, and mental health conditions such as schizophrenia are specifically associated with the overactivity of dopamine. Risperidone blocks the receptors in the brain on which dopamine normally acts, and this makes the medication effective in symptom control for this condition. Conventional antipsychotics mostly reduce 'positive' symptoms of schizophrenia such as thought disturbances and hallucinations. Risperidone's mechanism of action makes it effective in reducing 'negative' schizophrenic symptoms such as social withdrawal and lack of emotion as well.

Get familiar with more uses and benefits of risperidone next.

Risperidone Uses And Benefits

In addition to its approved uses for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism, risperidone is frequently used 'off-label' to help patients with other conditions. For example, it may be prescribed on a short-term basis for the treatment of highly aggressive behavior in elderly individuals with Alzheimer's disease. In this situation, it is normally prescribed only if other treatments have not worked or if patients are at risk of harming themselves or others. Doctors might consider prescribing risperidone for certain patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, Tourette's syndrome, or delusional parasitosis as well. It is sometimes used with antidepressants to improve symptom management for patients with major depression. Risperidone helps patients think more clearly, and it improves their ability to participate in daily living and social activities.

Uncover the side effects linked to risperidone next.