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Risperidone

  • Medication name

    Risperidone ("ris-PER-i-doan")

  • Brand name

    Risperdal ® ("ris-PER-dal")

  • Medication type

    Second-generation antipsychotic (sometimes referred to as an atypical antipsychotic)

About risperidone

Risperidone is a second-generation antipsychotic (sometimes described as an ‘atypical antipsychotic’).

There is a naturally occurring chemical messenger (or 'neurotransmitter') in the brain called dopamine. This is a chemical messenger in the brain mainly involved with thinking, emotions, behaviour and perception. In some illnesses, there may be too much dopamine, and this causes some of the symptoms of the illness.

Risperidone blocks the effects of dopamine in the brain, resulting in a reduction of the symptoms.

Risperidone also has effects on other neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin. Its beneficial effects may be related to this, including the reduction of movement disorders and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Risperidone and everyday life

Information and safety considerations

Your doctor will consider any other medical conditions or symptoms you have before recommending a medicine for you.

Your medicine will come with a ‘patient information leaflet’. It’s important that you read this information. Speak to your pharmacist if:

  • you’re not given a leaflet
  • you don’t understand the information
  • you need it in a different format or language
  • you’re concerned about something you’ve read

The information leaflet also includes a list of warnings and precautions to consider before you take the medicine. If you think that any of these apply to you and are concerned that your doctor is not already aware of them, check with your doctor or pharmacist before you start to take your medication (or as soon as possible if you are already taking it).

Uses, warnings, safety and side effects

Taking risperidone

Warnings and safety

Side effects and your health

Related medications

Understanding medication

Browse all our medications or look up key terms in our medications glossary.

About this information

The information on this page was reviewed by the College of Mental Health Pharmacy in September 2024.

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