Is Risperidone a High-Risk Medication? Understanding the Benefits and Risks

Risperidone is an antipsychotic medication that is used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. While risperidone can be an effective treatment option for many people, it is also important to understand the potential risks associated with this medication. In this article, we will explore the benefits and risks of risperidone.

The Benefits of Risperidone

Risperidone is a medication that can help to manage a range of mental health symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking. It can also help to reduce symptoms of agitation, aggression, and irritability in some people with mental health conditions. Risperidone works by affecting the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin, which can help to regulate mood, behavior, and thinking.

The Risks of Risperidone

Like all medications, risperidone comes with potential risks and side effects. Some of the common side effects of risperidone include weight gain, sedation, tremors, and movement disorders. Risperidone can also increase the risk of developing diabetes, high cholesterol, and other metabolic disorders. In some cases, risperidone can cause serious side effects, such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause muscle rigidity, fever, and other symptoms.

Another potential risk associated with risperidone is the increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. This risk is higher in patients taking higher doses of the medication for longer periods of time. Therefore, it is important to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of risperidone in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.

Conclusion

Overall, risperidone can be an effective treatment option for many people with mental health conditions. However, it is important to understand the potential risks associated with this medication and to weigh these risks against the potential benefits. If you are considering taking risperidone, it is important to talk to your doctor about any potential side effects or risks associated with this medication. Your doctor can help you determine whether risperidone is the right treatment option for you and can monitor you for any potential side effects or complications.


There are various forms of drugs available, such as tablets or liquids, and each may have a separate patient information leaflet (PIL) for different doses. It is important to refer to the PIL for the specific form and dose of the drug that you have been prescribed.

You can search for further information and PILs on websites such as:

  • The British National Formulary (BNF)
  • Electronic medicines compendium (emc)
  • The National Library of Medicine's DailyMed
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
  • Different drug forms like tablets or liquids have specific patient information leaflets (PIL) for various doses. Refer to the PIL for your prescribed drug form and dose.

    Search for PILs on websites like:

    France

    • ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé): ansm.sante.fr

    Spain

    • AEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios): aemps.gob.es

    Germany

    • BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte): bfarm.de

    Italy

    For questions about your medication:

    • Consult your doctor, a healthcare professional, or a pharmacist

    France

    • Contact SOS Médecins: 3624
    • For mental health support, contact SOS Suicide: 01 45 39 40 00

    Belgium (French)

    Switzerland (French)

    • La Main Tendue: 143
    • Website: 143.ch

    Canada (French)

    • Centre de prévention du suicide du Québec: 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553)
    • Website: cpsquebec.ca

    Spain

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Teléfono de la Esperanza: 717 003 717

    Germany

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefonseelsorge: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222

    Italy

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefono Amico: 199 284 284

    Netherlands

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact 113 Zelfmoordpreventie: 0800 0113

    Portugal

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Sos Voz Amiga: 21 354 45 45, 91 280 26 69, or 96 352 46 60

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