Risperidone: Uses, Side Effects, Dosing & Safety

Risperidone is a commonly prescribed antipsychotic. Doctors use it for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability linked to autism. If you or someone you care for is starting risperidone, this page tells you what to expect, what to watch for, and how to stay safe when getting it online.

How risperidone is used

Risperidone works by changing brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior. It's available as tablets, an oral solution, and a long-acting injectable. Doctors usually start low and raise the dose slowly until the right balance of benefit and side effects is found. Adults with schizophrenia often start around 1–2 mg per day and adjust from there, but your doctor will set the best dose for your situation. Never adjust or stop the medication without medical advice—sudden changes can cause withdrawal or symptom rebound.

Expect some time before you feel full benefit. For acute symptoms, improvement can show in days to weeks. For stable long-term control, it may take several weeks. The injectable form is useful when daily pills are hard to manage; it also helps keep steady symptom control.

Safety, side effects & buying tips

Common side effects include drowsiness, weight gain, dry mouth, and constipation. Some people notice movement-related effects like tremor or stiffness—these are called extrapyramidal symptoms. Risperidone can raise prolactin, which may cause changes in menstrual cycles, breast milk production, or sexual function. Less commonly, it can affect blood sugar and cholesterol, so doctors often check weight, glucose, and lipids during treatment.

Important warnings: older adults with dementia-related psychosis have a higher risk of serious side effects, including death, when given antipsychotics. Also tell your doctor about pregnancy or breastfeeding plans—risperidone has risks that need a careful discussion. List all medicines you're taking: combining risperidone with other sedatives, blood pressure drugs, or certain antidepressants can increase side effects or cause interactions.

If you buy risperidone online, use a licensed pharmacy and expect to provide a prescription. Look for a real physical address, a pharmacist contact, and secure payment. Be wary of sites offering huge discounts without a prescription—these often sell counterfeit or unsafe meds. Ask the online pharmacy how they handle returns and shipping delays.

Track how you feel each week and report new symptoms to your clinician. If you notice severe side effects—high fever, stiff muscles, extreme drowsiness, fainting, or sudden behavior changes—seek urgent medical help. Small steps matter: follow the prescribed dose, keep follow-up appointments, and check basic labs when advised. That keeps treatment working and lowers risk.

Questions for your prescriber: Why is risperidone the best choice? What dose should I start with and how will you monitor me? What side effects are most likely and when should I call? These simple questions make visits more useful and keep treatment on track.