The great variability of psychotic disorders, as well as of their symptoms and severity, has led to the research and development of a large number of different antipsychotic drugs.

Risperidone is a second generation antipsychotic medication usually administered in schizophrenia and in certain cases of bipolar disorder. However, its applications are very varied. Throughout this article we will discuss these applications and the many other characteristics that distinguish this medication.

What is risperidone?

Risperidone is an antipsychotic drug, marketed almost worldwide under the name Risperdal, this drug belongs to the antipsychotics known as second generation and its approval dates from 1993.

This chemical, which is mainly given in cases of schizophrenia , works as a powerful dopamine blocker. In this way it inhibits the activity or functioning of post-synaptic dopamine receptors.

In addition, risperidone also has a powerful effect on serotonin levels. Specifically, it acts as a serotonin receptor antagonist.
Thanks to its fast and effective form of action, risperidone has become one of the reference drugs when it comes to stabilizing patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or other types of psychosis.

By administering second generation antipsychotics such as risperidone, psychotic patients are able to think more clearly, lower their level of arousal and, with the help of other therapies of a psychological or psychiatric nature, integrate better into their environment and lead as normal a life as possible .

In what disorders is it used?

Although this drug is commonly used in illnesses classified as psychotic, traditionally, risperidone has been recommended for the treatment of symptoms typical of schizophrenia in adults and young people over 13 years of age. Its effects on brain chemistry help to treat symptoms such as deformed or paranoid thoughts , decrease emotional intensity and promote an increased interest in life.

Another of its many applications is related to the treatment of certain psychotic emotional disorders such as manic episodes or mixed episodes in patients over 10 years of age with bipolar disorder. These episodes are characterized by abnormally high moods and, in the case of mixed episodes, by deep feelings of sadness.

In addition, risperidone can also be used to treat the aggressive symptoms commonly present in both the above disorders and autism spectrum disorders. Therefore, it is very common for it to be administered to children between the ages of 5 and 16 with one of these disorders.

How is it administered?

Currently, risperidone is marketed in tablet form, quick-dissolving soluble tablets and liquid solution , all for oral consumption , with the usual dose being one or two doses per day.

However, it must be specified that these are only generic indications and that the patient must always follow the instructions of the medical staff to the letter. Therefore, the patient should never alter the dose of medication, either by excess or by default. Otherwise, the patient may experience serious side effects such as confusion or very serious hallucinations.

Due to the potent effects of risperidone, it is very possible that treatment will be started gradually , starting with very low doses of this medication and increasing as the first few weeks of treatment pass.

Finally, in those patients who are in a more severe state that makes them unable to manage or control their own medication, an intramuscular administration of this antipsychotic can be carried out. Thanks to this form of treatment, the patient only has to come to the health centre every two weeks and a more exhaustive control of the patient’s symptoms can be carried out.

What are the side effects?

Like other psychiatric medications, risperidone can have a number of side effects that, depending on the intensity and duration of the medication, p can be uncomfortable and even harmful to the patient’s general health .

These side effects are divided into those that are not serious, so they do not require medical attention, and those that are more serious and require a visit to the doctor’s office as soon as possible.

Whatever the case, if the unwanted effects of risperidone are prolonged over time or tend to become more severe, it is highly recommended that you inform your doctor so that he can adjust the dose or change the medication.

1. Non-serious side effects

Among the side effects that do not pose a serious risk to health , we find the following.

  • Gastrointestinal disorders such as heartburn, diarrhea or constipation, stomach pain.
  • Dizziness, feeling of dizziness and difficulties in maintaining balance.
  • Nausea and/or vomiting.
  • Increased appetite and/or weight gain
  • Feeling anxious.
  • Nervousness and agitation .
  • Sleep disturbance in the form of trouble falling and staying asleep or increased dream production
  • Breast augmentation.
  • Changes in the menstrual cycle.
  • Sexual performance problems.
  • Difficulty in urinating .
  • Blurred vision or vision problems.
  • Muscle or joint pain .
  • Skin alterations such as changes in skin colour.

2. Serious side effects

If any of these side effects occur, the patient should not stop the medication on his own but should immediately inform the relevant doctor.

  • Fever.
  • Unexplained falls.
  • Sense of confusion .
  • Increased muscle stiffness.
  • Heart alterations such as rapid and irregular rhythms.
  • Increased sweating .
  • Seizures.
  • Slow walking or shuffling.
  • Uncontrollable and sudden movements of the face or body
  • Breathing or swallowing problems .
  • Skin alterations such as hives, rashes or itching.
  • Persistent and painful erection.

What precautions should be taken with its consumption?

Before starting treatment with risperidone, the patient should report any special health conditions. This is because there are a number of diseases or conditions that may interfere with or be aggravated by treatment. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Dementia.
  • Parkinson’s disease.
  • Heart disease .

    • .

  • Hypotension.
  • Epileptic disorders .
  • Phenylketonuria.

Likewise, the patient should inform the doctor if he or she has any allergies or if he or she is taking any other medication, vitamin supplement or natural herbal complexes, as these may interfere with the action of risperidone and cause serious damage to the body.

It has been shown that risperidone can cause a series of alterations in the fetus and newborn child, so it is not recommended for administration to pregnant or nursing women.

Finally, due to the sedating effects of risperidone , those patients who include driving or operating heavy machinery in their daily routine should pay special attention to these symptoms and, as far as possible, cease these activities during treatment.