Risperidone is the generic equivalent of Risperdal®.

By law, a generic drug must be the same as its brand name counterpart in terms of active ingredient, dosage, safety, effectiveness, strength, stability, and quality. A generic may, however, differ in its inactive ingredients (i.e. flavoring, fillers, and preservatives).

Risperidone is FDA approved for the treatment of:

• Schizophrenia

• Acute manic or mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder (taken alone, or in combination with lithium or valproate)

• Irritability associated with autistic disorder

Risperidone (Risperdal®) does come with serious warnings. These include:

• Increased risk of death and cerebrovascular events (i.e. stroke, transient ischemic attack) in older adults with dementia-related psychosis*

• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

• Tardive dyskinesia—a movement disorder featuring uncontrollable, strange, repetitive movements of the face and/or other body parts

• Metabolic changes, including high blood sugar, increased cholesterol and triglycerides, and weight gain

• Elevated prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia)

• Increased fall risk

• Infection risk due to decreased white blood cell count (WBC)

• Cognitive and motor impairment

• Seizures

If any of the above concern you, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about your perceived risk and other treatment options that exist.

*This warning is a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious type of medication warning assigned by the FDA.

Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic. How risperidone works remains unclear, but it’s thought to work on certain neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin) in the brain to improve behaviors and mood.

The most common side effects of risperidone include:

• Slowed movements, rigidity, and tremors (Parkinsonism)

• Restlessness (akathisia)

• Shaking or tremor

• Dizziness, drowsiness

• Dry mouth

• Anxiety

• Blurred vision

• Nausea/vomiting

• Upper abdominal pain, stomach discomfort

• Diarrhea, constipation

• Upper respiratory tract infection

Side effects may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medicine.

This list doesn’t represent all possible side effects (or serious side effects) of risperidone. If you’re experiencing any ongoing, bothersome side effect(s), tell your healthcare provider right away.

If you’d like to learn more, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also has a helpful medication guide for risperidone here.