Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved risperidone oral tablets for:
- schizophrenia in adults and some children
- bipolar disorder in adults and some children
- irritability related to autism in children
This article describes possible side effects of risperidone oral tablets. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for risperidone. You can explore this overview article to learn more about risperidone, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Risperidone oral tablets are generic versions of the brand-name drug Risperdal. They come in two forms:
- an oral tablet that you swallow
- an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that you allow to dissolve in your mouth
Risperidone also comes in injectable forms and an oral liquid that you swallow, but these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.
Boxed warning: Increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
Risperidone has a boxed warning for increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
For details, see the “Side effects of risperidone in detail” section below.
More common side effects of risperidone
Risperidone oral tablets may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of risperidone.
Commonly reported side effects of risperidone oral tablets include:
- parkinsonism
- akathisia
- anxiety*
- constipation
- nausea
- sleepiness
These side effects were reported in studies of risperidone oral tablet and risperidone orally disintegrating tablet.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of risperidone in detail” section below.
Mild side effects of risperidone
Risperidone may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of risperidone oral tablets that occurred in studies include:
- akathisia (a feeling of restlessness that causes a need to move)
- anxiety*
- blurred vision
- constipation
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- fatigue (low energy)
- increased appetite
- indigestion or stomach discomfort
- nausea or vomiting
- sleepiness
- stuffy nose
- tremors
- watery mouth
- weight gain
- mild allergic reaction*
These side effects were reported in studies of risperidone oral tablet and risperidone orally disintegrating tablet. Risperidone may cause more mild side effects than those listed above.
* To learn more about these side effects, see the “Side effects of risperidone in detail” section below.
Serious side effects of risperidone
Risperidone may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from risperidone oral tablets, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with x drug.
Serious side effects of risperidone oral tablets that occurred in studies include:
- cognitive-motor problems*
- high blood sugar
- high cholesterol
- increased risk of falls
- low white blood cell count
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome (negative reaction to drugs used to treat mental conditions)
- orthostatic hypotension (dizziness on standing up)
- parkinsonism
- priapism
- seizures
- stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA or ministroke)
- sudden low blood pressure when sitting or standing up, which can lead to fainting
- tardive dyskinesia
- difficulty swallowing, which can lead to food or liquid entering the lungs
- increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis†
- severe allergic reaction*
These side effects were reported in studies of risperidone oral tablet and risperidone orally disintegrating tablet. Risperidone may cause more mild side effects than those listed above.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of risperidone in detail” section below.
† Risperidone oral tablet and risperidone orally disintegrating tablet have a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of risperidone in detail” section below.
Side effects of risperidone in children
In studies, the following side effects were more common in children than in adults:
- sleepiness
- increased appetite
- bedwetting
These side effects were reported in studies of risperidone oral tablet and risperidone orally disintegrating tablet.
Common questions about side effects of risperidone
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of risperidone oral tablets. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is withdrawal a possible side effect of risperidone?
Possibly. Withdrawal symptoms happen when you suddenly stop taking some medications. Withdrawal symptoms can range from just being uncomfortable to being serious or life threatening.
Withdrawal was reported in studies of risperidone oral tablet and risperidone orally disintegrating tablet. But details weren’t included in the reports. So, it’s unclear what the exact withdrawal symptoms were, how serious they were, or how long they lasted.
Keep in mind that the symptoms of your condition can come back if you stop taking risperidone. If you want to stop taking risperidone oral tablets, talk with your doctor first. They can let you know how to do it safely and may suggest other treatment options.
Does risperidone cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases risperidone oral tablets may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time or last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.
Examples of long-term side effects reported with risperidone oral tablets include:
These side effects were reported in studies of risperidone oral tablet and risperidone orally disintegrating tablet.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of risperidone may last.
Coupon for risperidone
Visit these pages to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for risperidone oral tablets when you use the coupons:
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Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Side effects risperidone in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of risperidone oral tablets.
Increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
Risperidone oral tablets, like other antipsychotic medications, have a boxed warning for increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The most common causes of death in this group are infections and heart or blood vessel problems, such as a heart attack.
This serious side effect was reported in studies of risperidone oral tablet and risperidone orally disintegrating tablet.
Ways to manage
Due to this risk, risperidone isn’t approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. You can learn more about this by talking with your doctor or pharmacist.
Anxiety
In studies, anxiety was common in people taking risperidone oral tablets. This side effect is usually mild but may be serious in some cases.
This side effect was reported in studies of risperidone oral tablet and risperidone orally disintegrating tablet.
With anxiety, you feel nervous, tense, restless, or afraid. Symptoms may include:
- fast breathing
- rapid heart rate
- shakiness
- sweating
- difficulty concentrating
- weakness
Keep in mind that anxiety can be a symptom of conditions that risperidone treats.
Ways to manage
If you experience anxiety, tell your doctor. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to manage it.
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Get free cardCognitive-motor problems
In studies, cognitive-motor problems (problems with thinking or reacting) were common in people taking risperidone. This side effect was reported in studies of risperidone oral tablet and risperidone orally disintegrating tablet, and and may be serious.
Symptoms of cognitive-motor problems may include:
- confusion
- dizziness
- sleepiness
- slowed motor skills, including reaction time
This makes it dangerous to perform tasks that require you to be alert and react quickly, such as driving or operating machinery.
Ways to manage
Don’t drive or operate machinery until you know how risperidone affects you.
Allergic reaction
In some people, risperidone oral tablets can cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to risperidone oral tablets, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for risperidone
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking risperidone oral tablets.
Boxed warning: Increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
Risperidone has a boxed warning for the increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Side effects of risperidone in detail” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take risperidone oral tablets if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other factors may also affect whether risperidone oral tablets are a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking risperidone oral tablets, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
- diabetes
- epilepsy or seizures
- heart or blood vessel problems
- kidney disease
- Lewy body dementia
- liver disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- past problems with low white blood cell count
- past stroke or heart attack
- past allergic reaction to risperidone
Risperidone and pregnancy
There are risks with taking risperidone during pregnancy. But there are also risks with having untreated mental health conditions. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Your doctor may talk with you about the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics. It’s a registry that monitors atypical antipsychotic use during pregnancy. You can learn more or sign up by calling 1-866-961-2388 or online at this website.
Risperidone and breastfeeding
There are risks with taking risperidone while breastfeeding. But there are also risks with having untreated mental health conditions. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with risperidone.
Risperidone and alcohol
Risperidone oral tablets are known to interact with alcohol.
Drinking alcohol while taking risperidone can worsen cognitive-motor problems (problems thinking or reacting). Due to this interaction, drinking alcohol should be avoided while taking risperidone.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with risperidone oral tablets.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of risperidone oral tablets. If your doctor prescribes these medications, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with risperidone oral tablets.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Do I have a higher risk of side effects than other people?
- How can I manage the most common side effects of risperidone?
- What can I do to reduce my risk of serious side effects from risperidone?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.