Why should you take risperidone at night?

Risperidone (Risperdal) is a medication called an atypical antipsychotic that helps treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and episodes of mania or depression in people with bipolar disorder.

It works by changing certain substances in the brain, creating feelings of calm, and helping you manage behavior challenges due to your condition, such as self-injury and sudden mood changes.

Doctors recommend taking risperidone at night because it commonly causes drowsiness. It’s best to take medications at the same time every day, so taking risperidone at night may help you form a routine.

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Why take risperidone at night

You should take risperidone (Risperdal) at night before going to bed unless a doctor recommends otherwise. This is because risperidone can make you sleepy. A 2024 article lists sedation as one of its possible side effects.

Some 2018 research suggests that it can increase the amount of slow-wave sleep (also known as deep sleep) and improve sleep quality.

It’s also important to take risperidone around the same time every day. Taking it at night and making it part of your bedtime routine may help you remember to take it consistently.

Risperidone takes time before its effects become apparent and you notice an improvement in your condition. A 2021 study on the treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders in children suggests that it takes about 4 to 5 weeks before risperidone starts to work. Adults may respond differently.

While risperidone is generally effective in managing and treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder symptoms, it may also cause several side effects.

According to a 2024 article, side effects include:

• changes in your metabolism
• weight changes
• involuntary muscle twitching or difficulties controlling your muscle movements (dyskinesia)
• muscle stiffness
• tremor
• slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
• sexual difficulties
• breast development in biological males (gynecomastia)
• excessive milk production in biological females (galactorrhea)
• absence of period (amenorrhea)

Sometimes, risperidone may cause severe side effects. These may include:

• permanent dyskinesia
• significant weight gain
• cerebrovascular events, such as stroke
• neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a life threatening condition associated with the use of antipsychotics
• suicidal and self-harm thoughts

If you develop any serious side effects, experience any suicidal thoughts, or have any concerns about your health conditions, you should contact a doctor as soon as possible.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day at 988.
• Text “HOME” to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
• Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• Call 911 or your local emergency number if you feel it’s an emergency.

While you wait for help to arrive, stay with someone and remove any weapons or substances that can cause harm. You are not alone.

Speaking with a doctor

Always follow the doctor’s recommendations when taking risperidone. People usually need to take risperidone every day around the same time, usually at night.

If you miss one dose of risperidone, you should take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. When a doctor prescribes risperidone, ask them what you should do if you miss a dose.

Do not take a double dose of risperidone if you have missed your previous dose.

You should contact a doctor if you take one of the following medications containing risperidone and you miss a dose:

• Uzedy
• Perseris
• Risperdal Consta

Alternative medications

If the doctor has prescribed you risperidone to treat your symptoms, but you don’t notice any improvements, or it’s causing severe side effects, consider speaking with the prescribing doctor about alternative treatment options.

Some alternative medications to risperidone may include a different atypical antipsychotic or another antipsychotic drug, such as:

• haloperidol
• clozapine (Clorazil)
• trifluoperazine (Stelazine)
• fluphenazine (Prolixin)
• pimozide (Orap)
• chlorpromazine (Thorazine)

Doctors can also advise you about other appropriate treatment options for your condition to help improve your life quality and reduce the side effects you experience.

This may include a combination of medications and support, such as psychosocial treatments and learning how to manage the daily challenges that people with schizophrenia and other mental health conditions may face.

If you have schizophrenia in its early stages, a doctor may recommend you undergo a coordinated specialty care (CSC) program. These programs focus on recovery for people who experience early stages of schizophrenia, called psychosis.

CSC programs are usually effective in helping improve a person’s quality of life and reducing symptoms.

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Summary

Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic medication for the treatment of schizophrenia and other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder. Always try to take risperidone before going to bed, as this drug can induce calmness and relaxation, making you drowsy and improving your sleep quality.

It can take about 4 weeks before you notice an improvement in your symptoms. Always take risperidone around the same time, following your doctor’s recommendations. If you miss a dose, take risperidone as soon as you can unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose.

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