Why should you take risperidone at night?

Risperidone (Risperdal) is an atypical antipsychotic medication used for treating the symptoms of schizophrenia and episodes of mania or depression in people with bipolar disorder.

It works by changing certain substances in your brain, calming you down, and helping manage behavior problems such as self-injury, sudden mood changes, and aggression.

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

Why take risperidone at night

You should always take risperidone at night before going to bed unless a doctor has given you a different recommendation. This is because risperidone can make you sleepy. Some research suggests that it can increase the amount of your slow-wave sleep (also known as deep sleep) and improve your sleep quality.

Risperidone takes time before its effect kicks in and you notice an improvement in your symptoms. A 2021 study on the treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders in children suggests that it takes about 4–5 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, including:

• 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)

In some cases, risperidone may cause severe side effects. This 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.

If you miss one dose of risperidone, you should take it as soon as you remember it. However, skip your dose and continue with your regular schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. When a doctor prescribes you risperidone, you should discuss with 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 it did not provide you with any improvement, or it is causing you any side effects that are making the quality of your life worse, speak with your 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 possible 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 education about how to overcome and manage the daily challenges that people with schizophrenia and other mental health disorders may face.

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

CSC programs are usually very effective in improving the life quality of people and reducing their symptoms.

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 help you calm down and relax, making you drowsy and improving your sleep quality.

Risperidone 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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