Risperidone is an antipsychotic drug indicated for the treatment of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, with symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, distrust, social isolation, anxiety or hearing voices. This is because this remedy works by promoting the balance of substances in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, improving communication between neurons.
This medicine can be found in pharmacies or drugstores in the form of tablets or oral solution, in its generic form or under the trade names Zargus, Perlid, Risperidon or Viverdal, for example.
Risperidone must be used with medical advice and is sold only with a doctor’s prescription and withholding of the prescription by the pharmacy.
what is it for
Risperidone is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia or for the treatment of other psychotic disorders, with symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders, poor speech, aggression, distrust, emotional and social isolation, in adults.
In addition, risperidone can be indicated by pediatricians for the treatment of irritability, aggression, tantrums, anguish and rapid mood changes in children over 5 years of age who suffer from autism.
How to take
Risperidone should be taken orally, at the times established by the doctor.
The normally recommended doses of risperidone vary according to the disease to be treated, and for schizophrenia, on the first day of treatment the recommended dose is 2 mg, which can be increased by the doctor to 4 mg on the second day of treatment and to 6 mg on the third day of treatment.
The usual dose of risperidone for adults ranges from 4 mg to 6 mg per day, according to medical advice.
For children aged 5 to 17 years, risperidone doses should be calculated by the pediatrician, according to the child’s body weight.
Possible side effects
Some of the side effects that may occur during risperidone treatment are lack of sleep, restlessness, anxiety, headache, drowsiness, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, blurred vision, dizziness, poor digestion, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, problems with sexual potency, stuffy nose or involuntary leakage of urine.
who shouldn’t use
Risperidone should not be used by children under 5 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people who are allergic to any of the components of the formula.
