Risperidone (US brand name Risperdal® and generic) is a second-generation (“atypical”) antipsychotic. Here is basic information about this medication.

FDA-approved indications

1. Treatment of schizophrenia
2. As monotherapy or adjunctive therapy with lithium or valproate, for the treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder
3. Treatment of irritability associated with autistic disorder

Dosage

Recommended daily dosage:

Schizophrenia (adults)
Initial dose: 2 mg
Target dose: 4–8 mg
Effective dose range: 4–16 mg

Schizophrenia (adolescents)
Initial dose: 0.5 mg
Target dose: 3 mg
Effective dose range: 1–6 mg

Bipolar mania (adults)
Initial dose: 2–3 mg
Target dose: 1­–6 mg
Effective dose range: 1­–6 mg

Bipolar mania (children and adolescents)
Initial dose: 0.5 mg
Target dose: 1­–2.5 mg
Effective dose range: 1­–6 mg

Irritability associated with autistic disorder (weight <20 kg)
Initial dose: 0.25 mg
Target dose: 0.5 mg
Effective dose range: 0.5–3 mg

Irritability associated with autistic disorder (weight ≥20 kg)
Initial dose: 0.5 mg
Target dose: 1 mg
Effective dose range: 0.5–3 mg

Dosage forms and strengths

Tablets (Risperdal® and generic): 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg
Oral solution (Risperdal® and generic): 1 mg/mL
Orally disintegrating tablets (Risperdal M-tab® and generic): 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg

Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.