What is risperidone and what is it for?

What is risperidone?

Risperidone is an active ingredient and ageneric antipsychotic drug, but specifically its mechanism of action makes it an atypical neuroleptic, making itan antagonist of serotonergic receptors, which causes abnormalities or increases in the activities ofthe nervous system.

This medicine comes astablets of 0.1 ng up to 4 mg ofthe active metabolite plus 1 ml oral solution. Risperidone doses depend on the disorders to be treated, but initially start with 1 mg daily.

Note: One study mentions that: “Treatment with risperidonebalances dopamine and serotoninto improve mood and the way of thinking and behaving.” (1)

What is risperidone for?

Risperidone serves to reduce the most important neurotransmittersofthe nervous system, however it does so for certain disorders that require treatment and prescriptions. Among them are:

1. Schizophrenia

Risperidone is prescribed for this mental disorder, causedby significant imbalances in brain functions, making it difficult for the patient to maintain a perspective between what is real and what is imaginary.

Highlights: Risperidone eye drops are commonly used to relieve the most acute symptoms of this disorder, which can be recognized as exact nonsense emotions or speech, among other symptoms.

2. Bipolar disorder

This mental condition also called Manicdepression , on the other hand, is more complex and is divided into manic or depressive episodes. Unlike other mental illnesses, this directly affects mood.

It is characterized by the following symptoms depending on the episode suffered: euphoria, irritability and strong changes in mood . 

You should know: The doses of risperidone in these cases start with 2 mg of tablets every 24 hours. 

3. Dementia of the Alzheimer’s type

This mental disorder is a type of dementia that strongly affects memory, being a neurodegenerative disease, that is, a constant degradation of brain functions that interferes with daily life.

Alzheimer’s itself causes constant memory loss as a result of the death of brain neurons , making it a complicated condition to treat. 

Note: An initial dose of risperidone with 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg tablets every 12 hours is recommended.

4. Conduct disorders

This mental condition is caused by severe trauma to the frontal lobe of the brain , an essential part for cognitive functions , where, due to these disorders, social behavior and memory are altered.

The alteration of these functions leads to Unethical behavior at a social level , a person can become violent, manipulative, with episodes of aggression or lack of important values. 

To highlight: The drug risperidone is prescribed to reduce aggressive behaviors , especially in adolescents up to 18 years of age with initially low doses of 0.5 mg per day.

Risperidone Side Effects

The effects of risperidone can be seen with some frequency but in a light and temporary way, both in children and adolescents, as well as in adults. However, it is recommended to be aware of these reactions:

• Drowsiness.
• Abdominal pain.
• Constipation.
• headache.
• Nausea.

Risperidone Contraindications

This metabolite and its derived medications must always be used under prescription. For these reasons ,it is not indicated as a treatment for certain people with different disorders, among which are:

• Hypersensitivity to the active principle.
• Patients with cerebral ischemia.
• Renal insufficiency.
• Liver failure.
• Epilepsy.

Key Conclusions

• Risperidone is an active metabolite and an Antipsychotic Medication , more efficient than other classical drugs of its type. 
• It is used to Treat symptoms of mental disorders such as dementia, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. 
• Risperidone can cause side effects such as drowsiness, headache, and nausea. 
• Risperidone is not indicated for patients with epilepsy, hypersensitivity to the active substance and renal impairment.