Risperidone - Stepwards

Page Contents

1 WHAT IS IT?
2 WHEN DO WE USE IT?
3 WHEN DO WE AVOID USING IT?
4 HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?
5 WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS/TOXICITY?
6 ANYTHING ELSE TO KEEP IN MIND?
7 FURTHER READING

WHAT IS IT?

Risperidone (Risperdal) is a second generation/atypical antipsychoitc medication. The mechanism of action is not completely understood, however it is believed to have varied effects on the following receptors:

Serotonin (5-HT2)
Dopamine (D2 receptor antagonist): the loss of dopamine signaling with this medication will cause an increase in prolactin/prolactin signlaing.
Adrenergic (α)
Histamine (H1)

WHEN DO WE USE IT?

Acute psychosis: this medication is one of the more effective antipsychotics for patients who present with acute psychosis.

Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, OCD, anxiety disorder, depression, mania, Tourette syndrome.

WHEN DO WE AVOID USING IT?

In patients with known hypersensitivity to this medication.

HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?

Oral or IM

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS/TOXICITY?

Hormonal side effects: galactorrhea, gynecomastia, irregular menstruation, fertility issues. These are all thought to be caused by increased prolactin with the usage of risperidone (dopamine inhibits prolactin normally).

Prolong QT interval

ANYTHING ELSE TO KEEP IN MIND?

For Schizophrenia, a medication like risperiodone is typically first line therapy.