risperidone
an atypical ANTIPSYCHOTIC drug used in the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychoses in patients unresponsive to conventional antipsychotics. Side-effects, which are fewer and less severe than those of the older antipsychotics, include nausea, anxiety, headache, and fatigue.
Risperidone is used to treat schizophrenia (a mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves), bipolar disorder (a disease that causes depression, mania, and other abnormal moods), and irritability symptoms (aggression, temper tantrums, mood changes) in those with autistic disorder (a developmental problem that affects how individuals communicate, learn and behave). Risperidone is in a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking risperidone affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
In some people, risperidone may raise levels of a hormone called prolactin, and high prolactin can stop ovulation, which would make it harder to get pregnant. A healthcare provider can test prolactin levels if there is concern, and any questions about fertility should be discussed with them.
Does taking risperidone increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. According to the available information, risperidone use is not expected to increase the chance of miscarriage. Any specific concerns should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking risperidone increase the risk of birth defects?
About 3 out of 100 babies are born with a birth defect in the general population. Some studies have reported an increased chance of birth defects with risperidone use during pregnancy while others have not; overall, if there is an increased chance, it is likely small. This is something to review with your healthcare provider in the context of your individual situation.
Can taking risperidone during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Findings have been mixed: one study found no increase in preterm delivery, while another suggested a possible increase in low birth weight. Risperidone may also cause weight gain and blood sugar changes, which could increase the chance of gestational diabetes. Babies exposed near delivery should be monitored for temporary symptoms such as stiff or floppy muscles, drowsiness, agitation, tremors, breathing trouble, or feeding problems, which typically resolve within a few days—your healthcare provider should know you are taking risperidone so the baby can be monitored.
Can taking risperidone during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
One study that looked at risperidone use in the second half of pregnancy did not find an increased chance of autism, attention deficit, or intellectual disability in the exposed children. Data are limited, so longer-term questions are best discussed with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking risperidone?
Information is limited, but at doses up to 6 mg a day risperidone has been found in breastmilk in small amounts, and side effects were not reported in a small number of breastfed infants. The product label recommends not breastfeeding while using risperidone, though the benefits of the medication may outweigh possible risks in some situations. If a breastfed baby shows symptoms such as sleepiness, poor feeding, crankiness, or unusual movements, contact the child's healthcare provider, and discuss the decision about breastfeeding with your own provider.
Source: National Library of Medicine
risperidone