Risperidone is used for the treatment of psychotic disorders, for example, schizophrenia. It also is used in combination with lithium or valproate for the treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.

This medication works by interfering with the communication among nerves in the brain. The nerves communicate with one another by producing and releasing chemicals called neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters attach to receptors on other nearby nerves, and the attachment of the neurotransmitter causes changes in the cells that have the receptor on them. Risperidone blocks several of the receptors on nerves including dopamine type 2, serotonin type 2, and alpha 2 adrenergic receptors and this blocks communication among nerves.

Risperidone is a relatively new antipsychotic medication that probably has fewer side effects than many of the older medications.

 

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