From the Research
Risperidone is typically prescribed at low doses for Tourette syndrome, starting at 0.25-0.5 mg daily for children and adolescents, with gradual titration up to 1-3 mg daily divided into two doses based on symptom response and tolerability, as supported by the most recent study 1. The dosing guidelines for risperidone in treating Tourette syndrome should prioritize minimizing side effects while effectively managing tic symptoms.
- Treatment should begin at the lowest possible dose and increase slowly over several weeks to minimize side effects.
- For adults, starting doses of 0.5-1 mg daily with titration up to 4-6 mg daily may be used, as indicated by previous studies 2, 3.
- Risperidone works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors, which helps reduce the excessive dopaminergic activity thought to contribute to tics.
- Common side effects include weight gain, sedation, and increased prolactin levels, so regular monitoring is essential, as noted in 4, 5.
- Treatment duration is individualized, with periodic attempts to reduce the dose or discontinue medication to assess ongoing need.
- Risperidone should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include behavioral therapy, and patients should be monitored for metabolic changes, extrapyramidal symptoms, and tardive dyskinesia, as recommended by 1.