From the Research
Tapering off risperidone 1mg twice daily should be done gradually under medical supervision, with a recommended reduction of one quarter of the most recent dose every 3-6 months, to minimize withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse of the condition being treated. This approach is supported by the most recent and highest quality study, which suggests that a hyperbolic tapering method can reduce the risk of relapse by allowing underlying adaptations time to resolve 1.
Key Considerations
- The tapering process should be individualized, taking into account the patient's tolerance and medical history.
- Monitoring for withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, agitation, or return of original symptoms is crucial during the tapering process.
- The gradual reduction allows the brain to adjust to decreasing levels of the medication, as risperidone affects dopamine and serotonin receptors that the brain has adapted to over time.
- Never stop risperidone abruptly, as this can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal effects and potential symptom rebound.
Tapering Schedule
- Start by reducing the dose by one quarter of the most recent dose (e.g., from 1mg twice daily to 0.75mg twice daily) every 3-6 months.
- Continue to reduce the dose by one quarter of the most recent dose every 3-6 months, until the final dose is as small as 1/40th of the therapeutic dose.
- If significant difficulties are experienced during the taper, the doctor may adjust the schedule to make it more gradual or temporarily pause at a certain dose until side effects subside.
Importance of Medical Supervision
- Tapering off risperidone should only be done under the guidance of a medical professional, as they can monitor the patient's progress and adjust the tapering schedule as needed.
- Medical supervision can help minimize the risk of relapse and ensure a safe and successful tapering process.