From the Research
A taper is generally not required when stopping risperidone after less than a month of use, though consulting with a healthcare provider is still recommended. For short-term use under one month, most patients can safely discontinue risperidone without a gradual reduction in dose, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study available 1. However, individual factors such as dose amount, medical history, and specific symptoms being treated may influence this decision. Some patients might experience mild withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, nausea, or dizziness even after short-term use. The reason a taper is less necessary with short-term use is that the body hasn't had sufficient time to develop significant physiological dependence on the medication. Risperidone works by blocking dopamine and serotonin receptors, and with brief use, these neurotransmitter systems can typically readjust quickly when the medication is stopped. If you're taking other medications concurrently or have a history of sensitivity to medication changes, it's particularly important to discuss discontinuation with your doctor before stopping.
Key considerations for discontinuing risperidone after less than a month of use include:
- The dose and duration of risperidone treatment
- The patient's medical history and current health status
- The presence of any underlying psychiatric or medical conditions
- The potential for withdrawal symptoms or relapse of underlying symptoms It's essential to weigh these factors and consider the latest evidence, such as the study published in 2024 1, which suggests that slower tapering of antipsychotics may be associated with a lower risk of relapse. However, for short-term use, the risk of relapse is generally lower, and a taper may not be necessary. Ultimately, the decision to taper or discontinue risperidone should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account the individual patient's needs and circumstances.