From the Guidelines
Risperidone can cause several side effects, including common effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and weight gain, as well as more serious effects like metabolic changes, extrapyramidal symptoms, and elevated prolactin levels, as noted in studies such as 1 and 1. The side effects of risperidone can be categorized into common and serious side effects. Common side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Restlessness More concerning side effects include:
- Metabolic changes, such as elevated blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides, which may increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular issues, as mentioned in 1
- Extrapyramidal symptoms, like muscle stiffness, tremors, and involuntary movements, particularly at higher doses, as noted in 1
- Elevated prolactin levels, potentially causing sexual dysfunction, breast enlargement, and irregular menstruation Serious but rare side effects include:
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, and altered mental status
- Tardive dyskinesia, involuntary movements that may become permanent
- Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis have an increased risk of stroke and death when taking risperidone, as mentioned in 1 The medication's side effect profile is related to its action on dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain, which while helping to control psychotic symptoms, can affect other bodily functions. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential when taking this medication, as recommended in 1 and 1. It is also important to note that the risk of side effects may vary depending on the dose and duration of treatment, as well as individual patient factors, such as age and medical history, as discussed in 1. Overall, the potential benefits of risperidone must be carefully weighed against the potential risks, and patients should be closely monitored for any signs of side effects, as recommended in 1 and 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS SECTION 5. 1 Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis ... 5.2 Cerebrovascular Adverse Reactions, Including Stroke, in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis ... 5. 3 Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome ... Table 13Adverse Reactions in ≥ 5% of RISPERIDONE-Treated Pediatric Patients (and greater than placebo) ... The following additional adverse reactions occurred across all placebo-controlled, activecontrolled, and open-label studies of RISPERIDONE in adults and pediatric patients
The potential side effects of Risperidone include:
- Increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
- Cerebrovascular adverse reactions, including stroke, in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, a potentially fatal symptom complex
- Tardive Dyskinesia, a syndrome of potentially irreversible, involuntary, dyskinetic movements
- Extrapyramidal symptoms, including Parkinsonism, akathisia, dystonia, and tremor
- Sedation, drowsiness, and fatigue
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
- Dizziness, headache, and orthostatic hypotension
- Rash, pruritus, and other skin reactions
- Seizures and convulsions (in rare cases)
These side effects are based on data from clinical trials and postmarketing reports, as described in the FDA drug label 2, 2, and 2.
From the Research
Potential Side Effects of Risperidone
The potential side effects of risperidone, an antipsychotic medication, include:
- Weight gain: Studies have shown that risperidone can cause significant weight gain in patients, particularly in adolescents and children 3, 4, 5.
- Metabolic disturbances: Risperidone has been linked to metabolic disturbances, such as dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia, which can increase the risk of developing obesity and related metabolic complications 6, 7, 4.
- Increased risk of obesity: Long-term treatment with risperidone has been shown to increase the risk of obesity and metabolic dysregulation in children and adolescents 4.
- Changes in lipid metabolism: Risperidone has been found to alter lipid metabolism in the liver, leading to increased levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol 3, 6.
- Increased blood glucose levels: Risperidone has been linked to increased blood glucose levels and insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes 7, 4.
- Other side effects: Risperidone may also cause other side effects, such as increased prolactin levels, changes in feeding-control parameters, and extrapyramidal symptoms 7, 5.
Age-Specific Side Effects
The side effects of risperidone may vary depending on the age of the patient:
- Adolescents: Risperidone has been shown to cause significant weight gain and changes in body mass index (BMI) in adolescents 5.
- Children: Long-term treatment with risperidone has been linked to an increased risk of obesity and metabolic dysregulation in children 4.
- Adults: Risperidone may cause metabolic disturbances, such as dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia, in adults, particularly those with a history of metabolic disorders 7.
- Older adults: Risperidone may cause changes in lipid metabolism and increased blood glucose levels in older adults, particularly those with a history of cardiovascular disease 3.