Can Risperdal Be Stopped After 3 Days?
No, Risperdal (risperidone) should not be stopped after only 3 days—abrupt discontinuation of antipsychotics is considered unacceptable medical care and can trigger withdrawal symptoms, even after short-term use. 1
Why Abrupt Discontinuation Is Problematic
- Withdrawal risk exists even with brief exposure: While most evidence focuses on longer-term use, the principle that sudden cessation of antipsychotics represents poor medical practice applies regardless of duration 1
- Physiological changes occur rapidly: Risperidone achieves steady-state receptor occupancy within days, meaning even 3 days of exposure creates pharmacological effects that shouldn't be abruptly reversed 2
Recommended Approach After 3 Days of Use
If discontinuation is necessary after only 3 days, a brief taper is still prudent:
- Reduce to half the dose for 2-3 days, then discontinue 1
- Monitor for withdrawal symptoms including insomnia, anxiety, irritability, or return of original symptoms 1
- If withdrawal symptoms emerge, temporarily return to the previous dose before attempting a slower reduction 1
Context: Standard Discontinuation Guidelines
For comparison, when stopping risperidone after therapeutic use:
- After 3 months of use: Tapering can be done successfully, though relapse risk exists 2
- Standard taper protocol: Reduce by 0.5mg every 2-4 weeks, with the entire process taking 8-16 weeks 1
- In dementia patients: Discontinuation after 4-8 months showed 60% relapse rate versus 33% with continued treatment 3
- In autism spectrum disorders: Relapse occurred in 67% switched to placebo versus 25% continuing risperidone after 6 months 4
Critical Considerations
- The 3-day timeframe is too short to assess therapeutic benefit: Studies demonstrating efficacy require at least 3 days at steady state before meaningful assessment 2
- Avoid "cold turkey" cessation: This applies even to very short exposures, as the principle of gradual discontinuation is fundamental to antipsychotic management 1
- Document the reason for early discontinuation: Whether due to adverse effects, incorrect diagnosis, or patient preference, this guides the discontinuation approach 5