Risperdal
(Risperidone)
Risperdal is an atypical antipsychotic effective for schizophrenia, bipolar mania, and irritability associated with autism. It is also available as a long-acting injectable, which can be helpful for people who prefer less frequent dosing.
Most students with insurance pay a $25 average copay. No insurance? Sessions start at $110.
Risperdal works by blocking dopamine and serotonin receptors. Its active ingredient, risperidone, is effective at managing psychotic symptoms and mood instability, and its injectable formulation makes it a practical option for people who have difficulty with daily oral medications.
How Semester Health works
Getting started at Semester health is easy and personalized.
Book a free 15-minute consult
Tell us a little about yourself — no pressure, no commitment. Just a conversation.
Meet your provider
Connect with a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider via video or in person in Texas.
Attend regular sessions
Flexible, personalized care tailored to your life and your semester.
The people behind your care
We connect you with a carefully curated network of psychiatrists vetted for clinical excellence and exceptional patient experience. With a wide range of specialties, backgrounds, and approaches, you’ll find a provider who understands your individual needs and can create a medication management plan tailored to you.
Your insurance questions, answered.
-
Risperdal (risperidone) is FDA-approved for schizophrenia (adults and adolescents), bipolar I mania, and irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder.
-
Risperdal is available as a long-acting injection (Risperdal Consta) given every 2 weeks. This can help people who struggle with daily oral doses or who have had issues with medication adherence.
-
Sedation, weight gain, increased prolactin levels, movement-related side effects (restlessness, stiffness), and metabolic changes are the most common.
-
Risperdal raises prolactin more than most other atypical antipsychotics. This can cause irregular periods, breast tenderness, or other hormonal effects. Tell your psychiatrist if you notice these.
-
Risperdal is FDA-approved for adolescents with schizophrenia and autism-related irritability. Close monitoring is important in younger patients.
-
Yes — at higher doses, Risperdal can cause extrapyramidal symptoms like stiffness, tremor, or restlessness. Your psychiatrist will use the lowest effective dose.
-
For acute psychosis or mania, improvement is typically seen within 1–2 weeks. Full stabilisation may take several weeks.
-
Book a free consult at Semeter Health. Our psychiatrists will assess your needs and determine whether Risperdal is the right option.