Risperdal

Recommended dosage

SCHIZOPHRENIA

Adults

Doses of Risperdal can be taken once a day, or divided in half and taken twice daily. The usual dose on the first day is 2 milligrams or 2 milliliters of oral solution. On the second day, the dose increases to 4 milligrams or milliliters, and on the third day rises to 6 milligrams or milliliters. Further dosage adjustments can be made at intervals of 1 week. Over the long term, typical daily doses range from 2 to 8 milligrams or milliliters.

BIPOLAR MANIA (SHORT-TERM TREATMENT OF ACUTE EPISODES)

Adults

The recommended starting dose is 2 to 3 milligrams (or milliliters of oral solution) per day, given as a single dose. If needed, the doctor will adjust the dose by 1 milligram at intervals of at least 24 hours. The effective dosage range is 1 to 6 milligrams a day.

DOSAGE ADJUSTMENT

The doctor may prescribe lower doses if you are weak, elderly, have liver or kidney disease, or have a high risk for low blood pressure. The usual starting dose is 0.5 milligram (or 0.5 milliliter of oral solution) twice a day. The doctor may switch you to a once-a-day dosing schedule after the first 2 to 3 days of treatment.

If needed, each dose may be increased by increments of no more than 0.5 milligram. Increases to dosages above 1.5 milligrams twice a day should generally me made at intervals of at least 1 week.

You may also need your Risperdal dose adjusted if you're taking certain medications, including Dilantin, Paxil, phenobarbital, Prozac, Rifadin, and Tegretol.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Risperdal, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Risperdal overdose may include:
  Drowsiness, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, sedation