Risperidone is a prescription medication that can help manage certain mental health and behavioral symptoms. It is used to treat schizophrenia, support mood stability in conditions like bipolar disorder, and reduce irritability in children and teens with autism.

By helping balance chemicals in the brain, risperidone can make your symptoms easier to manage and daily life more manageable.

Some people taking risperidone may notice changes in appetite or gradual weight gain over time. This is a common side effect, especially with long-term use or higher doses. Keeping an eye on your weight, eating balanced meals, and staying active can help manage this.

If you’re concerned about your weight while taking risperidone, talk to your provider. They can help you find ways to manage this effect or discuss other treatment options.

Risperidone, like other atypical antipsychotics, can interact with several medications. This includes blood pressure drugs, seizure medications, certain antibiotics, and other medicines that affect dopamine or the nervous system. Using risperidone with other neuroleptic or antipsychotic medications like haloperidol, clozapine, or aripiprazole may increase the risk of symptoms.

Don’t take risperidone if you have a known allergy to this drug or to paliperidone. Always tell your healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking before starting a new regimen.

Risperidone is only available with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. You cannot buy risperidone over-the-counter (OTC). Providers on Sesame can write a prescription or refill an existing one during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

There are several medications out there in addition to risperidone that are commonly used to treat mood disorders. Each works a little bit differently. Quetiapine (generic Seroquel) and olanzapine (generic Zyprexa) are also antipsychotics that can help manage mood swings, depression, and other symptoms.

Lithium and lamotrigine are mood stabilizers often used for bipolar disorder. Your provider will choose the best option or combination of medications based on your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals.

Sesame also makes it easy to access affordable mental health care, so you can get the support and prescriptions you need from the comfort of home.