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Risperidone User Reviews & Ratings

Brand names: Risperdal, Uzedy, Risperdal Consta, Perseris, Rykindo Risvan

Risperidone has an average rating of 5.5 out of 10 from a total of 706 reviews on Drugs.com. 40% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 37% reported a negative experience.

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Reviews for Risperidone

  • Anx...
  • November 18, 2019

For Anxiety "Risperidone is a miracle drug for me. It has quite literally changed my life. My anxiety followed me everywhere I went, all day, every day. I felt like I had no control over myself or my life. I switched from Abilify to risperidone about three months ago, and I'm like a new person. Night and day. I went from constant paralyzing anxiety and weekly panic attacks to having only occasional anxiety, and at a much more manageable level when I do get it. I actually can't believe how much better I feel. I'm crying as I write this because I am just so happy to be feeling the way I'm feeling. My thoughts no longer race, I can concentrate on one thing at a time, use logic to make calm and rational decisions, I'm no longer constantly nauseated, my compulsive behaviors have all but disappeared, and I have become a much happier and more open person. I feel a million pounds lighter. I am so grateful to risperidone for giving me my life back."

10 / 10
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  • Gin...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 16, 2019

For Anxiety "I was put on 2 mg of risperidone as an adjunct to Mirtazapine for anxiety. I was incredibly reluctant to take it, it's an antipsychotic after all, and I was terrified it would make me into a drooling zombie. For the first few days, I felt awful. My anxiety turned into full-on paranoia, and I could hardly think or speak clearly. Then suddenly, I woke up and felt calm and collected. No more racing thoughts, no more battles inside my own head. I'm so grateful for this medication. My only regret is that I took so long thinking I could cure myself with exercise, fad diets, and supplements. I should have gone on this a long time ago. To anyone who is worried about going on this - don't be. When it works, it works brilliantly."

10 / 10
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  • Bri...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 1, 2013

Risperdal (risperidone) for Autism "My son is almost 4. He is autistic, and his violent rage got completely out of control. His pediatrician prescribed Risperidone for him about a week ago, and so far, the results have been mind-blowing. He is on 1 mL once daily. He has had minimal side effects (tremors, fatigue), however, the aggression, outbursts, meltdowns, and violence have ceased completely. He is also non-verbal, and I do not know if this medicine is a contributing factor, but in the last week alone, my son has started repeating words and even sang his ABC's out of nowhere. This has been a godsend for us!"

9 / 10
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335 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Low...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 25, 2020

Risperdal (risperidone) for Bipolar Disorder "Yesterday, I requested an emergency call from my psychiatrist, and she called this pill in because I was in a severe manic episode. I didn’t think it would work, nothing has. Then the insurance didn’t pay for it. I was ready to go to a psych hospital at this point. Luckily, I had a little bit of money, and the pharmacy let me partially fill it because the effects are amazing. Literally stopped my manic episode dead in its tracks, and two hours later, I was feeling amazing! Like I said, I was in such a bad manic episode, and I have extreme anxiety too, so I was literally ready to admit myself into a hospital and just give up on life altogether. But I’m self-employed, own a business, and I’m moving next week, so I really didn’t want to wind up in a hospital or worse in jail for doing something crazy! This drug may have just saved my life altogether!"

10 / 10
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  • Joe...
  • August 23, 2014

Risperdal (risperidone) for Autism "My son was on risperidone at 4 years old for aggression associated with Autism. This medication has changed his life. No more aggression and very happy. He is now 8 and doing great. We did attempt to take him off to see if he still needed the medication at age 7 and all his past behaviors, hitting, kicking, swearing, crying came back immediately. With my son, we could not miss a dose and has to be given at the same time each day. He is now on 3x per day 0.5 given at school by nurse for afternoons. He has had no major side effects. He is very tall and very skinny. When he first got on the medication he became overweight, we changed his diet to more fruit and protein and the weight came off quickly. Highly recommend this medication."

10 / 10
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236 Report

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  • Swe...
  • September 30, 2017

Risperdal (risperidone) for Bipolar Disorder "Risperidone has really helped me. I used to be either depressed or manic. My thoughts are clear and my mood is stable now. I would like to mention that I have not gained a single pound on this drug. Always, always, always... take this right before you lay down at night to go to sleep. Take this pill, then lay down and go to bed. That way, you will sleep your way through the munchies. I take it as though it is a sleeping pill and it works for me. I just wanted to share, in hopes that this will help someone else struggling with weight gain."

9 / 10
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  • Jda...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 1, 2020

For Anxiety "Risperidone literally ruined my life. Before taking this drug, I was outgoing and social, but now I can't even talk to people or socialize. It also makes me super depressed and anxious. I wanna know if the side effects go away or is it permanent. P.S.: I wish I never took this drug."

1 / 10
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130 Report
  • Ara...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 10, 2020

Risperdal (risperidone) for Schizophrenia "Risperidone saved my life. Before it, I was suffering from delusions, and I was paranoid all the time. But ever since being put on 2mg, all the delusions have stopped, and I can function like a normal human being. I've had no side effects whatsoever. I was scared of starting risperidone because of all the negative reviews, but it is honestly the best antipsychotic I have tried (and I've tried three). I haven't put on weight, I haven't got an increased appetite, I am not drowsy, I am not lazy or zombie-like, and I am not lactating."

10 / 10
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107 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 2, 2018

Risperdal Consta (risperidone) for Schizophrenia "Can't play sports anymore on med. Can't think straight. Constantly tired. Don't even have enough drive to bathe myself. This drug suppresses me in all aspects. The schizophrenia isn't even that bad in comparison to this. It's torture being on this. One day society will see how bad we were mistreated."

1 / 10
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146 Report
  • Len...
  • January 11, 2013

For Anxiety "Really helped me with severe anxieties and mood swings. Calms me down, makes me less irritated and obsessive, helps me fall asleep. Better to take it before going to sleep. I tried taking it in the morning and couldn't get through the day (feeling too sleepy and out of it). It works wonders for those with extreme emotions."

9 / 10
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199 Report
  • Anonymous
  • June 29, 2011

Risperdal (risperidone) for Autism "My son became aggressive when he hit puberty (age 11), so the psychiatrist put him on this. For the first 2 months I was happy with the results. But his aggression started increasing, and he became extremely aggressive over the next year. His psychiatrist attributed it to rising male hormones and kept increasing the dosage, until my son was on 8 mg/day. I finally had to have my son hospitalized, as he was a danger to me and others. I was fed up, so I changed psychiatrists. She prescribed Abilify, but it took weeks to wean my son off the Risperdal. However, once he was off it, he became the lovely boy he used to be. Every child is different, so keep that in mind!"

2 / 10
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  • Jda...
  • February 1, 2020

Risperdal (risperidone) "This medication literally ruined my life. I used to be outgoing and social, but now I'm just really silent. It makes me feel really depressed and anxious. I lost passion for the things I love like music and writing. I used to study finance, but now I lost my drive to study. I want to know if the side effects go away or if they are permanent. Does it also make anyone else quiet to the point where it ruins your life?"

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  • Jam...
  • June 12, 2020

Risperdal (risperidone) for Bipolar Disorder "I have Bipolar type 1 disorder. I take 1200mg of lithium, 1mg of Risperdal, and 25mg of Quetiapine. When I initially started the Risperdal, it fired me up with the same effects that I've experienced on previous occasions with antidepressants. It also began to mess with my sleeping pattern. For example, I would constantly be waking up two hours before my scheduled time. The good news, however, is that these side effects which I endured were short-lived, and after 3 weeks, they settled down. Any issues that I had previously encountered with regards to psychotic features: Hearing voices and talking to myself excessively, impulsivity, and anxiety all seemed to vanish from the face of my earth."

9 / 10
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  • Won...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 17, 2013

For Anxiety "Started initially at low 0.5 mg nightly dose and it helped a little. Then went to 1.0 mg and within days felt an amazing sense of calm and peace. They say it is serotonergic at low doses. No side effects. It's a keeper."

10 / 10
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157 Report
  • Anonymous
  • February 17, 2011

Risperdal (risperidone) for Asperger Syndrome "Our son has ADHD and Asperger's and often lost his temper and was irritable. We started him on 0.25 mg of Risperdal each morning for 2 weeks, and he is happy and sleeps better. To see him smiling and happy is worth it."

10 / 10
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180 Report
  • Sim...
  • September 21, 2016

For Anxiety "Had a severe nervous breakdown in 1998. I was a policeman and totally lost the plot. While anti-depressants eventually took the depression away, I was left with chronic anxiety. So after therapy, my doctor recommended this drug at 0.5 mg morning and evening. Before, my mind was racing, but this drug stopped me in my tracks. It wasn't a nice first two weeks, I felt like a zombie. But after this time, I suddenly woke up one morning, and the world was a beautiful place again. No more severe panic attacks, no more dreaded thoughts, just peace in my life. As I say, the first two weeks were unpleasant, but I'm so glad I stuck it out. A little weight gain, variable bowel movements, and one other thing, don't overdo it with alcohol."

10 / 10
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  • orc...
  • October 26, 2019

Risperdal (risperidone) for Autism "I was given this horrific drug, Risperdal, at 14 years old because my anger was out of control. I had an eating disorder and gained over 20 pounds in 2 or 3 weeks despite starving myself. The weight kept piling on. I was very uncomfortable and couldn't get used to it. It makes me angry that mentally ill people are expected to just live with the uncontrollable weight gain for the sake of mental health. I felt like I was constantly in a fog. I could barely understand or react to anything anyone was saying, I had uncontrollable jerky tics. My night terrors got way worse. I fought my parents tooth and nail to get off this drug. They tried to hide it in my food and drinks, but I saw pieces and grinds of it every time. After a few weeks, I stopped taking it. I found out later the tics and movement problems can be permanent if you stay on these types of drugs for long. I'm not sure how long though. Doctors kept trying to push anti-psychotics on me, and I flat-out refused."

1 / 10
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  • Dad...
  • September 26, 2013

Risperdal (risperidone) for Autism "My 4-year-old takes 0.5 mg dissolvable tablets twice a day. It has helped a little with sleep, but more with aggression. The pharmacy changed it to an off-name brand, his aggression got three times worse. His doctor switched it to the name brand, and he was back to normal. I was told that this is common with some off brands. We can't believe there's that big a difference."

10 / 10
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139 Report
  • Mom...
  • May 26, 2019

Risperdal (risperidone) for Asperger Syndrome "My son was given risperidone at age 6. He took it for 2 weeks. He became a blob. Sure, the teachers loved it. He was sweet, not hyper, and easy to manage. The downside? Yeah, he was a blob of a kid just sitting there, dull as can be, and then on his tiny frame, he gained TEN POUNDS IN TWO WEEKS. Two. He couldn't even put his jeans on! OMG. I took him off of it, and he was back to being hyper, laughing, and fun, but annoying. So, suck it up, teachers. He just is what he is. Needless to say, today, a few years later, after ABA therapy and other therapy, he's just fine. Stay away. I also found out that Risperdal causes boys to sprout breasts and lactate. The next psychiatrist we had said NEVER put a boy on that medication… they grow breasts. So yeah, not a good medication for us."

1 / 10
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80 Report
  • Anonymous
  • June 16, 2009

Risperdal (risperidone) for Schizophrenia "I used to hear voices on a daily basis, especially when I was near a fan or running water. The noise turned into words. Since I have been on Risperdal, I have had a significant decrease in the voices to where they are almost gone. If I don't get any sleep or I am really stressed out, the voices come back, so I try to get plenty of sleep and avoid stressful situations. I give Risperdal an A. The first week on Risperdal, I was extremely sleepy. It was really hard to wake up, but now I am fine, and my body has adapted to the medication. You should try it. The peace of mind I get from Risperdal is priceless. I used to think my thoughts were being broadcast out loud, and now my own thoughts are much quieter."

10 / 10
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167 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 11, 2012

Risperdal (risperidone) for Bipolar Disorder "I feel calm all of the time. With the exception of some grave disaster, nothing gets me down. I feel normal for the first time. I haven't gained any weight either. Sometimes I do get the munchies. When this happens, I eat a bunch of grapes, celery or fat-free/sugar-free pudding made with fat-free milk. You don't have to gain weight. I gave it a 9 because I don't like how sedating it is."

9 / 10
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135 Report
  • gig...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 8, 2013

For Depression "After getting used to the medicine, which took a couple of weeks of confusion, I began to realize my problems with 35 years of depression, especially bad in the last five years, went away like magic! My focus also improved. I cannot tell you how good it feels not to go to those deep, dark thoughts, lack of motivation, and an 'I don't care' attitude. Being able to stay present in a pleasant world I had missed for so long is a wonder, and I had no idea it treated depression. The only problem I have with it is, it makes the muscles in my legs, both above and below the knees, hurt quite a bit. If the makers ever go back to tinkering with its chemistry, stopping the pain would be smart, with a super-low start dose recommended."

9 / 10
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129 Report
  • Akm...
  • August 11, 2016

For Anxiety "I suffered from panic disorder and during a low point a psychiatrist prescribed risperidone. After 3 days, my panic was gone completely. This is a life-saver. I only used it short-term, 10 days, and would do it again. It has been 4 years since I took it, and I still cannot believe what a life-changing experience it was. It felt like my brain started thinking logically again."

10 / 10
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99 Report
  • gat...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 14, 2020

Risperdal (risperidone) for Bipolar Disorder "I've tried a lot of different meds, my favorite by far is Lamictal, but it stopped working after 10 years. I started Risperidone a year ago. It makes me calm, I hardly get angry, I have no anxiety, and I have not had an episode since I started it. I feel great on it in general. The downside is that it makes me lazy, I'm so chill now that I'm totally comfortable just sitting on the couch. I feel relaxed and balanced, but without the anxiety, I have no reason to get up and 'run it off'. The biggest and worst issue I have with it is the damn weight gain. I've always been super fit and thin, but now I have a belly that I just can't get rid of. If it didn't work so well for my mood, I would get off of it immediately to lose my weight. I would still recommend it and I won't be stopping it anytime soon."

8 / 10
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62 Report
  • Kon...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 25, 2014

For Anxiety "I'm amazed at how well this is helping me. I got postpartum anxiety, and it was taking over my life. I started to feel like I was going nuts and became withdrawn and mentally sick. I've been on this for four days now at a 1/2 mg, and it's worked wonders. I feel like I'm getting my life back already."

9 / 10
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111 Report
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.