What is the brand name for Risperidone?
The brand name for Risperidone is Risperdal.
PTCE Top 200 · #176
Risperidone
Risperdal
Risperidone is the generic name for the brand-name drug Risperdal. It is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar, autism. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Risperidone ranks #176 and is one of the most frequently tested cns/psych medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Risperidone |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Risperdal |
| Drug class | Atypical antipsychotic |
| Class group | CNS/Psych |
| Common use | schizophrenia, bipolar, autism |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Risperidone used for?
Treatment of schizophrenia; acute mania/mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder; irritability associated with autism; other indications depending on formulation.
What drug class is Risperidone?
Risperidone is an Atypical antipsychotic in the CNS/Psych group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Risperidone
- arrow_rightSleepiness/somnolence
- arrow_rightWeight gain
- arrow_rightDizziness
- arrow_rightOrthostatic hypotension
- arrow_rightExtrapyramidal symptoms (tremor, rigidity)
- arrow_rightIncreased prolactin
- arrow_rightConstipation
- arrow_rightDry mouth
Major interactions
- arrow_rightCNS depressants (additive sedation)
- arrow_rightAntihypertensives (additive hypotension)
- arrow_rightQT-prolonging drugs (additive arrhythmia risk)
- arrow_rightCYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine) increase risperidone levels
- arrow_rightDopamine agonists may have reduced effect
Is Risperidone a controlled substance?
No. Risperidone is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
Increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotics (not approved for dementia-related psychosis).
How to remember Risperidone (PTCE mnemonic)
RIS-perdal RISks prolactin — risperidone has HIGHEST prolactin elevation (gynecomastia, galactorrhea); EPS at higher doses; metabolic SEs; elderly dementia boxed.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Risperidone tops the atypicals for prolactin elevation — and the class boxed warning applies: increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
Risperidone FAQ
What is Risperidone used for?
Risperidone is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar, autism. Treatment of schizophrenia; acute mania/mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder; irritability associated with autism; other indications depending on formulation.
What drug class is Risperidone?
Risperidone is an Atypical antipsychotic (CNS/Psych group).
Is Risperidone a controlled substance?
No. Risperidone is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the CNS/Psych group
Drill Risperidone the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).