Risperidone Dosing

The recommended starting risperidone dosing for schizophrenia is 1 mg twice daily. For the treatment of bipolar disorder, the recommended starting dose is 2 mg to 3 mg once daily. The dosing guidelines for treating irritability due to autism will vary based on weight and age, among other factors.

 

An Introduction to Risperidone Dosing

The dose of risperidone (Risperdal®) your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age and weight
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may currently be taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your risperidone dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
Risperidone Dosing for Schizophrenia
The recommended starting risperidone dose for schizophrenia in adults is risperidone 1 mg twice daily (or risperidone 2 mg once daily). Usually, the dose can be increased slowly in the next few days, up to risperidone 3 mg twice daily (or 6 mg once daily) by the third day. If necessary, your healthcare provider may increase your dose up to risperidone 16 mg total per day.
 
The recommended Risperdal dose for treating schizophrenia in children age 13 to 17 years old is Risperdal 0.5 mg once daily. Your child's healthcare provider may slowly increase the Risperdal dose if necessary.
 
Risperidone Dosing for Bipolar Disorder
The recommended starting risperidone dose for bipolar disorder in adults is risperidone 2 mg to 3 mg once daily. Your healthcare provider may increase your dose up to a maximum of risperidone 6 mg once daily if necessary.
Elderly people, or those with liver or kidney disease, should be started at a lower dose (risperidone 0.5 mg twice daily).
 
The recommended Risperdal dose for treating bipolar disorder in children age 10 to 17 years old is Risperdal 0.5 mg once daily. Your child's healthcare provider may slowly increase the Risperdal dose if necessary.
(Risperidone Dosing Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;