Description
Riscan (risperidone) 2 mg
Riscan 2 mg is a brand name for risperidone, an oral atypical antipsychotic medicine. The verified active ingredient in this product is risperidone. It is used in psychiatric care for established indications including schizophrenia and acute manic or mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I disorder.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
Risperidone is a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic. It acts on dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain, which is the basis of its antipsychotic effect.
Established Medical Uses
According to the U.S. prescribing information, risperidone is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia and for acute manic or mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I disorder, either as monotherapy or with lithium or valproate. It is also approved for irritability associated with autistic disorder in some populations, but that use is separate from the product description provided here.
How It Works
Risperidone reduces overactivity in certain brain signalling pathways by blocking dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. This receptor profile is associated with improvement in psychotic and manic symptoms while generally causing fewer movement-related adverse effects than older antipsychotics, although these effects can still occur.
Important Safety Information
Risperidone is not approved for dementia-related psychosis because antipsychotic use in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis is associated with increased mortality. It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to risperidone, paliperidone, or excipients. Important precautions include neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, metabolic changes such as hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia and weight gain, orthostatic hypotension, leukopenia/neutropenia, seizures, and hyperprolactinaemia. The label also notes clinically significant interactions with antihypertensive medicines, and cautions with alcohol and other medicines that may increase sedation or affect the central nervous system.
Possible Side Effects
Common or clinically important adverse effects include somnolence, dizziness, extrapyramidal symptoms, weight gain, increased prolactin levels, and low blood pressure on standing. Serious reactions can include neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, severe blood dyscrasias, seizures, and priapism.
Scientific Evidence
Clinical reviews and meta-analyses support risperidone as an effective antipsychotic for schizophrenia, with evidence also supporting use in acute bipolar mania. Comparative evidence suggests it is broadly effective, while its adverse-effect profile includes a measurable risk of extrapyramidal symptoms and prolactin elevation.
Medical Information Notice
This summary is an educational overview based on sources available at the time of review and does not replace the official patient leaflet, prescribing information, or individual assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Medical Sources
- DailyMed — Risperidone Tablets, USP: Full Prescribing Information
- Risperidone: a review of its use in the treatment of bipolar mania — Janicak et al., Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2005. PubMed