How do I withdraw or stop Risperidone after recovery from schizophrenia?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was diagnosed with schizophrenia six years ago and was prescribed with tablet Risperidone 4 mg. I did not have any illusions or hallucinations after taking medicine regularly. The dosage gradually decreased, and I am taking Risperidone 1 mg regularly and feeling well. There are no illusions, hallucinations, or other signs of schizophrenia, and my daily routine is working well. Can I live a normal life without taking the tablet Risperidone 1 mg, and what is the way to leave the medicine? Can I gradually decrease the dose to 0.5 mg?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I think you have schizophrenia, and your condition becomes stable after taking the tablet Risperidone 1 mg. I suggest you taper off your medication, but if your symptoms start repeating, you need to rebuild your dose. I suggest you take the tablet Risperidone 0.5 mg for six weeks, take it on alternate days for another six weeks, and then stop it. If your symptoms recur, then you must restart your medications.

Thank you.