Here is a detailed, brand-free overview of Risperidone Long-Acting Injection 25 mg:
💉 Risperidone Long-Acting Injection (25 mg)
✅ DESCRIPTION
Risperidone long-acting injection (also called Risperidone LAI or Depot Injection) is an atypical antipsychotic administered intramuscularly every 2 weeks. It is used primarily for maintenance therapy in schizophrenia and other long-term psychotic disorders.
This formulation provides sustained drug release to maintain stable plasma levels and improve treatment adherence.
🧪 FORMULATION
- Active Ingredient: Risperidone 25 mg
- Form: Powder for injection with diluent (prolonged-release microspheres)
- Route: Intramuscular (IM) injection only
- Presentation: Vial containing risperidone + prefilled syringe with diluent
🌿 NATURE
- Class: Atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic
- Mechanism of Action:
- Blocks dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors
- Reduces psychotic symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, aggression, and thought disturbances
💊 USES
- Schizophrenia (especially noncompliant patients)
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Bipolar disorder (maintenance phase, selected cases)
- For patients unable or unwilling to take daily oral medication
🌟 ADVANTAGES
- Improved adherence (biweekly dosing)
- Consistent plasma levels → fewer peaks/troughs
- Reduces relapse rates
- Decreased hospitalization risk
- Better long-term functional outcomes
📌 DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION
| Strength | Dose Frequency |
|---|---|
| 25 mg | Once every 2 weeks |
| 37.5 mg | Once every 2 weeks |
| 50 mg | Once every 2 weeks |
- Initiation:
- Overlap required: Continue oral risperidone for the first 3 weeks after starting injection
- Injection Site:
- Inject deep into gluteal or deltoid muscle
- Do not administer intravenously
- Dose may be adjusted based on clinical response
⚠️ PRECAUTIONS
Common Side Effects:
- Weight gain, sedation
- Injection site pain
- Increased prolactin → menstrual/sexual dysfunction
- Anxiety, insomnia, restlessness
Serious Risks:
- Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), Tardive dyskinesia
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (rare)
- Stroke risk in elderly dementia patients
- Hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to risperidone or any component
- Dementia-related psychosis (increased mortality risk)
Special Precautions in:
- Patients with cardiovascular disease
- Elderly
- Hepatic or renal impairment
🧊 STORAGE
- Store at 2°C to 8°C (Refrigerated)
- Do not freeze
- Protect from light
- Use immediately after reconstitution
- Keep out of reach of children