The dose of Risperdal (risperidone) will be different for different patients. Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor to benefit your condition as much as possible. The following information includes only the average doses of risperidone. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. Do not take more or less of it, do not take it more or less often, and do not take it for a longer or shorter time than your doctor ordered.

Average dosage for symptoms of psychotic disorder

For oral tablet and orally disintegrating tablet dosage forms:

• Adults: At first, 1 milligram (mg) per day. The medicine can be given on a once a day or twice a day schedule. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 16 mg a day.
• Children younger than 18 years of age: Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
• Older adults: At first, 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg two times a day. The medicine can be given on a once a day schedule after your doctor has found the correct dose for you. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 3 mg a day.

For patients taking the orally disintegrating tablet form of risperidone:
Do not open the package until you are ready to take your medicine. To remove one tablet, separate one of the four tablets by tearing apart on perforations. Bend the corner as shown on the package. Peel back the foil to get to the tablet, do not push the tablet through the foil because that could damage the tablet. Use dry hands and take the tablet out of the package and immediately place it on your tongue. The tablet needs to be used immediately because it can not be stored once it is taken out of the package. Once the tablet is on your tongue it will disintegrate in seconds. You can swallow it with or without liquid. It is important not to split or chew the tablet.

For oral solution dosage form:

• Adults: At first, 1 milligram (mg) [1 milliliter (mL)] per day. The medicine can be given on a once a day or twice a day schedule. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 16 mg (16 mL) a day.
• Children younger than 18 years of age: Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
• Older adults: At first, 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg (0.5 mL) two times a day. The medicine can be given on a once a day schedule after your doctor has found the correct dose for you. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 3 mg (3 mL) a day.

For patients taking the oral solution form of risperidone:
Measure the dose with the measuring device provided with your medicine. Stir the dose into a small glass (3 to 4 ounces) of water, coffee, orange juice, or low-fat milk just before taking it. Do not mix this medicine with cola or tea. Rinse the empty measuring device with water and place it back in its storage case. Put the plastic cap back on the bottle of medicine.