Uzedy Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor

Uzedy (risperidone extended-release injectable suspension) is an effective long-acting antipsychotic for schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. This guide explains what side effects you might experience, which ones are serious, and when you need to call your doctor or go to an emergency room. This information is educational — always talk to your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific situation.

Boxed Warning: Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients With Dementia-Related Psychosis

Uzedy carries an FDA black box warning — the most serious type of drug warning. Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis who are treated with antipsychotic drugs have a significantly higher risk of death. Uzedy is NOT approved for use in patients with dementia-related psychosis. If an elderly loved one has dementia, Uzedy should not be prescribed for their psychiatric symptoms.

Common Side Effects of Uzedy

These side effects were reported in clinical trials of Uzedy for schizophrenia. They are not dangerous for most people, but tell your doctor if they bother you or don't go away:

Movement-related effects (extrapyramidal symptoms): Slow movements, muscle stiffness, shaking (tremor), restlessness (akathisia), and abnormal muscle contractions. These are among the most commonly reported side effects.

Drowsiness and fatigue: Feeling sleepy or tired, especially early in treatment.

Weight gain: Uzedy may cause increased appetite and weight gain. Monitor your weight regularly and discuss any significant changes with your doctor.

Digestive effects: Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, increased saliva.

Dizziness and anxiety: Some patients experience dizziness (especially when standing up quickly) and anxiety.

Vision changes: Blurred vision has been reported.

Injection site reactions: A lump (nodule) or itching at the injection site. These typically resolve on their own.

Other common effects: Rash, cold symptoms, tiredness.

Serious Side Effects of Uzedy — Seek Medical Attention Immediately

These side effects are rare but serious. Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if you experience:

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): A rare but life-threatening reaction. Symptoms include high fever, severe muscle stiffness, confusion, sweating, irregular heartbeat, and fast heart rate. NMS can be fatal. Seek emergency care immediately.

Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): Involuntary, repetitive movements — especially of the face, tongue, lips, or limbs. TD can be permanent. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any uncontrolled movements.

Stroke: There is a higher risk of stroke in elderly patients, particularly those with dementia. Signs include sudden numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, or severe headache.

Metabolic changes: High blood sugar (hyperglycemia), which can lead to diabetes. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, and weakness. Uzedy can also cause high cholesterol and significant weight gain — your doctor should monitor blood work regularly.

Low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension): Dizziness or fainting when standing up quickly. More common in elderly patients.

Allergic reactions: Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) has been reported. Signs include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face/throat, hives. Seek emergency care.

Side Effects Specific to Bipolar I Disorder (Monthly Dosing)

In bipolar I disorder clinical data (from trials of another risperidone LAI), the most commonly reported side effects were weight gain (approximately 5% in monotherapy trials) and movement-related effects including slow movements, stiffness, and shaking (10% or more in adjunctive therapy trials).

Body Temperature Regulation

Uzedy can impair your body's ability to regulate temperature. Avoid getting overheated or dehydrated. During hot weather or exercise: drink plenty of water, limit sun and heat exposure, wear light clothing. Do not drink alcohol during Uzedy treatment, as it increases the risk of overheating and other CNS effects.

When to Call Your Doctor (Non-Emergency)

Contact your doctor (but don't go to the ER) if you notice:

Significant weight gain over a short period

Muscle stiffness or shaking that is worsening or new

Increased thirst or urination (possible high blood sugar)

Changes in sexual function or menstrual cycle (Uzedy can raise prolactin levels)

A persistent injection site lump or signs of infection at the injection site

Managing Uzedy Side Effects

Many side effects can be managed without stopping treatment. Your doctor may adjust your dose, add a medication to manage specific side effects (e.g., beta-blockers for akathisia), or recommend lifestyle changes (e.g., diet and exercise for weight management). Never stop Uzedy on your own — abrupt discontinuation of an antipsychotic can cause rapid symptom relapse. For information about drug interactions that can worsen side effects, see: Uzedy Drug Interactions: What to Avoid and What to Tell Your Doctor.