Risperidone

How Hard Is It to Find Risperidone in Stock?

Generic oral risperidone tablets are not on the FDA's official drug shortage list in 2026. Multiple generic manufacturers produce it, providing supply redundancy that helps keep the medication reliably available. Most major pharmacy chains — CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Costco — regularly stock the 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg tablet strengths.

However, less common tablet strengths (0.25 mg, 3 mg) and specialized formulations like the orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) may not be stocked consistently at every pharmacy. Long-acting injectable forms are specialty products managed through clinic supply or specialty pharmacies. Individual pharmacies can run out of specific strengths due to local demand spikes, wholesaler delays, or lean inventory practices.

If you're having trouble locating your risperidone at a local pharmacy, medfinder can help. medfinder's team calls pharmacies near you to check which ones can fill your prescription, and texts you results — eliminating hours of hold time.

Who Can Prescribe Risperidone?

Risperidone is not a controlled substance, which means any licensed prescriber with prescribing authority can write for it — there are no DEA special registration requirements and no mandated in-person visit restrictions. This makes it broadly accessible across healthcare settings.

• Psychiatrists — The primary specialists prescribing risperidone for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
• Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) — Routinely manage established patients on risperidone and initiate treatment when psychiatric referral is delayed
• Pediatricians — Prescribe risperidone for autism-related irritability in children (ages 5+), bipolar disorder in youth (ages 10+), and schizophrenia in adolescents (ages 13+)
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs) — Have full or collaborative prescribing authority in most states and regularly manage risperidone therapy
• Physician Assistants (PAs) — Can prescribe risperidone in most states under supervising physician agreements

Because risperidone is not a controlled substance, it can be prescribed via telehealth platforms without the in-person visit requirements that apply to Schedule II medications. Platforms including Teladoc, MDLive, Talkiatry, and Cerebral can prescribe risperidone for appropriate patients. This makes risperidone accessible in underserved rural areas with limited psychiatric coverage.

Is Risperidone a Controlled Substance?

No. Risperidone is not a controlled substance under the DEA's Controlled Substances Act. It is not classified under any schedule (I–V). This has important practical implications for patients:

• Any licensed prescriber can write for risperidone without DEA special registration
• Risperidone can be prescribed via telehealth without an in-person visit requirement
• Prescriptions can be called in or sent electronically without the restrictions that apply to Schedule II drugs like Adderall or oxycodone
• There are no federally mandated quantity limits or early refill restrictions based on controlled substance scheduling

Common Side Effects of Risperidone

The following side effects are commonly reported and usually manageable:

• Sedation and drowsiness (especially at treatment initiation)
• Weight gain (most pronounced in the first 6 months)
• Extrapyramidal symptoms: tremors, stiffness, restlessness (akathisia)
• Hyperprolactinemia: breast tenderness/swelling, menstrual irregularity, sexual dysfunction
• Orthostatic hypotension (dizziness when standing)
• Headache, nausea, nasal congestion

Serious Side Effects

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Rare but life-threatening; symptoms include extreme muscle rigidity, high fever, confusion, rapid heartbeat. Requires emergency care.
• Tardive dyskinesia: Involuntary repetitive movements (lip smacking, grimacing) that may be irreversible with long-term use
• Metabolic changes: Elevated blood sugar and cholesterol require regular monitoring
• Boxed Warning: Increased mortality risk in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis — risperidone is NOT approved for this use

Final Thoughts on Risperidone

Risperidone is a well-established, widely used atypical antipsychotic with over 30 years of clinical use. It is FDA-approved for schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, and autism-related irritability, and is available in multiple formulations including oral tablets, disintegrating tablets, oral solution, and several long-acting injectables. As a widely available generic, it is one of the most affordable psychiatric medications when discount programs are used properly.

While risperidone is generally available in 2026 without a national FDA shortage, individual pharmacies can run out of specific strengths. Never stop risperidone abruptly — always contact your prescriber if you have difficulty filling your prescription. With proper planning, including refilling 5–7 days early and using mail-order for 90-day supplies, most patients can maintain continuous therapy without interruption.

If you're struggling to find risperidone at a pharmacy near you, medfinder is built to solve exactly this problem. Provide your medication details and location, and medfinder's team will call pharmacies near you and text you which ones can fill your prescription — saving you hours of frustrating hold queues.