Typical antipsychotics are a class of antipsychotic drugs first developed in the 1950s and used to treat psychosis (in particular, schizophrenia). All FDA black box warnings are at the end of this fact sheet. Please review before taking this medication. What Is Risperidone And What Does It Treat? Risperidone is a medication that works in the brain to treat schizophrenia. It is also known as a second generation antipsychotic (SGA) or atypical Risperdal (risperidone) is an atypical antipsychotic drug used by adults and teens to control the extreme emotions, thoughts, and behaviors sometimes associated with several mental health conditions. Risperidone, sold under the brand name Risperdal among others, is an antipsychotic. It is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. It is taken either by mouth or by injection into a muscle. The injectable version is long-acting and lasts for about two weeks. What is Risperdal? Risperdal is a medication known as an atypical antipsychotic that is used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia in teenagers and adults. Risperidone is an antipsychotic medicine that works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain. Risperidone is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children who are at least 13 years old. Learn about Risperdal (Risperidone) may treat, uses, dosage, side effects, drug interactions, warnings, patient labeling, reviews, and related medications. Risperidone reference guide for safe and effective use from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (AHFS DI). Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic drug that is used for treating schizophrenia, bipolar mania, and autism. Other atypical antipsychotic drugs include olanzapine , quetiapine , ziprasidone , aripiprazole and paliperidone (Invega). Introductio­­n. This article, written primarily for people with mental health problems and their carers, is about weight gain with antipsychotic medication.