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Insomnia is one of the more common side effects of Risperdal (risperidone). Studies have shown that up to 26 percent of people reported insomnia as one of Risperdal's side effects. However, it is important to understand that in these studies, up to 19 percent of those not taking Risperdal also experienced insomnia.
People with insomnia have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep
- Waking up too early in the morning
- Unrefreshing sleep.
Some people taking Risperdal find that improving their sleep habits can be an effective insomnia cure. Some tips for better sleep include:
- Keeping a regular sleep-wake cycle. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine in the four to six hours before bedtime.
- Refraining from exercise within two hours of bedtime. Exercising five or six hours before bedtime may help you sleep more soundly.
- Avoiding large meals within two hours of bedtime.
- Refraining from taking a nap later than 3 p.m.
- Sleeping in a dark, quiet room at a comfortable temperature.
- Doing a quiet activity somewhere else if you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, and returning to bed when you're sleepy.
- Winding down in the 30 minutes before bedtime with a relaxing pre-sleep ritual, such as a warm bath, soft music, or reading.
It is impossible for your healthcare provider to know whether you will develop insomnia while taking Risperdal. Also, in some cases, if a person does develop insomnia, it is challenging to know whether these problems are because of the condition, or Risperdal itself. This is because insomnia is common with mental illnesses.
If you develop insomnia while taking Risperdal, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider. There are other treatments that he or she may be able to recommend, including adjusting the Risperdal dosage or trying another schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or autism medication.
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