Risperidone (thing)

Risperidone (brand name Risperdal) is an atypical antipsychotic drug developed by Janssen-Cilag with molecular formula C₂₃H₂₇FN₄O₂. It belongs to the benzisoxazole class. Risperidone is available in 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4mg tablets, and a typical dosage is 4 to 8mg per day, taken either once or twice daily.

Risperidone works by blocking serotonin 5-HT₂ receptors as well as dopamine D₂ receptors. Common side effects are insomnia, weight gain, agitation, anxiety, and headaches. Risperidone is less likely to cause weight gain than Olanzapine and Clozapine.

Chemical structure:

   H   H   H   H
    \ /     \ /
 H   C   N   C--H
  \ / \// \ /
H--C   C   C
   |   |   ||
H--C   N   C   H  H H HH H
  / \ / \ / \ /  /  |/ |/
 H   C   C   C--C   C--C   H  N
    / \  || /  / \ /    \ / // \
   H   H O H  H   N      C--C   O
                   \    /   \   /
                 H--C--C     C=C
                   /  /|    /   \
                  H  H H   C     C--H
                          /\\   //
                         H   C-C
                            /   \
                           H     F

Sources:
http://www.priory.com/focus9.htm
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/risperid.htm