Background: Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder with a high prevalence of 7,2 per 1,000 individuals. The disease typically develops in early adulthood and may become chronic. It is more common in men and is associated with more pronounced negative symptoms compared to women. Factors contributing to schizophrenia include genetic, environmental and neurobiological components. The symptoms can be categorized into positive symptoms, negative symptoms and cognitive impairment. Schizophrenia is treated with antipsychotic medications, which primarily act as antagonists at dopamine D2-receptors. Antipsychotics are classified into first-generation and second-generation agents. Risperidone belongs to the second-generation antipsychotics and acts by blocking both D2 and 5HT2A receptors.  

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze clinical efficacy and side effect profile of risperidone in treatment of schizophrenia, as well as to investigate the importance of dose optimization. Method: This study was implemented as a s literature review, where article searches were performed in the PubMed database. A total of six studies were included as they were considered relevant to the aim.  

Result: The results show that risperidone is effective in reducing positive symptoms in schizophrenia. However, side effects such as high prolactin levels and metabolic changes were observed. Comparison with other antipsychotic medications revealed differences in side effect profiles. The results also indicated that dose optimization does not necessarily lead to improved efficacy but may be beneficial for certain patients.

Conclusion: Treatment with risperidone requires a balance between efficacy and side effects. Hence, treatment should be individualized based on the patient´s risk factors and side effect profile.