Risperidone is primarily used in the treatment of schizophrenia, where it helps to control symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking by modulating dopamine and serotonin activity in the brain. It is also prescribed for managing irritability associated with autistic disorder in children and adolescents. In bipolar disorder, risperidone is effective in treating acute manic or mixed episodes, often used alone or in combination with mood stabilizers like lithium or valproate. Additionally, it has been used off-label for treating agitation in patients with dementia, though this use is limited due to increased risk of stroke and mortality in elderly patients. Risperidone is available in oral tablets, liquid solution, and long-acting injectable forms, the latter being beneficial for patients with difficulty adhering to daily medication regimens. Its action on dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2 receptors contributes to both antipsychotic effects and side effects such as weight gain, sedation, and movement disorders.