Does taking risperidone increase the chance of miscarriage?
Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Some studies have linked antipsychotics to a higher chance of miscarriage. However, the evidence is conflicting and does not clearly prove that risperidone is the cause of this outcome. Other factors, such as the underlying condition being treated, may also increase the chance of miscarriage. Other factors, such as the underlying condition being treated, may also increase the chance of miscarriage.
Does taking risperidone increase the chance of birth defects?
Birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. We look at research studies to try to understand if an exposure, like risperidone, might increase the chance of birth defects in a pregnancy.
Studies and case reports show mixed outcomes in babies exposed to risperidone before birth. Overall, reviews reported that the rate of birth defects was not higher than the background risk. If there is an increased chance of birth defects with risperidone use, it is likely to be small.
Does taking risperidone in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?
Some studies have reported a higher chance of pregnancy-related problems, and other studies have not. One study found no increase in preterm delivery (birth before week 37). Another suggested that risperidone may increase the chance of low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).
Risperidone may cause weight gain and problems with blood sugar, which can increase the chance of gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes can increase the chance of other complications such as preterm delivery or the fetus being larger than expected (called macrosomia). Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk for gestational diabetes. If needed, they can monitor your blood sugar levels before and during pregnancy. More information about gestational diabetes can be found in our fact sheet here.
I need to take risperidone during my pregnancy. Will it cause withdrawal symptoms in my baby after birth?
The use of some medications during pregnancy may cause temporary symptoms in newborns soon after birth. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as withdrawal. Babies exposed to risperidone near the time of delivery should be watched for stiff or floppy muscles, drowsiness, agitation, tremors, trouble breathing, and problems with feeding. In most cases, symptoms would be expected to go away in a few days without any long-term health effects. Not all babies exposed to risperidone will have these symptoms. It is important that your healthcare providers know you are taking risperidone so that if symptoms occur, your baby can get the care that is best for them.
Does taking risperidone in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?
Studies to see if risperidone can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for a child are limited. One study that looked at the filling of at least one prescription for risperidone after 18 weeks of pregnancy did not find an increased risk of developmental or behavioral disorders (autism, ADHD, learning or speech problems) in children followed up to age 14. Studies based on filled prescriptions cannot tell if the medication was taken as directed. This makes it hard to know if the study outcomes are related to medication or other factors.
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