American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

The monitoring recommendations for patients on risperidone typically include tracking weight, blood pressure, and glucose levels due to the medication’s potential side effects. Risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic, is associated with metabolic side effects, which can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of diabetes. Therefore, regular monitoring of weight is crucial to detect any significant changes early. Blood pressure is also monitored because antipsychotics can cause orthostatic hypotension, and glucose levels are important to assess the risk of hyperglycemia and metabolic syndrome.

In contrast, thyroid function tests are not routinely recommended for patients on risperidone. While some studies have suggested possible interactions between antipsychotic medications and thyroid function, routine monitoring for thyroid function is not part of the standard protocols for managing patients on risperidone. Instead, such testing is usually indicated only in patients with a clinical suspicion of thyroid dysfunction or those with specific risk factors. Thus, it is not included in the standard monitoring recommendations for those prescribed risperidone.