Uzedy is a long-acting injectable form of risperidone approved by the FDA for the maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder in adults. Designed as a once-monthly or once-every-two-months injection, it aims to support symptom stability and reduce relapse risk for people who benefit from consistent medication delivery.
What Is Uzedy?
Uzedy is a long-acting injectable medication that delivers risperidone steadily over time. Instead of taking a pill every day, you can receive a once-monthly injection subcutaneously.
The injection is given just under the skin—not into the muscle—using a small, narrow needle, typically in the back of the upper arm or around the abdomen by a healthcare professional such as a nurse or pharmacist. Many people describe it as quick and relatively comfortable. In studies shared by Teva most participants said the injection was “easy to receive.”
Because it’s absorbed slowly and consistently, Uzedy can help keep mood symptoms stable, even if life gets busy and routines change.
Because Uzedy contains risperidone common side effects can include weight gain, drowsiness, tremor, restlessness, low energy, dizziness, increase appetite, head and anxiety. Because it is an injection, clinical trials showed mostly mild injection site reactions if they occurred including swelling, tenderness, itching, redness or hardness at the injection site.
How Uzedy Fits With Telehealth Care
You might be wondering: “If I see my provider through telemedicine, how would I get my injection?”
In many states, including North Carolina, pharmacists are authorized to administer long-acting injectable medications like Uzedy—just as they would a flu or COVID-19 shot. Your provider can send your prescription to a participating pharmacy, and you simply schedule a short appointment for the injection.
Some patients may also qualify for in-office administration or home nursing visits, depending on insurance coverage. At Different Mental Health Program, our team can help coordinate whichever option is most convenient for you.
Uzedy for Bipolar I Maintenance
Managing Bipolar I disorder is about consistency. Even small lapses in medication can have big consequences, especially during stressful or transitional times. A once-monthly treatment like Uzedy can make it easier to stay on track—supporting recovery, stability, and everyday functioning.
For many patients, this can mean:
- Fewer missed doses
- Greater freedom from daily medication routines
- More peace of mind knowing their treatment is working steadily in the background
How long-acting options fit within bipolar I treatment
Advances in mental health treatment often build on existing medication categories rather than replacing them
entirely. In bipolar I disorder, clinicians may discuss different approaches to maintenance treatment depending on
symptom history, response to past medications, and practical considerations such as adherence.
Long-acting injectable medications, like Uzedy, represent one approach within the broader category of
antipsychotic medications. Oral antipsychotics are also commonly discussed in bipolar I care. One example is
Abilify
(aripiprazole), which is sometimes discussed as an oral option for mood stabilization.
Decisions about whether a long-acting injectable or an oral medication is appropriate are individualized and
typically involve careful discussion between a patient and a licensed healthcare professional.
What to Know Before Starting
Every treatment decision should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. Uzedy isn’t for everyone—it’s important to discuss your current medications, previous response to risperidone or other antipsychotics, and any side effects you may have experienced.
Because Uzedy contains risperidone common side effects can include weight gain, drowsiness, tremor, restlessness, low energy, dizziness, increase appetite, head and anxiety. Because it is an injection, clinical trials showed mostly mild injection site reactions if they occurred including mild swelling, tenderness, itching, redness or hardness at the injection site.
For more information, you can visit:
At Different Mental Health Program, we believe treatment should work with your life, not against it. If you’re interested in learning whether a certain treatment could be right for you, schedule a consultation with one of our providers today.
Getting Help Doesn’t Mean You’ve Failed
In fact, seeking support means you’re paying attention to your mental health before it breaks down. Whether you’re barely getting through the day or you just feel off, we’re here to listen and help you reconnect with yourself.
At Different Mental Health, we see beyond the surface.
If you’re functioning—but not thriving—let’s talk.
Click here to schedule an appointment or learn more about how we offer compassionate, expert psychiatric care tailored to the real you.
Comparison Table: Uzedy vs Other Long-Acting Injectables (LAIs)
| Medication | Active Drug | Dosing Interval | FDA Indication (Relevant) | Oral Overlap Required | Notable Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uzedy | Risperidone (extended-release) | Monthly or every 2 months | Bipolar I maintenance (adults); Schizophrenia | No oral overlap | Subcutaneous injection; steady drug levels; designed for adherence |
| Risperdal Consta | Risperidone | Every 2 weeks | Schizophrenia; Bipolar I maintenance | Yes (3 weeks) | Older formulation; more frequent injections |
| Perseris | Risperidone (subcutaneous) | Monthly | Schizophrenia | No oral overlap | Monthly only; not approved for bipolar maintenance |
| Invega Sustenna | Paliperidone | Monthly | Schizophrenia; Schizoaffective disorder | No oral overlap (loading doses required) | Related to risperidone; monthly injections |
| Invega Trinza | Paliperidone | Every 3 months | Schizophrenia | Must be stabilized on Sustenna first | Longer interval; step-therapy required |
| Abilify Maintena | Aripiprazole | Monthly | Schizophrenia; Bipolar I maintenance | Yes (14 days) | Partial dopamine agonist; different side-effect profile |
| Aristada | Aripiprazole lauroxil | Monthly–every 2 months | Schizophrenia | Oral overlap or Aristada Initio | Flexible dosing; schizophrenia only |
| Zyprexa Relprevv | Olanzapine | Every 2–4 weeks | Schizophrenia | No oral overlap | Requires post-injection monitoring |
Frequently Asked Questions About Uzedy
Uzedy is a long-acting injectable form of risperidone approved by the FDA for maintenance treatment in adults with bipolar I disorder. It is designed to be administered once monthly or once every two months.
Yes. Uzedy has received FDA approval for the maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder in adults, helping support long-term symptom stability.
Uzedy provides extended medication delivery through an injection, which can help maintain consistent blood levels and reduce the need for daily pills. Oral risperidone must be taken every day.
Uzedy can be administered once a month or once every two months, depending on the prescribed dose and clinical considerations.
Uzedy may be an option for adults with bipolar I disorder who benefit from risperidone and prefer or need a long-acting injectable to support adherence and relapse prevention.
Side effects may include injection-site reactions, weight changes, drowsiness, metabolic changes, or movement-related symptoms. A clinician can review risks and monitoring needs.
No. Medication is often most effective when combined with psychotherapy, lifestyle support, and regular clinical follow-up.
A licensed mental health professional can evaluate your diagnosis, treatment history, preferences, and medical factors to determine whether Uzedy or another option is appropriate.
