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Case Reports
. 2025 May 30;17(5):e85102.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.85102. eCollection 2025 May.

Risperidone-Induced Urinary Retention: A Case Report Highlighting Urological Complications in Long-Term Use of Antipsychotic Medication

Khalifa Bin Zaal  1 , Ammar Agha  1 , Amr Elmekresh  1 , Shaima M Abuhejleh  1 , Elham Mahjoor Azad  2 , Yaser Saeedi  3 , Fariborz Bagheri  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Risperidone-Induced Urinary Retention: A Case Report Highlighting Urological Complications in Long-Term Use of Antipsychotic Medication

Khalifa Bin Zaal et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Urinary retention is a urological emergency that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Although rare, risperidone has been associated with urinary retention through anticholinergic effects and modulation of dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways, which can inhibit detrusor muscle contractility and increase urethral sphincter activity. This report presents the case of a 54-year-old male patient who experienced multiple episodes of urinary retention that resulted in gross hematuria, hydronephrosis, and hospital admissions; this was considered to be caused by risperidone, which he was taking for bipolar disorder. This case highlights the importance of considering medication side effects in patients with recurrent urological issues, particularly those with multiple comorbidities. By contributing to the limited literature on risperidone-induced urinary retention, this report aims to enhance clinical awareness and guide decision-making in similar presentations.

Keywords: atypical antipsychotics; bladder wall thickening; chronic cystitis; risperidone; urinary retention.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Suboptimally distended bladder, showing extensive irregular circumferential wall thickening
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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