Risperdal

Table of Contents

Risperdal (Risperidone)

Generic name: Risperdal M-Tab

Brand names: Risperdal M-Tab

What is Risperdal?

Risperidone is an antipsychotic drug. It works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain.
Risperidone is used to treat schizophrenia and symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression). Risperidone is also used in autistic kids to treat symptoms of irritability.
Risperdal may also be used for other purposes prescribed by your medical assistant and not listed above.

What is the most important information I should know about risperidone (Risperdal, Risperdal M-Tab)?

Risperdal is an atypical antipsychotic. Risperidone is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Risperidone may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

What should you know before using Risperdal?

Do NOT use Risperdal if you are allergic to any ingredient in Risperdal.

Some medical conditions may interact with Risperdal.

Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription drug, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have a history of heart problems (for example, heart failure, slow or irregular heartbeat), low white blood cell levels, heart attack, blood vessel problems, seizures, stroke, high or low blood pressure or abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG)
if you have suicidal thoughts or attempts, alcohol abuse or dependence, stomach or bowel problems (for example, narrowing, blockage), neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) or a history of kidney or liver problems
if you have diabetes or are much heavier than average, or if a family member has had diabetes
if you have dementia, esophagus problems (eg, trouble swallowing), Alzheimer disease or Parkinson disease
if you have had high blood prolactin levels or a history of certain types of cancer (eg, breast, pancreas, pituitary, brain), or if you are at risk for breast cancer
if you are dehydrated, drink alcohol, or will be exposed to very high or very low temperatures

What is important safety information for Risperdal?

Risperdal may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcoholic beverages or certain medications. Use Risperdal with caution. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Risperdal.
Check with your medical assistant before taking medications that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Risperdal; it may add to their effects. Ask your healthcare professional if you have questions about which drugs may cause drowsiness.
Risperdal may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.
Patients who have bipolar (manic-depressive) illness, or if their family members have had it, may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch patients who take Risperdal closely. Contact the doctor as soon as possible if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; depressed mood; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the healthcare professional right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
Risperdal may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately.
Diabetes patients – Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes drug.
Risperdal may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your medical assistant if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
NMS is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Risperdal. Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; or sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
Some patients who take Risperdal may develop muscle movements that they cannot control. This is more likely to happen in elderly patients, especially women. The chance that this will happen or that it will become permanent is greater in those who take Risperdal in higher doses or for a long time. Muscle problems may also occur after short-term treatment with low doses. Tell your healthcare professional right away if you have muscle problems with your arms; legs; or your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (eg, tongue sticking out, puffing of cheeks, mouth puckering, chewing movements) while taking Risperdal.
Risperdal may increase the amount of a certain hormone (prolactin) in your blood. Symptoms may include enlarged breasts, missed menstrual period, decreased sexual ability, or nipple discharge. Contact your healthcare professional as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms.
Risperdal may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated immediately, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your medical assistant promptly if this happens.
Lab tests, including fasting blood glucose and complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Risperdal. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all healthcare professional and lab appointments.
Use Risperdal with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness when standing or uncontrolled muscles movements.
Risperdal should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 5 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare professional. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Risperdal while you are pregnant. Risperdal is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Risperdal.

How is Risperdal should be used?

Use Risperdal as directed by your medical assistant. Check the label on the drug for exact dosing instructions.

Take Risperdal by mouth with or without food.
Take Risperdal on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Risperdal at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.|
Continue to take Risperdal even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Ask your doctor any questions you may have about how to use Risperdal.
Risperdal is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your healthcare professional.

What happens if you miss a dose?

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once.

What happens if you overdose?

Seek emergency medical treatment if you think you have used too much of this medication.
Overdose symptoms may include fainting, feeling light-headed, drowsiness, restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck and fast heart rate.

What are possible side effects of Risperdal?

All drugs may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your healthcare professional if any of these most

COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

anxiety
constipation
cough
diarrhea
dizziness
drowsiness
dry mouth
fatigue
headache
increased appetite
increased saliva production
indigestion
lightheadedness
nausea
restlessness
runny nose
stomach pain or upset
trouble sleeping
vomiting
weight gain

Seek medical attention at once if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

severe allergic reactions (hives; difficulty breathing or swallowing; unusual hoarseness; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; itching; tightness in the chest; rash)
abnormal thoughts
confusion
drooling
fainting
fast or irregular heartbeat
fever, chills, or persistent sore throat
inability to control urination
increased sweating
new or worsening mental or mood changes (for example, aggression, agitation, depression, severe anxiety)
seizures
severe dizziness
stiff or rigid muscles
suicidal thoughts or attempts
symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, or urination; unusual weakness)
tremor
trouble concentrating, speaking, or swallowing
trouble sitting still
trouble walking or standing
uncontrolled muscle movements (for example, arm or leg movements, twitching of the face or tongue, jerking or twisting)
unusual bruising
vision changes

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your medical assistant about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What are possible medicine interactions when taking Risperdal?

Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other medications, especially any of the following:

Alpha-blockers (for example, doxazosin) or medication for high blood pressure because the risk of low blood pressure and fainting may be raised
Anticholinergics (for example, scopolamine) because the risk of overheating may be raised
Tramadol because the risk of seizures may be increased
Clozapine or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (for example, fluoxetine, paroxetine) because they may raise the risk of Risperdal ‘s side effects
Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or rifampin because they may lessen Risperdal ‘s effectiveness
Dopamine receptor agonists (for example, pramipexole) or levodopa because their effectiveness may be lessened by Risperdal

Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor approval.

What should be proper storage of Risperdal?

Store Risperdal between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Risperdal out of the reach of kids and away from domestic animals.

John Buducci

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