Phonetic pronunciation
(riss-PAIR-ih-doan)
Common brand name(s)
Risperdal
Uses
This medication is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic phase). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters).Risperidone has not been shown to be safe or effective in the elderly for the treatment of delusions/hallucinations (psychosis) due to dementia.
How to use
Take this medication by mouth exactly as prescribed. This drug may be taken with or without food. During the first few days your doctor may gradually increase your dose to allow your body to adjust to the medication.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Continue to take this medication as directed, even if you are feeling better and thinking more clearly.Do not take this more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Your condition will not improve any faster but the risk of serious side effects will be increased. Do not stop taking this drug without your doctor’s approval.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day.
Missed dose
Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not “double-up” the dose to catch up.
Precautions
Before taking risperidone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, low blood pressure, seizures, difficulty swallowing (especially in patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease), strokes (cerebrovascular disease), dehydration, breast cancer.(See also Side Effects section.) Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if either you or a family member has a history of the following: diabetes, heart disease (including heart failure, heart attacks or ischemia, arrhythmias), high blood cholesterol/triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, obesity.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages.This medication can reduce sweating. Heatstroke may occur if you become overheated during exercise or other physical activity or in hot weather. Drink plenty of liquids to avoid the risk of heatstroke.Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially the lowering of blood pressure.This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This drug is excreted into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.
Side effects
Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, constipation, runny nose, weight gain, nervousness, acne, dry skin, difficulty concentrating, decreased sexual ability/desire or difficulty sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: fainting, rapid/pounding/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes, fever, muscle stiffness/spasms/twitching, sweating, uncontrolled muscle movements (e.g., tongue and facial muscles), drooling, difficulty swallowing, seizures.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain, one-sided weakness, numbness in the face/arms/legs, sudden vision changes, slurred speech, confusion.This medication may in rare instances increase your blood level of a certain hormone (prolactin). In females, an increase in prolactin levels may result in unwanted breast milk, the end of menstruation or difficulty becoming pregnant. In males, it may result in decreased sexual ability, inability to produce sperm, or enlarged breasts. If you develop any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.This drug may infrequently make your blood sugar level rise, therefore causing or worsening diabetes. This high blood sugar can rarely cause serious (sometimes fatal) conditions such as diabetic coma. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar, such as unusual increased thirst and urination. If you already have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugar level regularly.This drug may also cause significant weight gain and a rise in your blood cholesterol (or triglyceride) levels. These effects, along with diabetes, may increase your risk for developing heart disease. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor. (See also Notes section.)Males: In the unlikely event you have a painful, prolonged erection, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention or permanent problems could occur.A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine), high blood pressure medicine (e.g., beta-blockers such as propranolol, “water pills” or diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide, alpha-blockers such as doxazosin or prazosin), medications for Parkinson’s disease (e.g., levodopa).Tell your doctor of any other medicines which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG) include dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, thioridazine, and sparfloxacin among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious, rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Ask for instructions about whether you need to stop any other QTc-prolonging drugs you may be using in order to minimize the risk of this effect.Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine).Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
