Brand
name : Risperdal
Pronounced: RIS-per-dal
Generic name: Risperidone
Other brand name: Risperdal M-Tab
Why is Risperdal prescribed?
Risperdal is prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia, a severe
mental disorder that can cause delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations.
It is also used for the short-term treatment of mania associated with
bipolar disorder. Risperdal is thought to work by muting the impact
of dopamine and serotonin, two of the brain's key chemical messengers.
Most important fact about Risperdal
Risperdal may cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition that causes involuntary
muscle spasms and twitches in the face and body. This condition can
become permanent and is most common among older people, especially
women. Tell your doctor immediately if you begin to have any involuntary
movement. You may need to discontinue Risperdal therapy.
How should you take Risperdal?
Do not take more or less of Risperdal than prescribed. Higher doses
are more likely to cause unwanted side effects.
Risperdal may be taken with or without food.
Risperdal oral solution comes with a calibrated pipette to use for
measuring. The oral solution can be taken with water, coffee, orange
juice, and low-fat milk, but not with cola drinks or tea.
Risperdal orally disintegrating tablets (M-Tabs) come in blister packs
and should not be removed from the package until you are ready to take
them. When it's time for your dose, use dry fingers to peel back the
foil of the blister pack to remove the tablet; do not push the tablet
through the foil because this could damage the tablet. Immediately
place the tablet on your tongue. The medication dissolves in the mouth
quickly and can be swallowed with or without liquid. You should not
split or chew the orally disintegrating tablets.
If you miss a dose Risperdal
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions Risperdal
Store at room temperature. Protect tablets from light and moisture;
protect oral solution from light and freezing.
Risperdal side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Risperdal.
* Side effects may include:
Agitation, anxiety, constipation, dizziness, hallucination, headache, indigestion,
insomnia, rapid or irregular heartbeat, restlessness, runny nose, sleepiness,
vomiting, weight change
Why should Risperdal not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Risperdal
or other major tranquilizers, you should not take this medication.
Risperdal should not be used to treat elderly patients who have dementia
because the drug could increase the risk of stroke.
Special warnings about Risperdal
You should use Risperdal cautiously if you have kidney, liver, or
heart disease, seizures, breast cancer, thyroid disorders, or any other
diseases that affect the metabolism (conversion of food into energy
and tissue). Use caution, too, if you've had a stroke or mini-strokes,
suffer from fluid loss or dehydration, or expect to be exposed to extremes
of temperature.
Be aware that Risperdal may mask signs and symptoms of drug overdose
and of conditions such as intestinal obstruction, brain tumor, and
Reye's syndrome (a dangerous neurological condition that may follow
viral infections, usually occurring in children). Risperdal can also
cause difficulty when swallowing, which in turn can cause a type of
pneumonia.
Risperdal may cause Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a condition
marked by muscle stiffness or rigidity, fast heartbeat or irregular
pulse, increased sweating, high fever, and high or low blood pressure.
Unchecked, this condition can prove fatal. Call your doctor immediately
if you notice any of these symptoms. Risperdal therapy should be discontinued.Certain
antipsychotic drugs, including Risperdal, are associated with an increased
risk of developing high blood sugar, which on rare occasions
has led to coma or death. See your doctor right away if you develop
signs of high blood sugar, including dry mouth, unusual thirst, increased
urination, and tiredness. If you have diabetes or have a high risk
of developing it, see your doctor regularly for blood sugar testing.People
at high risk for suicide attempts will be prescribed the lowest dose
possible to reduce the risk of intentional overdose.This drug
may impair your ability to drive a car or operate potentially dangerous
machinery. Do not participate in any activities that require
full alertness if you are unsure of your ability.Risperdal is prescribed
for the short-term treatment of rapid-onset bipolar mania; it is not
approved for preventing future episodes. The
effectiveness of the drug for treating mania for more than 3 weeks
has not been studied.Risperdal can cause orthostatic hypotension (low
blood pressure when rising to a standing position), with dizziness,
rapid heartbeat, and
fainting, especially when you first start to take it. If you develop
this problem, report it to your doctor. He can adjust your dose to
reduce the symptoms.Be sure to tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria
and must avoid the amino acid phenylalanine, since Risperdal M-Tabs
contains this
substance.
The safety and effectiveness of Risperdal have not been studied in
children.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Risperdal
If Risperdal is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Risperdal with the following:
Blood pressure medicines such as Aldomet, Procardia, and Vasotec
Bromocriptine mesylate (Parlodel)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Quinidine
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
Valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote)
Risperdal tends to increase the effect of blood pressure medicines.
You may experience drowsiness and other potentially serious effects
if Risperdal is combined with alcohol and other drugs that slow the
central nervous system such as Valium, Percocet, Demerol, or Haldol.
Check with your doctor before taking any new medications.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The safety and effectiveness of Risperdal during pregnancy have not
been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant,
tell your doctor immediately. Risperdal makes its way into breast milk,
so women taking Risperdal must avoid breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for Risperdal
SCHIZOPHRENIA
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose of Risperdal, seek medical attention immediately.
