
What is Risperdal?
Risperdal, an antipsychotic medication, works by altering the chemical effects in the brain. Risperdal can be used in the treatment of schizophrenia, both for adults and for children older than 13 years. Risperdal can also be used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, or manic depression. This is for adults and children over 10 years old. Risperdal can also be used to reduce irritability symptoms in children with autism aged 5–16 years.
Warnings
Risperdal has not been approved to be used in elderly adults who have dementia or psychosis. Risperdal should only be given to children with a doctor’s prescription. You may become more sensitive to extreme temperatures, such as cold or heat. You should avoid becoming too hot or cold. Be sure to drink plenty of water, particularly in warm weather or when exercising. You are more likely to dehydrate and become overheated when taking this drug. Risperidone can impair thinking and reactions.Be cautious and vigilant whenever driving or performing tasks which necessitate increased alertness, such as other forms of transporting products or conducting transactions requiring focus and concentration. Risperidone can have more side effects if you drink alcohol. If you experience a fever, stiffness, confusion, sweating, fast heartbeats, irregular beats in the neck or face, uncontrolled tremors (uncontrolled shaking), difficulty swallowing, or feeling faint, stop using Risperdal immediately and contact your doctor.
Before you take this drug
Risperdal should be avoided if risperidone is an allergen. Risperidone is not recommended for older adults who have dementia-related psychosis. It may cause death.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that this medication is right for you:
- Heart disease, hypertension, or stroke.
- Diabetes (or other risk factors, such as obesity and family history);
- Low white blood cell (WBC) count;
- Liver or kidney disease
- Seizures;
- Breast Cancer
- Low bone mineral density;
- Trouble swallowing
- Parkinson disease
- If you are dehydrated.
Risperdal's M-Tab tablet is phenylalanine-containing. Inform your doctor of any phenylketonuria.
Antipsychotic medications taken during the final 3 months of pregnancy can cause issues in the infant, such as withdrawal symptoms, problems with breathing, problems feeding, fussiness, and tremors. You may experience withdrawal symptoms or have other issues if you discontinue your medication during pregnancy. Do not stop your medicine without consulting with your doctor if you are pregnant. You may find your name on a registry for pregnant women to monitor the effects of risperidone. Risperidone can temporarily reduce fertility in women. Risperidone may pass through breast milk, causing side effects for the infant. Tell your doctor about any symptoms that the child may have if you are breastfeeding while taking Risperdal. These include drowsiness or tremors. This medicine should only be given to children with a doctor’s approval.
How to take Risperdal?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Read all the instructions on the prescription label. Risperdal is taken either with food or without. Only remove the Risperdal M Tab orally disintegrating tablets from the packaging when you're ready to use the medication. Put the tablet into your mouth without chewing.As your tablet disintegrates, take several sips before swallowing.Measuring liquid medication is important. Dosing devices are available. Risperdal liquid should not be mixed with tea or cola. Your symptoms may not improve for several weeks. Continue to take the prescribed medication, and inform your doctor of any symptoms that do not improve. Keep away from heat and moisture. Liquid medicines should not be frozen.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip any missed ones and do not double up on doses at one time. Never more than one at any one time!Refill your prescription before it runs out.
What happens if I overdose?
Contact the National Poison Control Center immediately if you suspect poison exposure and seek immediate medical advice by dialling 1-800-222-1222, or visit an urgent care clinic immediately for treatment of poisonous substances. The symptoms of an overdose may include drowsiness and a fast heartbeat. You might also feel lightheaded or faint, as well as have restless movements around your mouth, eyes, jaw, or neck.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in any hazardous activities until you have fully assessed how risperidone affects you. You could have impaired reactions. You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying-down position. Drowsiness or dizziness can lead to falls or fractures. Don't drink alcohol. Alcohol can have dangerous side effects.You may feel more sensitive to extreme temperatures, such as extremely hot or very cold weather. You should avoid becoming too hot or cold. Be sure to drink plenty of water, particularly in warm weather or during physical activity.
Side effects of Risperdal
If you experience any of the following: itching, difficulty breathing, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue; or if there are other signs that indicate an allergy to Risperdal, seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience:
- Uncontrolled facial movements (such as lip-smacking, frowning, tongue movements, or blinking)
- Impotence; Lack of Interest in Sex Missed menstrual cycles.
- Severe Nervous System Reaction: very stiff muscles (rigid), high fever, sweating, and confusion; fast heartbeats or irregular beats. Tremors. Feeling like you could pass out.
- Low white blood cells: sudden weakness, fever, or chills Sore throat: mouth sores or red gums or swelling; difficulty swallowing or skin sores; cold or flu symptoms such as coughing or trouble breathing.
- Low levels of platelets cause easy bruises, abnormal bleeding (nose or mouth), or purple or red spots beneath your skin.
- High blood sugar: increased thirst, increased urine, dry mouth, and fruity breath smell;
- Penis erections that are painful or last 4 hours or more
Risperdal can cause side effects such as:
- Headache;
- Feeling tired, dizziness, or drowsiness;
- Tremors or muscle movements that are uncontrollable;
- Restlessness; anxiety.
- Depressed mood
- Dry mouth, diarrhea, and constipation.
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Cold symptoms like stuffy noses, sneezing, and sore throats.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Risperdal can have dangerous side effects if taken with drugs like sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, anxiety medications, and seizure medicines.
Inform your doctor of all other medications, including:
- Blood pressure medications
- Carbamazepine;
- Clozapine;
- Fluoxetine (Prozac) or paroxetine (Paxil);
- Levodopa.
The list below is not exhaustive. Risperidone may also interact with other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all drug interactions.