What is Risperidone?
Schizophrenia is treated by adults with Risperidone. Risperdal consta can be used alone in adults or in combination with lithium, valproate, or other medications to treat bipolar disorder. Risperidone can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Risperidone
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, swelling in your face, lips, or throat, or hives. Risperidone in high doses or for a long time can cause serious movement disorders that are not always reversible. This disorder is more likely to occur if you have been taking risperidone for a long time, particularly if you're a woman or older person.
Risperidone may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Uncontrolled facial movements (such as lip smacking and frowning; tongue movement or blinking);
- Breast swelling and tenderness; nipple discharge; loss of interest in sexual activity; impotence; erectile dysfunction; difficulty having orgasms; missed periods
- Feeling unusually cold or hot
- Low blood pressure. Fast or pounding pulses.
- Shortness of breath; sudden dizziness (like passing out);
- Seizure;
- Trouble swallowing
- Signs of infection: fever; sore throat; body aches; unusual fatigue; loss of appetite; and bruising.
- Severe nervous system reaction: very stiff (rigid muscles), high fever, perspiration, confusion, rapid or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and the feeling that you may pass out.
- High sugar; increased thirst; increased urination; dry mouth and fruity breath odor are just some of the possible consequences.
- Low blood cell counts can be accompanied by fever, chills, and tiredness. They may also include mouth sores or skin sores.
- An erection that is painful or long.
Risperidone may lead to various side effects.
- Headache;
- Blurred vision, rash
- Dizziness, tiredness,
- Tremors, uncontrollable or uncontrolled muscle movements, numbness
- Feeling restless, anxious, and depressed;
- Joint or muscle pain; backache;
- Constipation and an upset stomach;
- Upper stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- Increased salivation
- Cold symptoms including stuffy noses, sneezing fits and sore throats;
- Weight gain due to increased appetite
- Itching, bruising, swelling, and irritation
There may be other side effects.Call your physician if experiencing side effects; for reporting purposes contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
The fluoxetine, Venlafaxine, Quetiapine, Lamotrigine, Abilify, Seroquel, and Aripiprazole
Warnings
Risperidone has not been approved for older adults suffering from dementia or psychosis.
Before you take this drug
This medication should not be used if you have an allergy to paliperidone or risperidone. Risperidone is not approved to be used in this way. It may increase the death risk for older adults who have dementia-related psychosis.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Heart attack, or heart condition?
- Dizziness, rapid heartbeats, fainting;
- A stroke is also known as a "mini-stroke", TIA, or "mini-stroke".
- Parkinson’s disease, or a form of dementia known as Lewy Body Dementia.
- Trouble swallowing
- Low white blood cell counts
- A severe reaction of the nervous system when using medication to treat mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, or anxiety;
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol (or triglycerides);
- Uncontrolled facial movements (such as lip smacking and frowning; tongue movement or blinking);
- A seizure;
- Low bone mineral density;
- Breast Cancer
- Dehydration
- Liver or kidney disease
Antipsychotic medication taken in the last three months of pregnancy can cause serious problems for the baby. Inform your physician immediately if you become pregnant. Do not stop taking medicine without first consulting with him/her. You may find your name on a registry for pregnant women to monitor the effects of risperidone. You may have a harder time getting pregnant if you use risperidone. Tell your doctor if the baby is drowsy, has an irregular growth pattern, tremors, or abnormal muscle movements.
How to take Risperidone?
You may have to continue using the antipsychotic for a limited time if you are already taking it. Do not alter your dosage or schedule without consulting your doctor. Before you receive risperidone injectables, you may have to take risperidone orally (in liquid or pill form). Dosage instructions should be followed very closely.Risperidone can be injected into the muscle or under the skin.This injection will be administered by a healthcare provider. Risperdal consta is typically given every two weeks. Perseris is usually given every month. Uzedy is usually given every two months or every month. You may need to have your blood tested frequently. You will be required to have regular check-ups with your doctor and may require other medical tests.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your scheduled risperidone treatment, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Don't drink alcohol. Side effects can be dangerous. Drink enough fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated during exercise or in hot weather. You should follow your doctor's advice on the amount and type of fluids to drink. Drinking too much liquid is as dangerous as not drinking enough. You should avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you have a better understanding of how risperidone affects you. You may feel dizzy if you get up quickly from a seated or lying position. Dizziness and drowsiness may cause accidents or serious injuries.
Interaction with other drug
This effect can be worsened by taking risperidone along with other drugs that make you sleepy. Before taking an opioid, a sleeping tablet, a muscle-relaxing medication, or medicine to treat anxiety or seizures, consult your doctor.Some medications may affect the blood levels of other drugs you take, potentially causing side effects or rendering them ineffective. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking.
Risperidone can be affected by many drugs, including:
- Methylphenidate;
- Clozapine;
- Blood pressure medication
This list is incomplete, and other drugs can also affect risperidone. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
