GENERIC NAME:

risperidone

BRAND NAME:

Risperdal

USES:

Risperidone is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (schizophrenia, manic phase of bipolar disorder, irritability associated with autistic disorder). This medication can help you to think clearly and function in daily life.

This is a psychiatric medication (antipsychotic-type) that works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters).

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.

What is the most important information I should know about Risperdal?

Relapse is very common in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and the most frequent cause is that patients stop taking their medication. Even when medication is taken exactly as prescribed, relapse may still occur for some people. Therefore it is recommended that you take your medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider as this has been shown to decrease relapse.

• Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder require long-term treatment. Only your healthcare provider can determine the length of risperidone treatment that is right for you.

Children receiving risperidone for irritability associated with autistic disorder should be monitored closely. If your child responds well to risperidone and treatment is to be continued, your child’s health care provider may decide to lower the dose to allow for the maximum benefit and fewest side effects.

• Do not stop taking risperidone, or change your or your child’s dose, without talking to your healthcare provider first.
• Some people may develop side effects on risperidone such as extrapyramidal effects (restlessness, tremor, stiffness) or tardive dyskinesia (slow or jerky movements that one cannot control, often starting in the mouth with tongue rolling or chewing movements). These symptoms are likely to be less severe and occur less often than with the older antipsychotic medications (e.g.,: Haldol [haloperidol], Prolixin [fluphenazine], Thorazine [chlorpromazine]). If you develop movements that you cannot control, call your healthcare provider immediately.
• Risperidone treatment may be associated with strokes and/or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) in elderly people with dementia and accompanying behavior problems. This safety concern has not been proven confidently, but there is some evidence. Talk with your health care provider if you are concerned or have questions.
• Risperidone treatment must be monitored by a healthcare provider. Be sure to keep all of your scheduled appointments so that you stay healthy while on risperidone.
• You should not take illegal drugs or drink alcohol while taking risperidone.

STORAGE:

Store this medicine at room temperature away from light and moisture. Per the U.S. manufacturer, store the US product between 59 and 77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C). Per the Canadian manufacturer, store the Canadian product between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). If you use the oral solution, do not allow it to freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.