General Info:

What is Risperdal

Risperidone is an antipsychotic medication approved to treat schizophrenia, and acute mania or mixed episodes of bipolar disorder. Risperidone can improve symptoms of schizophrenia such as: hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking; in some people, improvement in social isolation, reduced speech productivity and motivation. Risperidone can improve symptoms of mania which include: racing thoughts, having a inflated self esteem or an elevated mood, being impulsive, decreased need for sleep, and being irritable.

While not approved by the FDA for other uses, risperidone may be used alone or with other medications to treat other symptoms such as agitation or other behavior problems in older persons with memory loss or people with developmental disabilities, children with mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or depression. It may also be used for long-term management of bipolar disorder.

How should I take Risperdalr?

• Risperidone is usually taken once or twice daily. Most patients begin at a low dose and it is increased slowly over several weeks.
• Risperidone can be taken with or without food.
• Use a calendar or pill box to help you remember to take your medication. Or, have a family member or friend remind you check in with you to be sure you are taking your medication.
• The dose that is right for you will be determined by your healthcare provider. Most patients take 6 mg or less a day.
• Risperidone liquid should NOT be taken with tea or cola, it may be taken with water, orange juice, coffee, or low fat milk.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If a dose of risperidone is missed, take it as soon as you remember it, if it is not too close to when your next dose is due-discuss this with your health care provider. Do not double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed.

What happens if I overdose?

• If an overdose occurs, whether intentional or accidental, immediate medical attention is necessary. Call your doctor or emergency medical service (911).
• The following may occur in an overdose: increased heart rate, low blood pressure, sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms, seizures, irregular heart rhythms. In severe cases, people can develop coma and death is possible.

What are the possible side effects of Risperdalr?

Risperidone's more common side effects are usually relatively minor, especially when taken at doses of 6 mg/day or less. Some people may experience low blood pressure or dizziness, especially when standing up suddenly; heart palpitations; sleepiness; constipation; weight gain; sexual dysfunction; and fatigue. Some of these problems may be reduced by increasing the dose slowly. Patients who already have low blood pressure, have kidney or liver impairment, are elderly, or are in a weakened condition may require close monitoring and even more gradual dose adjustment. These side effects may also include extrapyramidal symptoms (muscle stiffness, tremors, and body shakes). At higher doses, extrapyramidal side effects often increase. Cogentin (benztropine) or Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can be prescribed to reduce or eliminate stiffness and tremors. More serious side effects include weight gain, diabetes, high cholesterol and triglycerides, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, seizures, or increased blood levels of prolactin which may (for example) result in females losing their period and males losing their sex drive. In some clinical trials, it was determined that elderly people treated with risperidone developed strokes at a higher rate than those on placebo medication (sugar pill). It is not known at this time if risperidone causes stroke.