Risperdal

Drug Uses
 

Risperdal is an atypical antipsychotic that is used in the treatment of schizophrenia or bipolar mania. Doctors may also prescribe it for other conditions if found appropriate.

How it is taken

Risperdal can be taken by mouth with or without food. Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday. Do not stop without consulting your doctor. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Risperdal then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

A Risperdal overdose may lead to symptoms like fainting, loss of consciousness, rapid pulse, seizures, severe drowsiness, unusual muscle movement or rigidity of the face, limbs, or neck. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.
 

Warnings/Precautions
Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have heart problems (eg, history of heart attack or ischemia, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), problems with the blood vessels in your brain (eg, history of stroke), or high or low blood pressure, or if you are dehydrated or have a low level of fluid in your body, if you have Alzheimer disease or other dementia, trouble swallowing, breast cancer, Parkinson disease, kidney or liver problems, or a history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) or suicidal thoughts or attempts, if you have diabetes or a family history of diabetes, or if you are very overweight, if you will be exposed to extreme heat.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Risperdal and contact your doctor immediately.

Risperdal is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with Risperdal and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Risperdal can cause a potentially fatal syndrome called Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) which shows symptoms like fever, stiff muscles, confusion, abnormal thinking, fast or irregular heartbeat, and sweating.

Avoid over exposure to the sun or getting overheated.

Uncontrollable muscle movements may be seen in women or elderly patients and if you take the drug in high doses for a long time, then there are increased chances of this becoming permanent. It may even occur after short term treatment.

If you have muscle problems such as arms, legs, or your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (eg, tongue sticking out, puffing of cheeks, mouth puckering, chewing movements), then contact your doctor.

In some rare cases, it increases the level of prolactin in the blood leading to symptoms like unusual breast milk production, missed menstrual period, or decreased sexual ability, decreased ability to produce sperm, or enlarged breasts.

Risperdal may affect your blood sugar level and may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. Contact your doctor immediately if these symptoms occur.

Risperdal should be used with extreme caution in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.
 

Possible Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of are agitation, anxiety, constipation, coughing, diarrhea, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, drowsiness, dry skin, fatigue, headache, increased dreams, increased salivation, indigestion, joint pain, nausea, nervousness, runny nose, sleeplessness, stomach pain, toothache, vomiting, and weight gain. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), aggressive behaviour, altered mental abilities, including lack of response to your surroundings, change in urination, chest pain, confusion, decreased sexual ability or desire, difficulty swallowing, enlarged breasts, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, increased thirst, loss of coordination, mental/mood changes, missed menstrual period, muscle rigidness or stiffness, numbness in the face, arms, or legs, one–sided weakness, prolonged painful erection, seizures, severe dizziness, slurred speech, sudden severe headache, thoughts of suicide, unusual breast milk production, unusual or uncontrolled muscle movements, unusual sweating, vision changes, weakness.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.