Indications
- Risperidone is prescribed to treat specific mental/mood disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autistic disorder.
- The medication aids in improving cognitive clarity and facilitating engagement in daily activities.
- Risperidone falls under the category of atypical antipsychotics, and its mechanism of action involves restoring the balance of certain natural substances in the brain.
Dosage and administration
- Take this medication orally, with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily.
- If using the liquid form, refer to the Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist. Utilize the special measuring device provided to ensure accurate dosing. Do not use a household spoon. If instructed, you can mix the measured dose with a small amount of liquid (3 to 4 ounces/about 100 milliliters) such as water, coffee, orange juice, or low-fat milk. Avoid mixing with cola or tea. Consume the mixture immediately and do not prepare it in advance. Seek clarification from your pharmacist if you have any questions.
- The dosage is determined by factors such as age, medical condition, response to treatment, and concurrent medications. Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all products you use, including prescriptions, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products. Your doctor may advise starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it to reduce the risk of side effects.
- Take the medication consistently at the same time(s) each day to maximize its benefits. Even if you feel well, continue taking it, and do not discontinue without consulting your doctor.
Side effects
- Common side effects of risperidone may include drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, drooling, nausea, weight gain, or tiredness. Inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly if these effects persist or worsen.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness may increase the risk of falling. Rise slowly when transitioning from a sitting or lying position.
- This medication is prescribed because your doctor believes the benefits outweigh the risks. Many individuals using this medication do not experience serious side effects.
- Notify your doctor immediately if you encounter serious side effects, including difficulty swallowing, muscle spasms, shaking (tremor), mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, restlessness), or interrupted breathing during sleep.
- Risperidone may rarely elevate blood sugar levels, potentially causing or worsening diabetes. Report symptoms of high blood sugar, and if you already have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar regularly. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes treatment plan.
- Significant weight gain and increased blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels are possible side effects. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor.
- Tardive dyskinesia, a rare condition involving unusual/uncontrolled movements (especially of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, arms, or legs), may occur. Notify your doctor promptly if this develops.
- Prolactin increase may result in unwanted effects such as breast milk production, missed/stopped periods, or difficulty becoming pregnant (females), and decreased sexual ability, inability to produce sperm, or enlarged breasts (males). Inform your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
- Seek medical help urgently for very serious side effects, including severe dizziness, fainting, seizures, neuroleptic malignant syndrome symptoms (fever, muscle stiffness/pain/tenderness/weakness, severe tiredness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat, dark urine, signs of kidney problems).
- In rare cases, males may experience a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. Discontinue the drug and seek immediate medical help to prevent permanent problems.
- While a severe allergic reaction is rare, seek medical assistance if symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing occur.
- This list may not cover all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any other effects not listed above.
Precautions
- Before taking risperidone, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to risperidone, paliperidone, or other substances in the product. Inactive ingredients can cause allergic reactions or other issues.
- Share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have liver disease, kidney disease, seizures, difficulty swallowing, low white blood cell count, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, certain eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma), or a personal or family history of diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol/triglyceride levels, or breathing trouble during sleep (sleep apnea).
- Risperidone may cause QT prolongation, a condition affecting the heart rhythm that can lead to serious or rarely fatal fast/irregular heartbeat. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as severe dizziness or fainting. The risk may increase with certain medical conditions or the use of other drugs causing QT prolongation.
- Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may increase the risk of QT prolongation, especially if using certain drugs (such as diuretics/”water pills”) or experiencing conditions like severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Discuss the safe use of risperidone with your doctor.
- Risperidone may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid activities requiring alertness until you can do them safely. Limit alcohol and marijuana (cannabis) use.
- Inform your doctor or dentist before surgery, including cataract/glaucoma eye surgery, about your current or past use of this medication and all other products you use.
- The medication may reduce sweating, increasing the risk of heat stroke. Avoid overheating, especially in hot weather, and seek medical help for persistent fever, mental/mood changes, headache, or dizziness.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to the drug’s side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and QT prolongation, increasing the risk of falling.
- During pregnancy, use risperidone only if necessary. Babies born to mothers using the drug in the last 3 months of pregnancy may rarely exhibit symptoms such as muscle stiffness or shakiness, drowsiness, feeding/breathing difficulties, or constant crying. Report such symptoms in your newborn to the doctor.
- Do not stop taking the medication without your doctor’s direction, especially for untreated mental/mood problems like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression. Discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using the medication during pregnancy.
- The medication passes into breast milk, potentially affecting the nursing infant. Report any symptoms like muscle stiffness, shakiness, unusual sleepiness, or difficulty feeding in your baby to the doctor before breastfeeding.
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