Risperdal

Generic Name: risperidone (oral) (ris PER i done)

Brand Names: Risperdal, Risperdal M-Tab

What is Risperdal?

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Risperdal is an antipsychotic medication. It is an "atypical antipsychotic". It works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain.

Risperdal is used to treat schizophrenia and symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression). It is also used in autistic children to treat symptoms of irritability.

Risperdal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Risperdal

Risperdal is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Risperidone may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

Do not give Risperdal to a child without a doctor's advice.

While you are taking Risperdal, you may be more sensitive to temperature extremes such as very hot or cold conditions. Avoid getting too cold, or becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking this medication.

Risperdal may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Risperdal. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, restless muscle movements in your face or neck, tremor (uncontrolled shaking), trouble swallowing, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

There may be other drugs that can interact with Risperdal. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Before taking Risperdal

Risperdal is not for use in psychotic conditions that are related to dementia. Risperdal has caused fatal heart attack and stroke in older adults with dementia-related conditions. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to risperidone.

To make sure you can safely take Risperdal, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

* liver disease;

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kidney disease;

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heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems;

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a history of heart attack or stroke;

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a history of low white blood cell (WBC) counts;

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a history of breast cancer;

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seizures or epilepsy;

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diabetes (risperidone may raise your blood sugar);

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a history of suicidal thoughts;

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Parkinson's disease; or

*

trouble swallowing.

Risperdal may cause you to have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Talk to your doctor if you have any signs of hyperglycemia such as increased thirst or urination, excessive hunger, or weakness. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking Risperdal.

The risperidone orally disintegrating tablet may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of risperidone if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Risperdal will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether risperidone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Risperdal without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give Risperdal to a child without a doctor's advice.

How should I take Risperdal?

Take Risperdal exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Risperdal can be taken with or without food.

To take risperidone orally disintegrating tablets (Risperdal M-Tabs):

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Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.

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Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.

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Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.

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Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid after the tablet is completely dissolved.

Use Risperdal regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Measure the liquid form of Risperdal with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Do not mix the liquid form of Risperdal with cola or tea.

It may take several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Store Risperdal at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat. Do not allow the liquid form of Risperdal to freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting, and restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck.

What should I avoid while taking Risperdal?

While you are taking Risperdal, you may be more sensitive to temperature extremes such as very hot or cold conditions. Avoid getting too cold, or becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking risperidone.

Risperdal can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of Risperdal.

Risperdal side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking Risperdal and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats;

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restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;

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tremor (uncontrolled shaking);

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fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

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white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;

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trouble swallowing; or

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feeling light-headed, fainting.

Less serious Risperdal side effects may include:

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mild restlessness, drowsiness, or tremor;

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sleepiness, dreaming more than usual;

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blurred vision;

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dizziness or headache;

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weight gain;

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problems with urination;

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nausea, dry mouth, constipation; or

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decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Risperdal?

Before you take Risperdal, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Risperdal.

Also tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

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carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);

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phenytoin (Dilantin);

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phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);

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clozapine (Clozaril);

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fluoxetine (Prozac) or paroxetine (Paxil);

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rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater); or

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medicines used to treat Parkinson's Disease such as levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa, Sinemet, Atamet, others), bromocriptine (Parlodel, others), pergolide (Permax), pramipexole (Mirapex), or ropinirole (Requip).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Risperdal. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.