Risperdal® Generic Name: Risperidone ris-PER-i-done Drug Class: Atypical Antipsychotics

Contents Description General Information Proper Use Missed Dose Storage Side Effects Warnings/Precautions Overdose Drug Interactions Pregnancy/Nursing More Information

Description

Risperidone is a antipsychotic medication and is used to treat patients that suffer from delusions, hallucinations, unorganized thought and hostility. This is a psychiatric medication that works by helping ot restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters). Top of page

General Information

This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your healthcare provider.  Top of page

Proper use of this medicine

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine should be taken continually, even if you are feeling better. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not take more or less of this medicine that prescribed. Do not share this medicine with other people. This medicine may come in a blister pack. Do not remove the tablet fro the packaging until you are ready to take the dose. Tear apart the package at the perforation. Bend the corner of the package where directed and peel back the foil to show the tablet. Do not try to push the tablet through the foil, this can damage the tablet. Remove the tablet from the foil package with dry hands and place it immediately on your tongue. Do not split or chew the tablet. The tablet will melt on your tongue in a few seconds. After the tablet melts on your tongue, it can be swallowed with or without water or liquid. Top of page

Missed Dose

Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses. Top of page

Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Top of page

Possible Side Effects

This medicine can cause the following side effects: constipation dizziness drowsiness dry mouth headache weight gain restlessness mild thirst frequent urination drowsiness fine hand tremor mild nausea Check with your doctor AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience diarrhea, vomiting, unsteadiness, difficulty walking, or unusual muscle weakness. This medicine may increase blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Diabetic patients should be cautious of this and regularly check their blood sugar. Top of page

Warnings/Precautions

Several days to weeks may pass before you feel the the full effects of this medicine. Before taking this medicine, notify your doctor if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies to medications. Before using this medicine, tell your doctor if you have a history of: liver disease kidney disease low blood pressure seizures difficulty swallowing (especially in patients with dementia or Alzheimer's disease) stroke dehydration breast cancer diabetes Alcoholic beverages can increase the effects of this medicine and should be avoided. Be cautious when driving or performing other hazardous activities. This medicine can impair judgment. This medication contains aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition where you must restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalamine), consult with your doctor before taking this medicine. Top of page

Overdose

Seek medical attention immediately. U.S. residents can call the national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Top of page

Drug Interactions

Let your doctor know if you are taking any of the following types of medications: antacids antihistamines diet pills benztropine (Cogentin) bromocriptine (Parlodel) carbamazepine (Tegretol) dicyclomine (Bentyl) fluoxetine (Prozac) guanethidine (Ismelin) lithium meperidine (Demerol) methyldopa (Aldomet) phenytoin (Dilantin) propranolol (Inderal) sedatives trihexyphenidyl (Artane) valproic acid (Depakene) cold medications medications for depression vitamins and herbs Inform your doctor of all the medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially if you are taking any of the following: anti-depressant anti-anxiety drugs sparfloxacin grepafloxacin guanethidine guanadrel lithium metrizamide cabergoline tranquilizers barbiturates sleeping pills narcotic pain medication (e.g. codeine) other medicines that make you drowsy. Many cough-and-cold products contain ingredients that may add a drowsiness effect. Before you use cough-and-cold medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Top of page

Pregnancy/Nursing

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. For women: since this medicine is excreted in human breast milk, you should NOT breastfeed while taking this medicine. Top of page

More Information

There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (e.g., stroke, heart failure) when this medicaion is used in elderly patients with dementia. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Top of page

Copyright 2006 PharmClips, Inc. All rights reserved. www.pharmclips.com

This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before making any changes in their drug regimen. Last reviewed:   On 8 Aug 2006   By John M. Grohol, Psy.D.