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Risperdal

Risperdal

(risperidone)

Risperdal (Risperidone) belongs to the group of medications known as antipsychotic agents. These medications are used to treat mental and emotional disorders such as Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Available form

Dosage

Tablet

0.25MG, 0.5MG, 1MG, 2MG, 3MG, 4MG

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Risperdal information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

The dose of Risperdal (Risperidone) varies according to needs and the condition being treated.

For adults with schizophrenia, the dose is usually started at 1 mg to 2 mg per day (given either once or twice per day) and increased slowly over several days to 4 mg to 6 mg per day. Lower doses are often used for people with Low Blood Pressure, kidney problems, or liver disease. The safety of Risperdal (Risperidone) has not been established beyond a maximum dose of 16 mg per day (8 mg given twice daily).

For seniors with schizophrenia, the dose is usually 0.25 mg given twice daily to a maximum daily dose of 3 mg.

For behavioural problems in people with severe Alzheimer type dementia, the usual starting dose is 0.25 mg twice a day. This dose is slowly increased every 2 to 4 days to a usual dose of 1 mg per day (0.5 mg twice a day). This dose may be increased to a maximum of 2 mg per day (1 mg twice a day).

For adults with mania associated with bipolar disorder, Risperdal (Risperidone) should be taken once daily, starting with 2 mg or 3 mg daily. This dose may be increased to a maximum of 6 mg daily.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Risperdal (Risperidone) can be taken with or without meals. Swallow the tablets with some water or other fluid.

Oral dissolving tablets should be left in the foil packaging until you are ready to take a dose. Place the tablet on the tongue, where it will begin to dissolve and can then be swallowed, with water if necessary.

Measure the oral solution using the pipette that is included with the medication. This gives a more accurate measurement than a household teaspoon. Mix the medication with 100 mL of water, coffee, orange juice or low-fat milk. It should not be taken with cola or tea.

It is important to take Risperdal (Risperidone) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Risperdal (Risperidone) at room temperature in a dry place (not the bathroom), protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Risperdal (Risperidone). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Risperdal (Risperidone) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Risperdal (Risperidone). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

Constipation
decreased sexual interest or ability
difficulty sleeping and staying asleep
dizziness
Diarrhea
drowsiness
Dry Mouth
gas
headache
increased amount of saliva or drooling
indigestion
injection site reactions (e.g., pain, itching, swelling)
itching
muscle stiffness
nausea
restlessness
unusual tiredness
vomiting
weight gain

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

abdominal pain
bowel blockage (abdominal pain, constipation, swollen abdomen)
blurred vision
breast enlargement (men)
changes in body temperature
delusions (believing things that aren't true)
difficulty concentrating
dizziness when rising from a sitting or lying position
Fever
flu-like symptoms (sudden lack of energy, fever, cough, sore throat)
hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there)
high blood pressure
inability to move or respond while awake
infection of the lungs (pneumonia; e.g., fever or chills, shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, cough)
infection of the eye
infection of the ear
infection of the urinary tract (e.g. pain when urinating, urinating more often than usual, low back or flank pain)
leakage of milk from breasts (women)
loss of balance control
mask-like face
menstrual changes
mood or mental changes (agitation, anxiety, or irritability)
movement disorders (e.g., continuous muscle spasms and contractions; slow movements; irregular, jerky movements; tremor; inability to move eyes; increased blinking; puffing of cheeks; shuffling walk; muscle twitching; spasms or abnormal movements of the face, neck, or body; rigid muscles)
severe injection site reactions (e.g., severe bruising, sores, infection, lumps under the skin)
signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
signs of muscle damage (e.g., unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, or brown or discoloured urine)
skin rash
slight muscle stiffness
slowed movements
sudden loss of vision
swelling of the body, arms, or legs
symptoms of a blood clot (e.g., swelling, pain and redness in an arm or leg, sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, or pounding heartbeat)
symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)
symptoms of irregular heartbeat (e.g., chest pain, dizziness, rapid, pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath)
trembling
trouble speaking or swallowing
twisting movements of the body

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

an erection that lasts more than 4 hours without sexual stimulation
fast or irregular heartbeat
increased sweating
signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (e.g., difficulty breathing, extreme thirst, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, confusion, unusual tiredness)
loss of bladder control
seizures
signs of a Heart Attack:

discomfort or pain in the chest, back, neck, jaw, arms, or stomach
sweating
shortness of breath
nausea
lightheadedness
feeling of impending doom

signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (e.g., confusion, reduced consciousness, high fever, or muscle stiffness)
signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort
signs of a Stroke:

sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs (often on one side of the body)
speech problems
vision problems
balance problems or dizziness
confusion
sudden severe headache with no known cause

suicidal thoughts
symptoms of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) such as Hives; itching; difficulty breathing; or swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat
symptoms of inflammation of pancreas:

severe abdominal pain
fever
nausea and vomiting

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Risperdal (Risperidone).

Tablet

0.25 mg
Each yellow, oblong, biconvex tablet marked "JANSSEN" on one side and "Ris 0.25" on the other contains 0.25 mg of Risperdal (Risperidone). Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, titanium dioxide, and yellow ferric oxide.

0.5 mg
Each brownish-red, half-scored, oblong, biconvex tablet marked "JANSSEN" on one side and "Ris 0.5" on the other contains 0.5 mg of Risperdal (Risperidone). Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, propylene glycol, red ferric oxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, and titanium dioxide.

1 mg
Each white, oblong, biconvex tablet marked "Ris" and "1" on one side contains 1 mg of Risperdal (Risperidone). Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, propylene glycol, and sodium lauryl sulfate.

2 mg
Each orange, scored, oblong, biconvex tablet marked "Ris" and "2" on one side contains 2 mg of Risperdal (Risperidone). Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, and titanium dioxide.

3 mg
Each yellow, scored, oblong, biconvex tablet marked "Ris" and "3" on one side contains 3 mg of Risperdal (Risperidone). Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, D&C Yellow No. 10, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, and titanium dioxide.

4 mg
Each green, scored, oblong, biconvex tablet marked "Ris" and "4" on one side contains 4 mg of Risperdal (Risperidone). Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, and titanium dioxide.

Oral Solution

Each millilitre of oral solution contains 1 mg of Risperdal (Risperidone) as Risperdal (Risperidone) tartrate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzoic acid, purified water, sodium hydroxide, and tartaric acid.

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Risperdal (Risperidone).

Blood Clots: Risperdal (Risperidone) may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.

If you have a history of clotting you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as heart attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.

Body temperature regulation: Risperdal (Risperidone) can cause body temperature changes. If you are taking Risperdal (Risperidone) you should take precautions when there is a risk of exposure to extreme heat or cold, strenuous exercise, or dehydration, or if you are also taking anticholinergic medication. Discuss with your doctor about how to prevent body temperature issues.

Cataract surgery: During eye surgery for Cataracts, people who take or have taken Risperdal (Risperidone) are at risk for developing a condition called Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS). This condition can lead to eye damage. If you are planning to have an operation on your eye, inform your doctor if you are taking or have taken Risperdal (Risperidone).

Cholesterol: Risperdal (Risperidone) can cause increased blood cholesterol levels. If you are at risk of developing High Cholesterol or you have high cholesterol levels before starting Risperdal (Risperidone), discuss with your doctor how Risperdal (Risperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperdal (Risperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Diabetes: A risk of aggravating pre-existing diabetes has been linked to Risperdal (Risperidone) and other antipsychotic medications. If you have diabetes or are at risk for diabetes (e.g., family history of diabetes, Obesity), discuss with your doctor how Risperdal (Risperidone) may affect your medical condition, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Risperdal (Risperidone) may interfere with activities requiring mental alertness. People taking Risperdal (Risperidone) should not drive or operate machinery until they are reasonably certain that Risperdal (Risperidone) does not affect their ability to carry out these activities safely.

Heart conditions: If you have a heart condition such as Angina, heart failure, or irregular heartbeat, and if you have had a heart attack, discuss with your doctor how Risperdal (Risperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperdal (Risperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Heart rhythm: Risperdal (Risperidone) has been linked to changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including an irregular heartbeat called QT prolongation. QT prolongation is a serious life-threatening condition that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems (e.g., people with heart failure, angina, low potassium, or magnesium levels), discuss with your doctor how Risperdal (Risperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperdal (Risperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney problems: Decreased kidney function or Kidney Disease can cause Risperdal (Risperidone) to build up in the body, causing increased side effects. If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Risperdal (Risperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperdal (Risperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver problems: If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Risperdal (Risperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperdal (Risperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Low blood pressure: Risperdal (Risperidone) may cause a lowering of blood pressure when rising from a sitting or lying position, or a racing heart rate, especially during the few weeks of treatment. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded or feel your pulse is racing, and this feeling does not go away after a few minutes, call your doctor. Because Risperdal (Risperidone) can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, do not get up too quickly after you have been sitting or lying for prolonged periods.

Low white blood cells: Risperdal (Risperidone) may cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells in your body. This decrease makes it harder for your body to fight infections. If you have a history of low white blood cells or are on medication (e.g., chemotherapy) that can cause low white blood cells, monitor for any signs of fever or infection and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Risperdal (Risperidone), like other antipsychotic medications, can cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you notice the symptoms of NMS, get immediate medical attention. Symptoms include high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion or loss of consciousness, sweating, racing or irregular heartbeat, and fainting.

Parkinson's Disease: Risperdal (Risperidone) may cause deterioration in the condition of people with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease may also cause an increased risk of experiencing Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). If you have Parkinson's disease, discuss with your doctor how Risperdal (Risperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperdal (Risperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Seizures: Risperdal (Risperidone) may increase the risk of seizures, especially in people who have had seizures in the past. If you have a seizure disorder or a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Risperdal (Risperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperdal (Risperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Suicidal or self-harm behaviour: People taking Risperdal (Risperidone) may feel agitated or may want to hurt themselves or others. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Risperdal (Risperidone), contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Risperdal (Risperidone).

Tardive dyskinesia (TD): This syndrome consists of potentially irreversible, involuntary, and repetitive movements of the face and tongue muscles that may develop in people who take certain antipsychotic medications. Although TD appears most commonly in seniors (especially women), it is impossible to predict who will develop TD. The risk of developing TD increases with higher doses and long-term treatment. If signs and symptoms of TD develop during treatment with Risperdal (Risperidone), contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Weight gain: With long-term treatment, weight gain (averaging 2.3 kg) has occurred in those who take Risperdal (Risperidone).

Pregnancy: The safety of Risperdal (Risperidone) for use during pregnancy has not been established. Risperdal (Risperidone) should not be used during pregnancy unless the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks. If you become pregnant while taking Risperdal (Risperidone), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Risperdal (Risperidone) passes into breast milk. Women should not breast-feed while taking Risperdal (Risperidone).

Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of Risperdal (Risperidone) have not been established for use by children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Seniors: Seniors may require lower doses of Risperdal (Risperidone). There may be a higher risk of strokes, heart attacks, and deaths associated with the use of Risperdal (Risperidone) by people with dementia. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Risperdal (Risperidone). If you notice the following signs and symptoms, get medical attention immediately:

signs of a stroke: sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs (often on one side of the body); speech problems; vision problems; balance problems or dizziness; confusion; sudden severe headache with no known cause
signs of a heart attack: discomfort or pain in the chest, back, neck, jaw, arms, or stomach; sweating; shortness of breath; nausea; lightheadedness; feeling of impending doom

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All material © 1996-2024 MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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